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  WARNINGS TO THE CHURCHES - IDOLATRY
  by J.C. Ryle
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\"Flee from idolatry\" (1 Corinthians 10:14)

Our text for today may seem at first to be hardly needed in our country.
In an age of education and intelligence, we might almost fancy it is
waste of time to tell us to \"flee from idolatry.\"

I am bold to say that this is a great mistake. I believe that we have
come to a time when the subject of idolatry demands a thorough and
searching investigation. I believe that idolatry is near us, all around
us, and in the midst of us, to a very fearful extent. The second
commandment, in one word, is in danger. \"The plague is begun.\"

Without further preface, I propose to consider the following four
points:

I. The definition of idolatry. WHAT IS IT?

II. The cause of idolatry. WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

III. The form idolatry assumes in the visible Church of Christ. WHERE IS
IT?

IV. The ultimate termination of idolatry. WHAT WILL END IT?

I feel that the subject is encompassed with many difficulties. Our lot
is cast in an age when truth is constantly in danger of being sacrificed
to \"toleration,\" \"love,\" and \"peace,\" falsely so-called.
Nevertheless, I cannot forget, as a minister, that the Church has given
little or no warnings on the subject of idolatry; and, unless I am
greatly mistaken, truth about idolatry is, in the highest sense, truth
for the times.

I. Let me, then, first of all supply a definition of idolatry. Let me
show WHAT IT IS.

It is of the utmost importance that we should understand this. Unless I
make this clear, I can do nothing with the subject. Vagueness and
indistinctness prevail upon this point, as upon almost every other in
religion. The Christian who desires not be continually running aground
in his spiritual voyage, must have his channel well buoyed, and his mind
well stored with clear definitions.

I say then, that Idolatry is a worship, in which the honor due to the
Triune God, and to God only, is given to some of His creatures, or to
some invention of His creatures.

It may vary. It may assume different forms, according to the ignorance
or the knowledge—the civilization or the barbarism, of those who offer
it. It may be grossly absurd and ludicrous, or it may closely border on
truth, and being most superficially defended. But whether in the
adoration of the idol of Juggernaut, or in the adoration of the Pope in
St. Peter\\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jc-ryle/warnings-to-the-churches-idolatry/
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