GLUTTONY is seeking pleasure at all costs. It turns natural hungers and needs into dangerous cravings. It makes us feel guilty for wanting things that aren't wrong—and powerless against persistent sinful desires. It turns good things designed to bless us and bring us closer to God and others into lonely, painful things that destroy us. It makes us addicts and hurts our witness.
We must break free from Gluttony and focus on Abstinence (control over our desires and needs) and Charity (providing for others as well as for ourselves). Abstinence destroys the invisible chains that bind us to idols and clears our heads to think and pray and act on other things. Charity meeds real needs and keeps our focus outward. Strategically combining theme heals and restores our hearts as much as gluttony destroys them.
Series: Spiritual Disciplines: Seven
Speaker: John Pryor
Notes:
Gluttony is seeking pleasure at all costs. It turns good things designed to bless us and to bring us closer to God and others into lonely, painful things that destroy and isolate us. Gluttons are idolators and addicts, but lavish worship and generosity are good.
Romans 3:23-24, Matthew 23:24, Luke 7:34-50, Genesis 19, Ezekiel 16:48-49
Break free from Gluttony. The spiritual disciplines do not help us act religious; they connect us with the power that can make us godly. Each individual is accountable and able to trade any attitude, habit, or addiction for true freedom. 2Timothy 3:1-5,
Romans 14:12-13
Focus on Abstinence. “No ____ ” and “Not too much ____ ” are the clearest, most obvious choices abstinent people make, but true Abstinence is understanding and living out the natural and supernatural self-control God gives us. Romans 6:16,
1 Corinthians 6:12, 19-20; Philippians 3:18-21
Focus on Charity. We must use the gifts God gives us to share, to celebrate Him, and to build His kingdom. Indulgence can be a virtue if done in worship and love.
Romans 13:9-14, Matthew 25, John 10:10, Romans 8:1-6 & 12:1-2
Lord, I will…