THE ONE TRUE GOD, THE FOLLY OF IDOLATRY, AND THE CALL TO REPENTANCE AND LIFE By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me.”
Isaiah 45:5
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Introduction
From the beginning of creation, God revealed Himself as the One True, Eternal, and Self-Existent God. His authority is absolute, His power unquestionable, and His purposes unchangeable. Throughout history, humanity has continually been confronted with a defining choice: to live in humble submission to the Living God or to exalt self, idols, and rebellious independence above Him. The words presented in this lesson communicate a divine proclamation that underscores God’s sovereignty over nations, His intolerance of pride and idolatry, His call to repentance, and His unwavering offer of salvation through righteousness and obedience.
This lesson seeks to expound deeply and systematically on these truths, drawing from Scripture to illuminate the consequences of rebellion and the blessings of obedience. It addresses the spiritual realities of idolatry, pride, wickedness, and spiritual adultery, while also magnifying God’s goodness, mercy, and redemptive intent for humanity. In a world marked by uncertainty, moral decay, and spiritual blindness, this teaching serves as a clarion call to return to the Living God, to reject the deception of darkness, and to walk in the light of divine truth.
The purpose of this lesson is not condemnation but illumination. It is intended to awaken hearts, instruct minds, and call souls into renewed reverence, repentance, and joyful submission to God. As the Scriptures affirm, God does not delight in the death of the wicked, but that all should turn and live. This lesson therefore invites reflection, correction, and transformation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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The Sovereignty and Eternity of the One True God
“For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.”
Psalm 47:2
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God alone is eternal, uncreated, and everlasting. His power transcends generations, kingdoms, and civilizations. While nations may rise in pride and boast in their permanence, history testifies that every empire exalting itself against God eventually falls. The Living God alone possesses the authority to establish nations and to bring them down. Human power, military might, and cultural influence are fleeting when compared to divine sovereignty.
Scripture consistently reveals that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. When nations, leaders, or individuals elevate themselves above God, worship idols, or indulge in abominable sins, they invite divine judgment. God’s actions against rebellious nations are not acts of cruelty but demonstrations of righteous justice. His holiness cannot coexist with unrepentant pride and defiance.
The eternal nature of God also assures believers that nothing is impossible with Him. His glory does not diminish, and His power does not wane. Those who trust in Him are anchored in an unshakable foundation, while those who rebel are standing on sinking ground.
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Humanity Created in God’s Image and the Tragedy of Rebellion
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him.”
Genesis 1:27
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Humanity was created to reflect the image and likeness of God, not demons, idols, or darkness. This divine image includes the capacity for righteousness, fellowship, worship, and moral responsibility. However, when sin entered the world, humanity deviated from its original purpose. Through rebellion, people exchanged the glory of God for lifeless idols and destructive practices.
Rebellion against God deforms the spiritual nature of humanity. When people identify with demonic influences rather than divine truth, they become spiritually corrupted, losing the beauty of holiness and the dignity of God’s image. This corruption manifests in moral decay, violence, hatred, and spiritual blindness.
God never intended humans to become criminals against His righteousness. Sin transformed worshippers into rebels, and reverence into disrespect. Yet even in this tragedy, God’s redemptive intention remains. He continually calls humanity back to repentance, restoration, and rightful worship.
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Idolatry as Spiritual Adultery and Its Consequences
“You shall have no other gods before Me.”
Exodus 20:3
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Idolatry is not merely the worship of physical objects; it is the transfer of devotion, trust, and affection from God to substitutes. Scripture identifies idolatry as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. When individuals bow to idols, whether physical, ideological, or self-centered, they forsake the Living God for dead and powerless entities.
The consequences of idolatry are severe. Idol worshippers become spiritually dull, unable to receive divine wisdom or instruction. Their hearts harden, their consciences weaken, and their understanding darkens. As they pour love and loyalty into lifeless idols, they become lifeless toward God.
God’s righteous anger against idolatry flows from His holiness and love. Idolatry leads people away from salvation through Jesus Christ and into spiritual death. Yet even in His anger, God extends an invitation to repentance, longing to restore those who turn back to Him.
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The Path of Wickedness and the Certainty of Judgment
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
Proverbs 14:12
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Wickedness thrives where hearts are hardened and consciences seared. Those who embrace violence, corruption, and self-determined rebellion become instruments of darkness. Scripture describes such individuals as being under the influence of demonic powers, delighting in evil and rejecting the call to repentance.
Despite God’s patience, persistent wickedness leads inevitably to judgment. Those who scoff at salvation and resist righteousness are choosing their own condemnation. Hell is not imposed arbitrarily; it is the final consequence of a life lived in defiance of God.
Yet God’s goodness remains evident. He continues to offer mercy, salvation, and new life to all who humble themselves. Judgment is reserved for those who persistently reject truth and righteousness.
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God’s Goodness Toward the Humble and Obedient
“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.”
Lamentations 3:25
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God’s goodness is ever present to those who serve Him in humility and obedience. Such individuals are not bound by sin but are guided by the Holy Spirit. Their lives are marked by peace, clarity, and divine direction. Serving God becomes a joyful response of gratitude rather than a burdensome obligation.
Those who walk in God’s ordained way experience His presence regardless of circumstance. They are preserved from spiritual bondage and empowered to live according to divine purpose. God’s Spirit leads them into truth, wisdom, and understanding, securing them against deception.
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The Deception of the Heathen and the Bondage of Darkness
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.”
2 Corinthians 4:4
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Those who reject God often appear confident, yet their lives are filled with fear, torment, and spiritual instability. Bound by demonic influences and ancestral deceptions, they practice rituals and beliefs that provoke God’s jealousy. Their devotion to falsehood results in spiritual deadness and moral decay.
Pride and stubbornness prevent repentance. Many choose darkness over light because repentance demands humility and transformation. Their resistance to righteousness confirms their bondage and accelerates their destruction.
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Summary
This lesson has examined the sovereignty of the Living God, the purpose of humanity, the dangers of idolatry and rebellion, and the blessings of obedience and humility. God alone is eternal and worthy of worship. Humanity’s deviation through pride and idolatry leads to destruction, while repentance and obedience lead to life, peace, and salvation.
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Conclusion
God’s message to humanity remains consistent: choose life, humility, and obedience. Nations, cultures, and individuals are accountable before Him. While rebellion results in judgment, repentance opens the door to restoration. God’s desire is not condemnation but redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ.
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The Call to Action
Every individual is called to examine their heart, renounce pride and idolatry, and return to wholehearted devotion to God. This requires humility, repentance, and submission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The choice between life and death stands before every soul.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Rejoice that you are not bound by deception or darkness. You have been granted access to divine truth, wisdom, and salvation. Walk confidently in obedience, knowing that the Living God is with you, guiding and sustaining you in righteousness.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You acknowledging that You alone are the One True and Living God. I confess that I am a sinner and that I have fallen short of Your glory. I repent of my sins, my pride, and every form of rebellion against You. I renounce all idols and every work of darkness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again for my salvation. I receive Him now as my Lord and Savior. Cleanse me, renew me, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. From this day forward, I choose to live in obedience, humility, and gratitude before You. Thank You for salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
