Gluttony: "C is for Cookie"

Gluttony is an accepted sin and some would probably think it is crazy to even think that it is sin.

Gluttony is the over indulgence of food. It can also be the over indulgence in anything but tonight we are talking about food.

Conservative Christianity often makes a bigger issue about drinking alcohol and never really speaks about food. But obesity in America is 33% only 5.5% Alcoholism. Heart disease is the leading cause of death.

So I think it is beneficial to see what the Bible has to say about it.

Myth 1 Gluttons are overweight Matt 11:19 Jesus was accused of Gluttony
Cookie illustration

Myth 2 Eating is not spiritual

Starts in the garden Gen 2:16-17

Control issue- Our Physical appetites are an analogy of our ability to control ourselves. The pendulum can swing either way. You can be an out of control eater or an over controlled eater both are forms of eating disorders.

Many times people rely on or can’t live without certain foods or beverages “I can’t start my day without coffee”

It is sin and drastic measures need to be taken. Proverbs 23:1-2 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.

Take drastic measures to stop gluttony. Jesus echoes this in the sermon on the mount, cut off your hand or pluck out your eye.

Desiring food that is bad for you Proverbs 23:3 Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.

Myth 3 There are certain foods Christians should not eat. Matt 15:15-20, Acts 10:9-16 and Acts 11:1-18

Why did God direct them to not eat certain things? Separation from other people, in some cases the food would make them sick, the law is a Tudor to show us we need Jesus.

Paul in Corinthians brings in the issue of conscience, with that being said if your conscience does not permit you to eat something, then don’t do it, but you can’t make that a rule for others. But be sensitive to the weaker Christians. If you have a friend that is struggling with their weight it would not be a good idea to invite them out to a fast food restaurant. Just as you would not want to invite a recovering alcoholic to bar.

Proverbs 23:20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

Mix issue, I don’t think this is saying don’t hang out or be around, I think the “mix” issue is don’t become part of. (making a cake, when you put the egg in a mix, it can never be taken out)

Myth 4 “Food is only for nutrition to keep us alive”

-For pleasure.
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;

Taste and see that the Lord is good Psalm 34:8

-Food is to celebrate Feasts in the Bible. The word “Feast” is used roughly 170 times in the Bible.

Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

Sometime feasts are out of hand and displeasing to the Lord Dan 5:1-6

There is a feast we look forward to, the wedding supper of the Lamb Rev 19 GOSPEL

If you struggle with gluttony what should you do?

-Don’t over eat.
Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

-Realize it is a stewardship issue. We are to take care of what God has given us, our body
-Physical exercise prophets little 1 Tim 4:7-8. When you work out you start to realize that eating too much or unhealthy foods is not worth it.
Make a plan
Proverbs 23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;

-Don’t make a good thing the ultimate thing
Romans 14:19-21
-Look for satisfaction in the Lord
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.