
The Mark Driscoll Podcast How To Know if You Made Something an Idol
Jan 18, 2026
Explore the idea of idolatry and how it manifests in daily life. Discover the impact of worship on personal morality and generational consequences. Learn practical questions to identify what you may be unknowingly worshiping. Mark delves into contemporary idols in culture, critiquing the consumer-focused church model. He emphasizes the importance of worshiping God correctly and highlights the transformative power of worship in becoming more like Christ. Unpack the relationship between divine jealousy and true faith.
49:42
Worship Is Universal And Revealing
- Everyone worships because humans are made to belong to a cause bigger than themselves.
- Worship shows up as sacrifices, priorities, and devotion across all areas of life.
Football As A Modern Worship Ritual
- Driscoll imagines Israelites teleported to a football game to show modern worship parallels.
- He calls passionate sports fandom 'a bad religion' to highlight ritual, sacrifice, and tribalism.
Use Budget And Time To Diagnose Idols
- Check your calendar and budget to see what you actually worship.
- Ask where you invest spare time, money, and comfort on bad days to reveal your idol.
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Intro
00:00 • 38sec
Setting the Scene: Exodus and the Ten Commandments
00:38 • 1min
Why the First Two Commandments Matter
02:02 • 42sec
Reading the Second Commandment
02:44 • 29sec
God Defeats False Gods in Egypt
03:13 • 54sec
Generational Consequences of Worship
04:07 • 1min
Everyone Worships — Identifying Your Object
05:22 • 5min
Diagnostic Checklist for Idolatry
10:47 • 1min
Two Ways Idolatry Happens
12:04 • 24sec
Physical Idols and Demonic Deception
12:28 • 1min
How Idolatry Shows in Culture
13:34 • 2min
Biblical Weight of Idolatry
15:36 • 3min
Worship God the Right Way
18:48 • 2min
Consumer Church Critique
20:19 • 2min
Reverence at Sinai and the Fear of God
22:42 • 7min
God as a Jealous Groom
29:27 • 4min
List of Contemporary Idols to Reject
33:45 • 5min
The One True God: Jesus Reveals the Father
39:01 • 5min
Worship Transforms Us into Christlikeness
44:25 • 5min
Outro
49:09 • 32sec

#188
• Mentioned in 108 episodes
Deuteronomy
introduction and commentary.


Hubert Cunliffe-Jones
This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy.
It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts.
The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.

#160
• Mentioned in 119 episodes
Ephesians


Canon Martin Kitchen
This book approaches the Epistle to the Ephesians in a unique manner, deviating from the traditional verse-by-verse analysis.
It acknowledges the debt of biblical studies to historical method while offering a fresh and comprehensive examination of the text.
The study provides a radical and insightful look at the Epistle, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in New Testament studies.

#103
• Mentioned in 154 episodes
Exodus


Leon Uris
The novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction account that explores the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
It follows the stories of Jewish refugees, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, as they attempt to reach Palestine despite British opposition.
The book delves into the back stories of its characters, the history of Jewish settlement in Palestine, and the broader political context of the time, including the struggle for independence and the conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations.

#159
• Mentioned in 119 episodes
Isaiah

Isaiah
The Book of Isaiah is a major prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament.
It's attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in Judah during the 8th century BCE. The book contains a collection of oracles, poems, and prophecies addressing various aspects of Judah's history and the future.
Key themes include God's judgment on Israel's sins, the promise of a future messiah, and the restoration of God's people.
Isaiah's powerful imagery and evocative language have had a profound impact on religious thought and literature for centuries.

#309
• Mentioned in 76 episodes
Colossians


Ralph P. Martin
The Book of Colossians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a letter written to the church in Colossae.
It emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, addressing theological issues and practical concerns of the early Christian community.
Paul tackles false teachings that threatened the Colossians' faith, highlighting the fullness of Christ and the importance of living a life transformed by the Gospel.
The letter offers guidance on various aspects of Christian life, including family relationships, and the importance of unity and love within the church.
Colossians is a rich source of theological insights and practical advice for Christians today.
It reminds us of the transformative power of faith in Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects His teachings.

#12792
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
John 14


John
John 14 is a chapter in the Gospel of John where Jesus comforts his disciples before his crucifixion and ascension.
He promises to return and prepare a place for them in heaven.
He also speaks about the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will guide and teach them after his departure.
Key themes include Jesus' love for his disciples, the promise of eternal life, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers.
The chapter offers comfort and assurance to believers, emphasizing God's presence and guidance in their lives.

#359
• Mentioned in 69 episodes
1 John


John the Apostle
The Book of 1 John is a pastoral and polemical letter aimed at combating the heresy of Gnosticism, which was emerging in the early Christian church.
John writes to reassure believers of their faith in Jesus Christ and to provide clear guidelines on what it means to be a true follower of Christ.
The letter emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and with other believers, the necessity of confessing sins, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus.
It also warns against false teachers and antichrists, and it underscores the principles of love, holiness, and security in the Christian life.

#107
• Mentioned in 152 episodes
Revelation


Jen Wilkin

#157
• Mentioned in 120 episodes
1 Corinthians 13

William D. Sulzer
1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter in the New Testament that focuses on the importance of charity.
It describes the characteristics of charity and its role in spiritual growth.
The chapter emphasizes the importance of love in all aspects of life.
It encourages readers to strive for a life of selfless service and compassion.
1 Corinthians 13 provides a powerful testimony of the importance of love in the Christian faith.
The chapter offers profound insights into the nature of love and its impact on individual lives and society.

#318
• Mentioned in 75 episodes
2 Corinthians
A Short Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary


Anthony C. Thiselton
In this commentary, Anthony Thiselton offers a clear and practical analysis of 2 Corinthians.
The book is characterized by its brevity and focus on both exegetical and pastoral aspects, making it a valuable resource for those studying the letter.
Thiselton's expertise in Paul's theology and hermeneutics is evident throughout the commentary, which is designed to be helpful without being overly lengthy.

#309
• Mentioned in 76 episodes
Colossians


Ralph P. Martin
The Book of Colossians, attributed to the Apostle Paul, is a letter written to the church in Colossae.
It emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, addressing theological issues and practical concerns of the early Christian community.
Paul tackles false teachings that threatened the Colossians' faith, highlighting the fullness of Christ and the importance of living a life transformed by the Gospel.
The letter offers guidance on various aspects of Christian life, including family relationships, and the importance of unity and love within the church.
Colossians is a rich source of theological insights and practical advice for Christians today.
It reminds us of the transformative power of faith in Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects His teachings.
Are you worshipping the right god and the right way? Find out who God really is and why He is the only one deserving of your worship.
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Follow on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MarkDriscollMinistries?sub_confirmation=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastormark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdriscoll
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pastormarkdriscoll
Twitter: https://linktr.ee/markdriscoll
Click here for more resources: https://linktr.ee/markdriscoll
