Idols

Lust (another term for an idol) as defined by the Dictionary of New Testament theology:

“When all is said and done, it expresses the deeply rooted tendency in man to find the focus of his life in himself, to trust self, and to love himself more than anyone else. It promises him complete freedom and liberty, but in reality abjectly enslaves him. It is always lying in wait within man, so that at the right moment, he may yield his will to it and become subject to it. It is clear from Matthew 5:28 and Mark 4:19, that Jesus considered lust as a sin with highly destructive powers.”¹

“An idol is anything we put our trust in to protect us and provide for our needs apart from God. It is the condition of the heart that says: “This (object, idea, talent, or person) will give me life and keep me safe.' Idolatry inevitably leads to fear and humiliation because it exposes us as equally blind, worthless, and ignorant.”²

True Spirituality, page 161. Good on idols.

Biblical references: 1 Kings 18, Colossians 3:5, Joshua 24:23, Genesis 3, Ezekiel 6:9, Jeremiah 16:12, 1 Samuel 12:21, Exodus 20:3, Psalm 73:25, Isaiah 44:9-11, Joshua 3-4, Exodus 32, Galatians 4:6-9, Galatians 5, Romans 1:25, 2 Peter 1:4, Exodus 20:3 with Matthew 22:37, Romans 1:18-20, Jeremiah 17:9 with Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 119:59-60

How expose your idol(s):

• James 4:1-4 - Review the conflicts you have. Conflicts occur because something I want (idol), I'm not getting. What irritates you about others? What bugs you? What bugs you or irritates you is due to your idol not being fed.
• Prayer - Psalm 139:23-24
• Word - Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
• Journalizing - Your conflicts, anger episodes, emotion, and thoughts. A pattern will usually appear
• Ask other who know you
• Examine life patterns - Destructive relationships, hedonism, failures, and anger
• What do you need? Whom or want controls you? Where do you place your trust?

Footnotes