Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Idols and Riots

Acts 19:21-22Acts 19:23-27Acts 19:28-34Acts 19:35-41How Idols Worked Then And Still Work Today1. Idols Promise Security and Joy Apart from GodIdols say: “If you have me, you’ll be okay.”Test: If you lose it and are sad, it may have been a “good thing.” If you lose it and are devastated, it may have become a “god thing” to you.2. Idols Engage Our Deepest EmotionsThreaten Artemis → people riot.Diagnostic questions: What makes you panic?What makes you despair?Who can you not forgive?3. Idols Must Be ProtectedIrony in Acts 19: The “protector” goddess needs protection.Modern examples: Marriage → obsession or fear of missing outKids → control or anxietyMoney → inability to giveReputation → hypersensitivity to criticism4. Idols Demand SacrificeIdols always say: “If you want me, you must sacrifice.”What gets sacrificed: Integrity, Obedience, Family, FaithfulnessGood things become cruel masters when they become ultimate.5. Idols Are Not Just Psychological—They Are SpiritualBehind idolatry are spiritual forces.Same old lie: “If you obtain this, you’ll be like God and you won’t die.”HOW THE GOSPEL DESTROYS IDOLSThe True God Alone Gives LifeNot made with handsCreator, sustainer, and satisfierThe True God Does Not Need Protection—He Protects YouGod is: Rock, Refuge, Fortress, StrengthYou can rest instead of obsess.The True God Offered Himself as the SacrificeOther gods say: “If you fail me, you’ll be destroyed.”Jesus says: “You failed me—and I was destroyed for you.”At the cross, Jesus took our shame and idolatry.