No Turning Back
“Golden Calf: The Cure for Idols”
Exodus 32-34

When you take your eyes off the Lord, you start drifting toward the world. 

Exodus 32:1-6: The Idolatry of the Israelites

“When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain…they said ‘make us gods who shall go before us.’” –Exodus 32:1 

We must be intentional about seeking God or we’ll become satisfied with idols instead.

“At Mount Sinai they made a calf and worshiped an idol. They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass.” –Psalm 106:19-20

The golden calf wasn’t so much a replacement of God as it was a supplement to God.

Idolatry is when we allow anything other than God to become the center of our heart’s true happiness, contentment, identity, purpose, or security. We allow something else to become a “surrogate god” in our life, ruling our thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

American Idols:  
Idol of Money: a desire for material wealth over spiritual riches
Idol of Career: work becomes a priority over all, identity is based on achievements
Idol of Image: have to look a certain way, beauty, outward appearances
Idol of Popularity: all eyes on me, influencer, need for approval
Idol of Sexuality: lustful desires, lacking boundaries, pornography
Idol of Escape: Addictions, drugs/alcohol, entertainment
Idol of Relationships: Boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, family

Exodus 32:7-14: The Intercession of Moses

“But Moses implored the LORD his God… and the LORD relented from the disaster that He had spoken of bringing on His people.” –Exodus 32:11,14

Our prayers are the bridge that connect God’s power to the place that needs it.   

Exodus 32:15-20: The Consequence of Sin 

“And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people died.” –Exodus 32:28

The day the Law came down in the hand of Moses, 3,000 people died. 
The day the Spirit came down in Acts 2 (Pentecost), 3,000 were saved. 

“For the letter (law) kills; but the Spirit brings life.” –2 Corinthians 3:6

Overcoming sin is only possible when we yield to the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

How do you defeat idolatry? (Exodus 33-34)
Repent of your sin. Admit the struggle. (Exodus 33:4)
Remove the idols in your life. Identify the lie. (Exodus 33:5-6)
Replace the lies with Truth. Renew your mind in God’s Word. (Exodus 33:7-10)
Rely on God’s grace. Let Him restore what sin has broken. (Exodus 34)

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping love to thousands, and forgiving iniquity and sin ...” –Exodus 34:6-7 

When you experience the grace of God, idols don’t look as shiny as they used to. 

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” –John 1:17