Theme:
Christ redeems sinners enslaved to gluttony and addiction, empowering them to live in self-controlled freedom for His glory.
Introduction:
Understanding Addiction and Gluttony in a Broken World.
Biblical Definitions:
Gluttony is the overindulgence of God’s gifts, especially food and drink, to the point that it becomes idolatrous, self-centred, and enslaving.
Proverbs 23:20-21: “Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
John 8:34: “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.’”
1. The Heart of Addiction and Gluttony: Idolatry and the Flesh
1.1 Idolatry of the Stomach and Desires – Philippians 3:19.
1.2 The Deceptiveness of Sinful Desire – James 1:14-15.
1.3 Bondage, Not Freedom – Romans 6:16.
2. The Devastation of Addiction and Gluttony
2.1 Physical and Spiritual Consequences – Proverbs 23:29-35 (on alcohol).
2.2 A Sign of Rebellion – Ezekiel 16:49
God judged Sodom not only for sexual sin but also for gluttony, pride, and selfishness.
This is not a small matter in God’s eyes.
2.3 Exclusion from the Kingdom – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
3. The Hope of Redemption: Christ Sets the Captives Free
3.1 Justification: Forgiveness of the Enslaved – 1 Corinthians 6:11.
3.2 Regeneration: A New Master – Romans 6:17-18.
3.3 Sanctification: A Spirit-Empowered Battle – Galatians 5:16
3.4 Renewed Desires and Self-Control – Titus 2:11-12.
4. Practical Steps to Freedom in Christ
4.1 Confess Sin Honestly – Proverbs 28:13.
4.2 Depend on the Means of Grace – Psalm 119:11.
4.3 Accountability in the Body of Christ – Hebrews 3:13.
4.4 Cut off the Source of Temptation – Matthew 5:29-30.
4.5 Rest in the Gospel Daily – Romans 8:1.
Conclusion: Christ is Better
John 6:35: “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.’”
Call to Action:
– Are you enslaved by gluttony or addiction? Come to Christ today. He died not only to forgive, but to set you free.
– Are you struggling and weary in the fight? Lean on His grace, fight in the Spirit, and walk in Gospel community.
– Are you walking in freedom? Use your testimony to help others walk into the light.