The Trap of More: How Greed & Gluttony Leave Us Empty | Healthy Habit Killers
Healthy Habit Killers
The Trap of More: How Greed and Gluttony Leave Us Empty
I. Introduction:
Luke 12:15 (NIV) 15Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.
GREED: Excessive or rapacious desire for wealth or possessions.
GLUTTONY: Excessive eating and drinking.
Luke 12:13-21 (NLT)13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
SOUL TATTOO: Greed and gluttony promise satisfaction but always leave us starving, only contentment in Jesus Christ truly fills us.
II. The Relationship Killer of Greed:
Proverbs 15:27 (NIV) 27Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.
1. Greed replaces gratitude with entitlement.
When you believe you deserve everything, you appreciate nothing.
Luke 12:15 (NIV) 15Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.
2. Greed prioritizes possessions over people.
When things matter more than people, people become things.
1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
3. Greed breeds distrust and division.
Selfish ambition builds walls, not bridges.
James 4:1-2 (NIV) You desire but do not have, so you kill.
III. The Destructive Cycle of Gluttony:
SOUL TATTOO: Greed and gluttony promise satisfaction but always leave us starving, only contentment in Jesus Christ truly fills us.
1. Gluttony dulls spiritual and relational sensitivity.
A full stomach can lead to an empty soul.
Proverbs 23:20-21 (NLT) 20 Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, 21 for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.
2. Gluttony prioritizes self-gratification over shared satisfaction.
When pleasure becomes your priority, people become secondary.
Philippians 3:19 (ESV) 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
3. Gluttony can lead to addiction and dependence.
What you overconsume today may control you tomorrow.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV) I have the right to do anything—but I will not be mastered by anything.
SOUL TATTOO: Greed and gluttony promise satisfaction but always leave us starving, only contentment in Jesus Christ truly fills us.
IV. Why Are Greed and Gluttony So Harmful?
1. They distract from spiritual fulfillment.
Philippians 3:19 (NIV) Their mind is set on earthly things.
2. They harm the body, which is God’s temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) Honor God with your bodies.
3. They weaken self-control and open the door to other sins.
Proverbs 25:28 (NIV) 28A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
Greed asks, “What can I get?” Generosity asks, “What can I give?”
Gluttony says, “I need more.” Contentment says, “I have enough.”
SOUL TATTOO: Greed and gluttony promise satisfaction but always leave us starving, only contentment in Jesus Christ truly fills us.
V. 5 ways to overcome or prevent greed and gluttony:
1. Cultivate a heart of gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) 18Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
2. Practice generosity and selflessness.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) 25A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
3. Exercise self-control and moderation.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) The fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.
4. Seek satisfaction in God, not stuff.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) 33Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
5. Develop a mindset of stewardship, not ownership.
1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV) 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Gratitude, generosity, self-control, God’s presence, and wise stewardship break the chains of greed and gluttony.
SOUL TATTOO: Greed and gluttony promise satisfaction but always leave us starving, only contentment in Jesus Christ truly fills us.