Idols - Exodus 32

November 14, 2021

Main Idea: Idols must be replaced, not just removed..

Exodus 32

• What leads to idolatry? (vv. 1-6)
  
  
  
• What is idolatry? (v. 5)
  
  
  
• What leads away from idolatry? (vv. 30-35)
  
  
  

Icebreaker

When compromise is dangerous or even inexcusable, why is compromise still attractive?

Digging Deeper

1. Read Exodus 32:1-6.

   • Describe what the people say and do.
   • Describe what Aaron says and does.

2. If you were one of the people or Aaron, would you have done differently?

3. Read Psalm 106:19-22 and Romans 1:25.

   • How do later believers reflect on the Exodus 32 episode?
   • What verb is found in both?¹
   • How does that verb get at the heart of idolatry?

Next Steps

"The choice of the idol-shape is not arbitrary. The word translated “calf” need not mean a young cow, and Psalm 106 describes it as a bull. A bull was a common symbol of strength and fertility in surrounding nations. Israel is adopting the images of the surrounding cultures to re-imagine God.

The people are happy to worship God, but they want to worship him on their terms. They are happy to worship God, but they want to combine this with worldliness and indulgence. They let the nations set the agenda. They want a god who is visible and manageable. Even if they are not replacing God, they are reducing him." (Exodus: Liberating Love by Tim Chester)

1. What are the idols in our culture? That is, where do we root our strength?

2. Related, how do we compromise and combine authentic faith with faith in a false god?

3. How do idols ultimately leave us unfulfilled?

4. What is the best way to deal with idols in our lives?

5. This week is the final week before our holiday break. As a group share the highs and lows of this session of growth group.

Please remember the call to commit. It will close after Sunday, November 21st.