i.to discuss the concept of hero worship in Christendom and
ii.to explain the danger in digressing Christians’ focus from Jesus to human heroes.
In the Advent season, we are reminded to be looking forward to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our sub-theme and topic today is very important for Christians awaiting the second coming of the Saviour. We need to tackle the menace of over venerating human religious leaders and heroes, almost as God, instead of looking unto Jesus. Acts 14:8-18 reveals an attempt by the believers in Lystra to turn Pauland Barnabas to gods and objects of worship. However, the two Apostles cautioned them and pointed their attention back to Jesus Christ.
1. What is your understanding of hero worship in Christianity? Discuss in line with Acts 14:11-12.
2. How did Paul and Barnabas react when they referred to them as gods? Acts 14:14-16.
3. How do believers react to ministers that are gifted in miracles, signs and wonders in our generation? What is the warning for Christians in our generation? Psa 146:3; Jer 17:5-7.
4. How can focussing on humans or hero-worshipping them be a danger to the Christian faith? Discuss in line with Acts 5:34-39.
It is pertinent to see how some preachers of the gospel direct attention to themselves as wonder or miracle workers. On the race to God’s kingdom, we must be very careful of our focus. Anything apart from Jesus is a wrong focus.
Focusing on humans will not carry you far, but focussing on Christ transcends the you to heaven.
Psa 146:3 "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help".