Topical Encyclopedia Gluttony is often understood as the overindulgence and overconsumption of food and drink, but it can also extend to an excessive desire for material comforts and pleasures. Within the Christian tradition, gluttony is considered one of the seven deadly sins, as it reflects a lack of self-control and a prioritization of physical desires over spiritual well-being.Biblical References and Teachings The Bible addresses the issue of gluttony in several passages, emphasizing the importance of self-control and moderation. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This passage highlights the consequences of overindulgence, linking it to poverty and laziness. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks to the importance of self-discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:27, where he writes, "No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Here, Paul underscores the necessity of controlling one's bodily desires to maintain spiritual integrity and effectiveness in ministry. Spiritual Implications Gluttony is not merely a physical issue but a spiritual one, as it can lead to a focus on earthly pleasures rather than heavenly priorities. Philippians 3:19 describes those who are driven by their appetites: "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." This verse serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual dangers associated with gluttony, as it can lead to idolatry of the self and the material world. Praying Against Temptations Prayer is a powerful tool in combating the temptation of gluttony. Jesus taught His disciples to pray for deliverance from temptation in the Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:13: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." This prayer acknowledges human weakness and the need for divine assistance in overcoming sinful desires. Believers are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength in resisting the urge to overindulge. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that reliance on the Spirit is essential for overcoming gluttony: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Practical Steps and Community Support In addition to prayer, practical steps can be taken to combat gluttony. These include setting boundaries on consumption, practicing fasting as a spiritual discipline, and seeking accountability within a community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages Christians to support one another in their spiritual journeys: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." By combining prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and community support, believers can effectively resist the temptation of gluttony and cultivate a life that honors God in all aspects. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 141:4Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library And Lead us not into Temptation. Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ... The Seventh Commandment Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Ascetic. In Every Sinful Man and Woman that is Bound in Deadly Sin... The Treatise Of the Mortification of Sensual Love to Meats, &C. ... The Lord's Prayer Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... Resources Is gluttony a sin? What does the Bible say about overeating? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view weight loss? What does the Bible say about obesity and weight loss? | GotQuestions.org What are capital sins? | GotQuestions.org Gluttony: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gluttony is Inconsistent in Saints Gluttony of Princes, Ruinous to Their People Gluttony: Christ Was Falsely Accused of Gluttony: Danger of, Illustrated Gluttony: General Scriptures Concerning Gluttony: Leads to Carnal Security Gluttony: Pray Against Temptations To Gluttony: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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