Golden Calves And How To Get Rid Of Them

Exodus 32:1-6

Intro.
   A. Background (Ex. 24:12-18).

I. HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR GOLDEN CALF. (Ex. 32:1-6).
   A. Recognize when it comes - "the people saw that Moses
      delayed" (vs. 1a).
      1. Man's desire for instant gratification.
   B. Recognize where it comes from - "Moses delayed to come
      down from the mountain" (vs. 1a).
      1. Man's impatience.
   C. Recognize who wants it - "he received it at their hand"
      (vs. 2-4a).
      1. Man's desire to please others.
   D. Recognize what it is - "these are thy gods, O Israel"      
      (vs. 4b).
      1. Our desire for visible (physical, fleshly) things.
   E. Recognize how it changes your life - "they ... offered
      burnt-offerings, and brought peace-offerings; and the      
      people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play"     
      (vs. 5-6).
      1. Our desire for fun and frolic.

II. CHRISTIANS MUST AVOID MODERN IDOLATRY.
   A. Flee idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:5).
   B. Guard yourself from idols (1 John 5:21).

Concl.
Don't let your golden calf keep you out of heaven (Rev. 21:8).