Joel Littlefield

Drawing from my sermon series through Daniel a couple years ago, here they are….

1. Pride resists the reign of Christ.
   Nebuchadnezzar heard his kingdom would be crushed by God’s Kingdom—but pride made him resist. He honored God with his lips, but his unchanged heart led him to build a golden image instead.
2. Idols are impressive, but empty.
   The statue was all gold—far grander than the dream’s image where Babylon was only the head. Idols are built to impress, but their shine hides their emptiness.
3. Idolatry isn’t just about statues.
   An idol is anything that takes God’s place in your heart—an idea, a goal, a relationship, a possession. Even non-religious people serve something as ultimate.
4. Christians must stay watchful.
   Believers can still allow things to become idols—often subtly. Even good things become sinful when they receive the worth that only God deserves.
5. Worship is about worth.
   God isn’t worthy because we say He is—He’s infinitely worthy, period. That’s why we must prize Him above every pursuit, possession, or dream.
6. Idols pressure through fear.
   Most wouldn’t bow to a statue—until their life is threatened. That’s the power of fear. It reveals which altar you trust most when the heat is turned up.
7. Obedience may cost you everything.
   Daniel shows us faith that says, “Even if it kills me, I won’t bow.” Today’s idols—money, comfort, sex, success—must be torn down with that same resolve.
8. Culture often props up idols.
   Nebuchadnezzar used power and influence to promote idol worship. Today’s influencers do the same. But God calls us to follow the low road of faithfulness.
9. Idols multiply but never satisfy.
   Babylon had many idols, but Nebuchadnezzar built a bigger one—because the rest weren’t enough. Idolatry always craves more. Only Christ truly satisfies.
10. Fix your eyes on Christ.
    You bear God’s image, but Christ is the perfect image. He alone deserves worship. When you behold Him, lesser idols begin to crumble.