4._Gluttony.pdf

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon explored the sin of gluttony, not just as overindulgence in food, but as a broader issue of seeking satisfaction and joy directly from the things of this world—whether food, drink, pleasure, possessions, comfort, or even religious experiences. Drawing from Proverbs and other Scriptures, we saw that gluttony is the inability to delay gratification, a restless hunger that tries to fill the emptiness inside with temporary things. The message challenged us to examine the different ways gluttony can show up in our lives, from our eating habits to our pursuit of comfort, possessions, or even spiritual knowledge without action. Ultimately, the sermon pointed us to Jesus, the only true source of satisfaction, who emptied himself so that we could be truly full. The call was to turn from the endless pursuit of “more” and instead seek fullness in Christ.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Gluttony Is More Than Overeating Gluttony is not limited to food; it is any form of overindulgence where we refuse to delay gratification. Whether it’s pleasure, possessions, comfort, or even religious experiences, gluttony is about seeking fulfillment in created things rather than the Creator. This insight invites us to examine all areas of our lives for patterns of excess and ask what we are truly hungry for.
• 2. The Paradox of Abundance and Restraint Proverbs teaches that the wise person enjoys good things but practices restraint, while the glutton consumes and is left empty. The difference is not in what they possess, but in their relationship to those things. True abundance comes not from having more, but from knowing when enough is enough and being content in God’s provision.
• 3. The Illusion of Fulfillment in Earthly Things Gluttony is described as being “full on emptiness”—the attempt to fill a God-shaped void with things that cannot satisfy. Whether it’s food, drink, pleasure, or possessions, these pursuits promise happiness but ultimately leave us wanting. This is a call to recognize the futility of chasing satisfaction apart from God and to seek joy as a by-product of living responsibly and faithfully.
• 4. The Subtle Forms of Gluttony Gluttony can manifest in unexpected ways: in our desire for comfort, our avoidance of hard things, or even in our religious lives when we consume spiritual knowledge without putting it into practice. These forms are just as spiritually dangerous because they keep us from growth, responsibility, and genuine relationship with God. We are challenged to move from consumption to contribution, from comfort to courage.
• 5. Only Jesus Truly Satisfies The ultimate answer to gluttony is not stricter self-control, but a deeper satisfaction in Christ. Jesus, the bread of life, offers a fullness that the world cannot give. When we come to Him, our deepest hunger and thirst are met—not by what we consume, but by who we are in relationship with. The invitation is to seek Jesus daily, to let Him fill the emptiness, and to find in Him the life we’ve been searching for elsewhere.

1. According to Proverbs 21:17 and 20, what is the difference between the wise person and the glutton when it comes to enjoying good things?
2. In Philippians 3:19, what does Paul mean when he says, “their god is their belly”?
3. What does Jesus promise in John 6:35 to those who come to Him?
4. From the sermon, what are some examples of gluttony that go beyond just overeating?

1. Why does the Bible warn so strongly against seeking satisfaction in things like food, pleasure, or possessions? What is the spiritual danger behind this?
2. How does the inability to delay gratification reveal what we are truly hungry for in our hearts?
3. The sermon described gluttony as being “full on emptiness.” What does this mean, and how have you seen this play out in real life?
4. Why is Jesus described as the only true source of satisfaction? How is this different from what the world offers?

1. Looking at your own life, in what areas do you find it hardest to practice restraint or say “enough is enough”? (This could be food, shopping, entertainment, comfort, or even spiritual knowledge.)
2. The sermon talked about “subtle forms of gluttony,” like always seeking comfort or avoiding hard things. Is there a specific area where you tend to take the easy way out instead of doing what’s right or needed?
3. Have you ever tried to fill a sense of emptiness with things other than God? What was the result, and what did you learn from that experience?
4. When you think about your relationship with Jesus, do you see Him as your main source of satisfaction, or do you find yourself looking elsewhere? What would it look like to seek fullness in Christ this week?
5. The message challenged us to move from being consumers to contributors. What is one way you can shift from just “taking in” (whether it’s food, comfort, or even church activities) to giving or serving others?
6. If you struggle with overindulgence in any area, what is one practical step you can take this week to practice moderation and trust God’s provision?
7. The sermon ended with an invitation to seek Jesus daily. What is one new habit you could start (like reading Scripture, praying, or joining a group) to help you find your satisfaction in Him?