Here’s a quick post to direct your attention to a fantastic sermon by Tim Keller from the 2009 Gospel Coalition National Conference. This sermon, from the book of Acts, delves deep into the problem of idolatry in the church.

The sermon was particularly pointed and caused me a great deal of discomfort as I realized that I have far too many idols in my own life–idols that I was unaware that I possessed. I was quite surprised, for example, that preachers can make idols of preaching! Wow, that was shocking to my system. I am certain, if you are brave enough to listen, you will find Keller attacking your idols too. I love Tim Keller and the more I listen to him, the more I am convicted by his powerful and penetrating Gospel-centered sermons.

I fully realize that there are plenty of points where Keller’s commitment to Reformed Theology will grate against your sensibilities, but give him a chance. I think you will be far less concerned about his commitments when you are finished listening to him confront and destroy your idols.

In particular, pay close attention to minutes 36-45 or so where he talks about ‘religious idols’: “Those who worship religious idols think they are very devoted to God; but they’re not.”  In those minutes he will expose, attack, and dismantle one of our favorite idols here in the world of the www: our blogs. Pay attention, and learn. I did. Three things very busy people idolize: Truth, gifts, and morality.

For example, concerning truth, a religious person might say, “Is it possible to say, ‘I am ok, saved, by the rightness of my belief’, instead of ‘I am ok because Jesus Christ made it possible?’” (Minutes 39-40 here are especially pertinent to the world of blogs.)

The Grand De-Mythologizer: The Gospel and Idolatry

Even for those who find Keller’s theology somewhat abrasive, there is something here for them to learn. I highly recommend this sermon. It takes about 60 minutes.

Tags: idolatry, Tim Keller