Anger & Idols

Anger & Idols | Acts 19:21-41

Stewart Swain, Pastor of Discipleship

Key Takeaways

• Anger often reveals what we truly worship and value most.

• Idolatry is not just an ancient problem; it's present in our hearts today.

• Our idols can be good things that we've made into ultimate things.

• Jesus came to absorb our anger and idol worship, offering us redemption.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Stewart starts the sermon by asking if we consider ourselves angry people. How would you answer this question? How might others close to you answer it about you?

• Question 2

  In the passage, the Ephesians were angry because their livelihood and cultural identity (tied to Artemis) were threatened. What are some modern equivalents that might cause similar reactions today?

• Question 3

  Stewart mentioned that "we show what we love oftentimes through our anger." Can you think of a time when your anger revealed something you deeply valued?

• Question 4

  How does the idea that "idols are good things we make ultimate things" challenge your understanding of idolatry?

• Question 5

  There are several ways money can function as an idol (control, social status, power). Which of these resonates most with you or seems most prevalent in our society?

• Question 6

  How does Jesus' role as a "craftsman" who became "God's very hands" impact your view of his sacrifice?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Recognizing Our Idols

READING :

Romans 1:18-25

DEVOTIONAL :

In today's passage, Paul describes how humanity has exchanged the worship of the Creator for the worship of created things. This echoes the situation in Ephesus, where people were devoted to the idol Artemis. Reflect on your own life. What "created things" might you be prioritizing over God? These could be relationships, career, money, or even good things like family or ministry. Ask God to reveal any idols in your heart and to help you redirect your worship towards him alone.

Day 2 : The Danger of Misplaced Anger

READING :

James 1:19-27

DEVOTIONAL :

The riot in Ephesus demonstrates how easily anger can spiral out of control when our idols are threatened. James warns us to be "slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." Consider moments when you've felt intense anger. Was this righteous indignation at injustice, or a reaction to a perceived threat to something you hold dear? Pray for discernment to recognize the source of your anger and for God's peace to govern your reactions.

Day 3 : Christ as the Ultimate Craftsman

READING :

Colossians 1:15-20

DEVOTIONAL :

Unlike the craftsmen who made idols in Ephesus, Jesus is described as the image of God, through whom all things were created. He is the ultimate craftsman, shaping not just objects, but hearts and lives. How has Jesus been "crafting" your life? Where do you see his handiwork in your character development or circumstances? Thank him for his ongoing work in you and submit yourself anew to his skillful hands.

Day 4 : The Transforming Power of True Worship

READING :

Romans 12:1-2

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, which is our true and proper worship. This stands in stark contrast to the false worship seen in Ephesus. True worship involves the transformation of our minds and aligning our will with God's. What areas of your life need to be transformed rather than conformed to the world? Ask God to help you discern his will and to empower you to live it out as an act of worship.

Day 5 : Finding Our Identity in Christ

READING :

Ephesians 2:1-10

DEVOTIONAL :

The Ephesians found their identity in their cultural and religious traditions. Paul reminds the believers in Ephesus (and us) that our true identity is found in Christ alone. We are God's handiwork, created for good works that he prepared in advance for us to do. Reflect on how your identity in Christ differs from the identities the world offers. How might embracing this truth change the way you approach your daily life, relationships, and purpose? Thank God for the new identity he has given you in Christ.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory!
All: For the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Psalm 115:1

Confession of faith

We believe… that while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since therefore we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

From Romans 5:6-11

Confession of Sin

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:10-12

Looking Ahead

Join us next week for Acts 20:17-38.