TOPIC: BREAKING FREE FROM GLUTTONY – WALKING IN SELF-CONTROL
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we gather with grateful hearts to delve into the Words of God and address a topic that holds significant importance in our lives: breaking free from gluttony.
Gluttony, a form of excessive and uncontrolled indulgence in food, which poses a significant spiritual challenge that often goes unnoticed or is even embraced in our modern society. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to walk in self-control and overcome this tendency.
Let us turn to the Scriptures and discover how we can break free from the chains of gluttony and embrace a life walking in harmony with God’s desires.
I. RECOGNIZING THE ROOT OF GLUTTONY
A. The temptation of excess: Gluttony stems from the desire to satisfy our physical appetites beyond what is necessary.
B. The imbalance between needs and wants: Gluttony arises when our cravings for food exceed the actual requirements of our bodies.
C. The spiritual implications: Gluttony not only affects our physical health but also hinders our spiritual growth and enslaves us to worldly desires.
Transition: Having acknowledged the root of gluttony, let us now explore God’s Word to understand His view on the matter.
II. GOD’S PERSPECTIVE ON GLUTTONY
A. Gluttony as a sin: Proverbs 23:21 warns, “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty.” Gluttony is equated with excessive drinking, indicating its sinful nature.
B. The instruction of moderation: Philippians 4:5 reminds us, “Let your moderation be known unto all men,” highlighting the importance of temperance and self-control.
C. Jesus’ response to Satan’s temptations: In Matthew 4:2-4, Jesus demonstrates self-control, resisting the temptation to turn stones into bread, affirming that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Transition: Now that we have grasped God’s perspective on gluttony, let us explore practical steps we can take to break free from this sin.
III. BREAKING FREE FROM GLUTTONY
A. Seek God’s strength: Through prayer, we can ask God to grant us the strength and determination to overcome gluttony, acknowledging our dependence on Him.
B. Renewing our minds: Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We must replace unhealthy thoughts and habits with God’s truth and wisdom.
C. Adopting a balanced approach: We must learn to differentiate between our physical needs and wants, treating our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Practicing moderation and discipline empowers us to break free from the bondage of gluttony.
D. Pursuing accountability: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who share similar convictions and struggles allows for mutual support, encouragement and accountability in our journey towards self-control.
E. Filling the void with God: Instead of seeking solace in food, we should seek fulfillment in God’s presence, allowing His love and grace to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.
Finally, breaking free from gluttony is a lifelong journey that requires effort, dedication and reliance on God’s transformative power. Through prayer, renewing our minds, adopting a balanced approach, pursuing accountability and filling the void with God, we can walk in self-control and break free from the chains of gluttony. Let us remember that our bodies are gifts from God, not to be abused or controlled by our desires, but rather, instruments to fulfill His purposes. As we commit ourselves to this journey of breaking free from gluttony, may we honor God with our bodies and become living testimonies of His transformative power. Amen.
God bless us! Join us next week Sunday on JUST AS I AM WITH BOLATITO PRAISE
Venue: http://meet.google.com/azb-bpqy-ayk
Time: 7PM
Invite your friends and family ????