1. The Origin Of Idolatry
Idolatry springs from man’s natural enmity against God (Romans 1:21-23). Men by nature wish to remove God as far from they as possible. They would rather pray to or worship something that represents God than deal with a holy God personally. Paul teaches that in doing this men are in reality worshipping a demon (I Corinthians 10:20). God can only be worshipped in truth (John 4:24).

2. The Thrust Of the Second Commandment
God is not forbidding art or architecture but the unauthorized creations of man in worship. God must be worshipped according to the scriptures (Matthew 15:3). The death of Christ for instance is made known in the preaching of the gospel (I Corinthians 15:3-4) and it is pictured in the Lord's supper (I Corinthians 11:26). The use of a crucifix is totally unauthorized. God is not to be pictured or represented by sculpture or by things in nature (Exodus 20:4-6, Romans 1:23).
As always those who disobey God in these matters have attempted to defend their conduct. Notice some ways in which this has been done:
a. The ancient Catholic author Gregory wrote, "Images are the books of the unlearned." He felt that the simple-minded were helped by visible images. Had he studied the Bible he would have found that idols are poor teachers (Jeremiah 10:8, Habakuk 2:18).
b. Men have argued that God used symbols of His presence. This misses the point. What God authorizes is lawful. It is the creations of men that are forbidden. Where in scripture do we find the saints using statues of Christ or images of God?
Those who make this argument also forget that there is a difference between a type or symbol and an image. Noah's ark was a type not an image of the Saviour. The tabernacle contained many types of Christ but there was no image of God in that place. This is especially significant when we remember that there were images of the cherubim in the Holy of Holies but no image of the invisible God.
To guard against unauthorized uses of art in worship God reminded Israel that when He descended on Mt. Sinai they saw no visible image (Deuteronomy 4:15-16). Consider also that even where God commanded the creation of something like the Brazen Serpent yet He did not want it to be worshipped (II Kings 18:4).
c. A common defense of idolatry is that "we worship God not the image." Not only does this miss the point that God must be worshipped according to the scriptures but those who use it forget that even pagan idol worshippers make the same plea. The Jews who worshipped Aaron's calf claimed only that it was a symbol of Jehovah (Exodus 32:1-5). Was this pleasing to God?

3. The Folly Of Idolatry
The very idea of idolatry is ridiculous. Its popularity in every age is a witness to the depravity of man. Notice the scorn poured upon it by Bible authors (Isaiah 44:9-20, Acts 17:29, Psalm 115:3-4).
Even pagan authors have often spoke of the folly of idol worship. Horace the ancient Latin poet wrote, "I was once the trunk of a fig tree, a useless log, when a tradesman, uncertain whether he should make a stool etc, chose rather that I should be a god." Idols should be destroyed not worshipped (II Kings 23:24).

4. The Danger Of Idolatry- Exodus 20:5
a. God is jealous - We anger Him when we give His glory to anyone or anything else (Isaiah 48:11, Romans 1:23).
God judges this sin. Sadly even the children of idolaters can be infected and harmed by it (Exodus 20:4-6). Look at the misery in idolatrous lands. Idols are “teachers of lies”. Those who claim to teach the gospel by images never preach the truth of the gospel (I Corinthians 1:21). Men are saved by hearing the gospel not looking at art (Romans 10:17).

5. A Warning To Baptists
In I John 5:21 even Christians are warned about idolatry. May our worship come from the heart, be directed toward God, and conform to the word of God. Baptist churches need to beware of representing the Godhead by pictures, in plays, or movies. What would the prophets and apostles think of Baptist churches who have men play the role of the Lord Jesus in plays and movies. Christ is revealed in the gospel. He is seen and received by faith. Baptist people also need to beware of participation in false worship. To attend services where false religion and idolatry is practiced is to be a participant. Idolatry is found wherever men pray to saints or bow before bread and wine believing it is to be Christ's real body and blood. The day is coming when all will be ashamed of their idols (Isaiah 2:20-21). Let us avoid them now.