Golden Calf Reckoning – Part 2: Illusions of Control

Pastor Dan Harrison | Main Text: 1 Kings 12:25–33

In Part 2 of the Golden Calf Reckoning sermon series, Pastor Dan Harrison exposes a modern form of idolatry that often hides in plain sight: the illusion of control.

Teaching from 1 Kings 12:25–33, Pastor Dan walks through the story of Jeroboam, a king who was given a promise by God—yet allowed fear and insecurity to drive his decisions. Instead of trusting God’s Word, Jeroboam tried to control outcomes, control people, and even control worship—creating “convenient” golden calves and a man-made system that replaced obedience with self-protection.

This message confronts three powerful “Golden Calf tendencies” that still show up today:

• Clinging to control over things we were never meant to carry

• Fear-based thinking that rewrites God’s promises

• Victim identity that turns pain into a permanent label and builds walls no one can enter

Pastor Dan also shares a personal, heartfelt illustration about trusting God with what we love most—and invites every listener to surrender what’s out of their control into the hands of a trustworthy Father. If anxiety, control, fear, or emotional walls have been shaping your decisions, this message is a call to freedom, healing, and deeper trust.

Key theme: Modern idolatry doesn’t always look like statues—it can look like grasping for control.

As you listen, don’t just absorb information—lean in. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal where fear has been calling the shots. Ask God to show you what you’ve been gripping too tightly—relationships, outcomes, finances, approval, safety—and place it back into His hands.

Takeaway Challenge:

This week, write two columns: “What I can control” and “What I can’t control.” Then pray through the second list, one item at a time, and surrender it to God. Pray simply: “Father, I trust You.”

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