Joy Stealers: The Idols of Our Lives

What are idols?

Objects or ideals which we elevate to equality with our relationship to Christ. Something we put in front of God

How do Idols steal our joy?

John 15: Look at the language and imagery we see Jesus talking about with the vines. This is about surrendering. This is about us finding out source in him. A branch can bear no fruit apart from the vine. The vine is connected to the root and brings the nutrients to the branches. So everything that we need comes from Him. When we subvert that relationship, or try to find our source from someplace else we end up losing that connection. 

Joy comes from source in God, Source somewhere else results in uneven moments of pleasure or happiness, but not complete joy as Jesus describes in John 15:11

Idols in the Word:

**Samson- Idol of relationship 3 different times Judges 15-16

Ananias and Saphira- Idol of status (Acts 5

Israel- Idol of golden calf Exodus 32

Israel- Idol of comfort (plague of serpents) Numbers 21