I. We tend to be idol-makers (v. 4)

A. Idols often descend from good things

B. Idols will dominate you

My temple is built on wood and of stone
Each space is filled with the things that I own
Idols and gods that call me to bow
I try to be free but there's no freedom now.

The ones I hold dear—those most precious to me
Some days I set them afloat on an indifferent sea
And these things in first place—they're worth nothing at all
At night in my dreams graven images call

And my gods won't let me sleep
And what a man sows that he will reap
I toss and turn at night
I've got places to go, got battles to fight
And my gods won't let me sleep...tonight

Ambitions once good—once noble and pure
Now rule with a rod and I cannot endure
Those bonds I have forged with two willing hands
They're not easily torn by the strength of a man

No other gods before you—no other holy shrines
Oh, I want to sleep in peace when I lie down
All other voices calling
All of the hands that pull me
Call and demand allegiance to their crown
—Wayne Watson, "No Other Gods"

C. Idols will distort and diminish God

"So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day."

—Psalm 61:8

"As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth."

—Psalm 48:10

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name, bring an offering, and come into His courts."

—Psalm 96:8

II. God expects exclusive devotion (v. 5)

"Jealous"—a zeal to protect a relationship

III. We create waves of difficulty or blessing according to choices we make (v. 5b-6)

"The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

—Ezekiel 18:20

IV. The only representation we need of God is the revelation He has given us in His own Son, Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3; John 14:9)