Acts 10:25-26 – “25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.”
Who is a Hero?
- A person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities
- Examples of Heroes: Daddy GO, Steven Gerrard, Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Barrack Obama…..
- Are there any other heroes that you know? Bible and Personal?
What is Hero Worship? – Rom 1:25
- Hero-worship is a very great admiration of someone and a belief that they are special or perfect.
- extravagant or excessive admiration for a personal hero.
- love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol; “Many teenagers idolized the Beatles”
- admiration, idolization, adulation, adoration, veneration, idealization, putting on a pedestal
Case Study 1: Paul (Acts 14: 8-15, 2 Cor 4. 5-7)
- Our Heroes are just like a Clay Pot
- Our heroes aren’t always strong, charismatic, confident, well spoken, humble or the wisest.
- Whatever we admire/treasures in our heroes are obtained from God.
- David, Joseph, Sarah etc. were all people with different weaknesses but God called them heroes of faith.
- Do not build up the fragile clay. Build up the treasure.
Case Study 2: Saul (1 Samuel 10:17-24)
- We need to respect those who lead us, but make sure to keep the focus on God. Keep the balance.
- Its not wrong to enjoy appreciation. As leaders we all need that. Give honour to whom honour is due.
- When you begin to Worship humans, you begin to justify their mistakes.
- We are never to allow a spiritual leader take precedence over God
- Why do some Christians become Pastor Worshippers?
Dimensions of Hero Worship
- Ancestral worship; (Heb.9:27).
- Worship of Saints; (Ex.20:4-5; Rom.1:25; Acts 10:25-26; 14:8-15)
- Worship of angels; (Rev.19:10; 22:8-9).
- Worship of celebrities: (Rom.1:25).
Jesus- The only Superstar
- He is God – Heb.1:8; John 1:1,14; 10:30.
- He is the perfect image of God who lived San exemplary life, worthy of emulation – John 14:7-11
- He has a name that is above all other names – Phil.2:9-11.
- He lives forever – John 8:58; John 14:7-11.
- All beings (Angels & Man) are commanded to worship Him – Heb. 1:6; 12:2; Matt.2:2,8,11; Rev.5: 12,14.
- Only God Himself could have done the supernatural works that He did – Matt.14:26-33; 28:16-17; John 9:35-38.
DANGERS OF HERO WORSHIP
- It could the hero incur the wrath of God since it is tantamount to idolatry (Acts 12:21- 23).
- It expresses carnality (1 Cor.3:4-5)
- It could lead to living another’s person’s life at the expense of fulfilling one’s destiny. (1 Sam.18:3-4).
- It could make someone fall into the error or limitations of the hero if care is not taken (1 Kings 22: 51-52).
- It could lead you disappointment or heartbreak when the inadequacies of the hero are discovered (Jeremiah 17:5).
We should draw line between honoring our heroes and worshipping them. Any time we ascribe something that belongs to God to someone else, it is idolatry.
Written by Victor Ogunmodede