Lecture Notes on Idolatry, False Worship, and True Worship in Biblical Perspective

Key Themes:

The pervasive nature of idolatry in human history
The consequences of false worship
The distinction between God the Father and Christ the Son
The importance of self-examination to avoid falling into idolatry
The role of Christ in the creation
The ultimate victory over idolatry through faith in Christ and obedience to God's commandments

Wisdom of Solomon 14:15-27: Describes how idolatry began with Nimrod, Semiramis, and Tammuz.
- Verse 15: Idolatry often starts with personal grief, e.g., mourning a child.
- Verse 16-18: Over time, these ungodly customs grow strong and become law, leading to widespread ignorance and superstition.
- Verse 27: Worshiping idols is the beginning, cause, and end of all evil.
Ezekiel 8:14: Mentions women weeping for Tammuz, indicating the deep-rooted history of idolatrous practices.
1 Corinthians 10:6-13: Paul lists various sins (e.g., idolatry, fornication, murmuring) as examples and warnings for believers to avoid.

Isaiah 59:9-12: Describes the societal consequences of sin and false worship, such as injustice and lack of peace.
Deuteronomy 28:64: Scattering of Israel among all people and serving other gods as a consequence of disobedience.
Romans 1:23-25: Paul elaborates on how people exchanged the glory of God for images of man, birds, animals, and creeping things, leading to moral corruption.

Proverbs 8:22-31: Christ, as the wisdom of God, was with God from the beginning of creation.
John 1:18: No one has seen God the Father; Christ has declared Him.
1 Corinthians 11:3: The head of Christ is God, and the head of man is Christ.
Revelation 3:14: Christ is the beginning of the creation of God.
Ephesians 3:8-11: The mystery of God's plan revealed in Christ, who created all things.

John 14:13-14: Jesus instructs to pray in His name to the Father.
John 16:23: Whatever you ask the Father in Jesus' name, He will give it.
Matthew 16:16-17: Peter recognizes Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mark 1:1: The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.