The concept of being "lovers of pleasure" is addressed in the Bible as a condition that stands in stark contrast to a life devoted to spiritual growth and godliness. The Scriptures warn against the pursuit of pleasure as an end in itself, highlighting the spiritual destitution that accompanies such a lifestyle.

Biblical Warnings Against Pleasure-Seeking

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, provides a vivid description of the moral and spiritual decline that characterizes the last days. He writes, "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:2-4). This passage underscores the peril of prioritizing pleasure over a relationship with God, suggesting that such individuals are spiritually impoverished.

The Deceptive Nature of Pleasure

The pursuit of pleasure is often deceptive, promising satisfaction but ultimately leading to emptiness. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes reflects on this pursuit, stating, "I said to myself, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!' But it proved to be futile" (Ecclesiastes 2:1). This acknowledgment of the futility of pleasure-seeking serves as a cautionary tale for those who might be tempted to find fulfillment outside of a life centered on God.

The Call to Godliness

In contrast to the love of pleasure, the Bible calls believers to pursue godliness and spiritual maturity. Paul exhorts Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). This statement highlights the true source of spiritual wealth, which is found not in the fleeting pleasures of the world but in a life marked by devotion to God and contentment in His provision.

The Role of Self-Control

Self-control is a vital component of the spiritual life, enabling believers to resist the allure of pleasure that leads to spiritual destitution. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness" (2 Peter 1:5-6). This progression illustrates the importance of self-control as a foundation for spiritual growth and godliness.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of a life not driven by the pursuit of pleasure but by obedience to the will of the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing immense suffering, Jesus prayed, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). His submission to God's will, even in the face of great personal cost, exemplifies the spiritual richness that comes from prioritizing God's purposes over personal pleasure.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a clear dichotomy between the love of pleasure and the pursuit of a spiritually rich life. While the world may offer temporary satisfaction through pleasure, true fulfillment and spiritual abundance are found in a life devoted to God, marked by self-control, contentment, and a commitment to godliness.1 Timothy 5:6
But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
... shall again be known by their integrity, spiritual-mindedness, and ... The lovers of
peace, who refuse to take part in ... in all that is essential to a life of faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvii the extent of.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... Their understanding is full of spiritual wisdom [1762] and their mode of life is
a ... tillers of the ground, and occupied with cattle, to be lovers of wisdom. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

Thou Spreadest Before Me a Table in the Presence of Mine Enemies.
... communion the worldly, the sensuous, the lovers of ease ... understanding,(68) develops
in souls truly spiritual a habit of mind and a character of life that even ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/ix thou spreadest before me.htm

The New-Birth
... dark passions, and in humility and meekness become lovers of God ... to be expected in
both cases, the spiritual man is ... as the natural man knows and feels his life. ...
/.../law/the grounds and reasons of christian regeneration/the new-birth.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... part cannot form any sensible notion of spiritual things, that ... it is wholly spoiled
of that divine life of communion ... i.2, "Among all her lovers she hath none ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiv if so be.htm

part iii.
... Why should not lovers of Christ be equally wise to fill the world with light ... Its
life-spring is in the heart. It is purely spiritual or moral in its character ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part iii.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... afflict them sorely, a thing in which he taketh no pleasure. ... can so be, or so do,
in this life, as that ... and will abide upon us, when most spiritual here, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... it to be so, I beg you, as you are lovers of Christ ... we should think of the members
of the spiritual body as ... But now, since he has left the secular life, and has ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... be glad of such help; yea, a spiritual man, could ... choose again to lead that cursed
life that afresh ... yet hast known nothing but the pleasure thereof, shouldest ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... wert in danger of being severed from the present life. ... aimed at is, not that we be
lovers of wisdom ... but from an abundance of wisdom and spiritual understanding ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life? | GotQuestions.org

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Life: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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