We worship at the altar of pleasure when we turn gifts into gods.
Ecclesiastes 2:1,10-11
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” C.S. Lewis
Three idols of pleasure that fail to deliver:
THE IDOL OF FOOD
Romans 14:17“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
We weren’t put on this planet to experience food, but to experience God.
How to defeat the idol of food:
1. Find comfort in the Comforter, not comfort food.
Psalm 34:8
If we will heal from the emotional wounds that cause us to overeat, we’ll have more room to feast on the Lord.
2. Replace indulgence with self-control.
Gal. 5:23 – self control is a fruit of the Spirit
Fasting is God’s prescription against the idol of food.
Matthew 6:16“When you fast…”
Fasting is denying your physical appetite in order to develop your spiritual appetite.
THE IDOL OF SEX
1 Cor 6:15-20
How to defeat the god of sex:
1. Honor marriage.
Hebrews 13:4“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
2. Guard yourself.
2 Timothy 2:22“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
THE IDOL OF ENTERTAINMENT
Psalm 16:11“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Continual exposure to fantasy creates a dissatisfaction with reality.
How to defeat the idol of entertainment:
1. Walk in wisdom.
Ephesians 5:15-17“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
God didn’t save you just so you could live a life of leisure - He’s got a job for you to do!
2. Practice restraint.
1 Corinthians 6:12 I must not become a slave to anything.
Make sure your entertainment doesn’t become your enslavement.
Is pleasure an idol in your life?