1 John 5:21
The sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding against idols, whether they be heathen idols, false doctrines, or even creatures that are loved too much, and encourages the listener to focus on the one true God.
John Gill emphasizes the importance of guarding against idolatry in his sermon on 1 John 5:21, urging believers to keep themselves from both physical idols and the spiritual idols that can arise from false doctrines and excessive love for worldly things. He warns that even good things can become idols if they are loved more than God, and he highlights the dangers posed by the surrounding culture and the influence of those who distort the truth. Gill calls for a commitment to worship the one true God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, above all else.
Text
Ver. 21. Little children, keep yourselves from idols, Amen.
From Heathen idols and idolatry, into which the saints in those times might be liable to be drawn, by reason of their dwelling among Heathen idolaters, and being related to them, and by the too great freedom used in eating things sacrificed to idols in their temples; and from all other idols that might be introduced by some who went by the name of Christians, as the Gnostics, who worshipped the images of Simon and Helena; and the passage may be an antidote against the worshipping of images, afterwards introduced by the Papists.
Moreover, errors and false doctrines, which are the figments of men's minds, and what they are fond of, may be called idols, and should be guarded against, and abstained from; as also the lusts of men's hearts, and all the evil things that are in the world, which are adored by the men of it; and even every creature that is loved too much is an idol; hence covetousness is called idolatry; nor should any creature or thing be loved more than God or Christ: the one only living and true God, Father, Son, and Spirit, he is only to be worshipped, feared, and loved.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Idolatry
- The Importance of Guarding Against Idols
- The One True God
- The Only Living and True God
- 'The Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit'
- Idols of the Mind and Heart
Key Quotes
“From Heathen idols and idolatry, into which the saints in those times might be liable to be drawn, by reason of their dwelling among Heathen idolaters, and being related to them, and by the too great freedom used in eating things sacrificed to idols in their temples;” — John Gill
“Nor should any creature or thing be loved more than God or Christ: the one only living and true God, Father, Son, and Spirit, he is only to be worshipped, feared, and loved.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Guard against idols in your life by being mindful of the things that take the place of God in your heart and mind.
- Prioritize loving God above all else, including your family, friends, and possessions.
- Be aware of the dangers of false doctrines and resist them with the truth of God's Word.