Guarding Against Idols

Sunday, October 5, 2025
Pastor Jojo Ma

1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Link to Map of Paul’s first missionary journey

Outline
I.          Suffering for Christ
II.        Guarding against Idols
III.       Appointing of Elders

I.         Suffering for Christ
5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country.

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

Gal 6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

2 Tim 3:11-12 My persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra --- which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Those who are truly justified by faith will understand the necessity of denying oneself, taking up their cross, and following Jesus.

II.        Guarding against Idols
11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”

3 [they were] speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands 

2 Cor 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.

14-15 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”

1 Jn 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

We know they are idols in two ways: When we sin to get or keep them, or when we sin when we don’t get or keep them. Remember, idolatry lies at the heart of every sin that you and I struggle with.

There is only one answer, there is only one hope, there is only one power that is strong enough to replace your idols and rule your heart: The gospel of Jesus Christ.

III.      Appointing of Elders
23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

21-23 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.  And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Phil 1:1 To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.

The two official offices of each New Testament church: Elders and Deacons. Elders who govern and teach. Deacons who serve and help.