Sermon by Ps Daniel Khong at the Faith Community Baptist Church on 18 Oct 2025. For the full worship service, click here
Scripture:
Jeremiah 17:5 is when God says that cursed is the one who trusts in man who draws strength from mere man, and whose hearts turn away from God.
Background:
Hero worship is when we put someone on a pedestal. 4 characteristics of hero worship:
- Seeing someone as perfect or infallible
- Copying someone or groups"s style, behaviour and opinions or convictions uncritically
- Defending someone or group even when the said person is clearly in the wrong
- Being emotionally dependent on someone or group for validation
Why is hero worship dangerous to our spirits?
1. Hero worship breeds carnality
Carnality is when we live by focusing on wealth or earthly things, rather than treasures in heaven. Israel was meant to be different from other nations, they are a theocracy where God is King. But they said "no" to Samuel, as they wanted to be like other nations.
Because being a theocracy requires immense faith - it is easier to hope on people rather than in God. Rather than putting faith in God, they want put their faith in something other than God, a man. . John Piper wrote that the greatest enemy of faith is not atheism but idolatry.
2. Hero worship breeds superficially
All forms of hero worship lacks depth. When Israel appoints their first king, they chose someone handsome, and he is also taller than any of the people. They wanted someone to look the part - they saw someone tall and good looking. Even without asking his credentials or experience, the people proclaimed "long live the king!" But King Saul later disappointed, because he turned away from God.
In contrast, when Samuel chose David, he has already rejected David's elder brother who is tall and good-looking. God looks at the heart - a lesson to never be superficial. King David became the greatest king that Israel ever have.