Gods at War
April 5, 2026
Tom Brady: “Why do I have three superbowl rings and still think there is something greater out there for me? It’s gotta be more than this!”
Interviewer: “What’s the answer?”
Tom Brady: “I wish I knew! I wish I knew.”
If they have “everything” … why do they still feel like something’s missing?
10 Commandments (Exodus 20)
#1 - Have no other gods but me!
#2 - Don’t make any idols!
But I don’t worship silly things like golden cows.
The question is not “if” you’re worshipping.
The question is, “what/who” are you worshipping?
What even is an idol?
Idol = Any good thing we try to turn into a god thing
Modern day examples:
- When you’re stressed, discouraged, or overwhelmed, do you turn to food before you turn to God?
- Does your peace and security come from God, or from how much money you have in the bank?
- Are you constantly chasing that next sexual high, hoping this time it will fulfill you ... but it never actually does?
- Whose approval actually drives your life more ... the approval of people or the approval of God
- When God calls you to follow Him out of your comfort zone ... which do you choose, your comfort or obedience?
Why idols always fail us:
- Idols promise fulfillment but leave you empty
- Idols distort your identity
- Idols pull you away from God
The contrast:
- Worship idols and they destroy you.
- Worship God and find life!
“Keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” 1 John 5:21 (NLT)
God alone is worthy and He wants what is best for us … Him!
When you stand before God and He asks you why He should invite you into heaven ... How will you answer?
Moralism/religion is making your performance your savior.
“7I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT)
“8God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
“9Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: …
The idol of moralism/religion creates a lot of arrogant pharisees.
10 … ‘Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: “I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.” 13But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.” 14I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’” Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)
Which person are you in that story?
“He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25 (NLT)
How can I be saved? Palms up to Jesus.
Would you come for just 4 Sundays?
If you want a more interactive experience on mobile and to save the outline to your files, download our app via the App Store or Google Play.