The Chains of Gluttony are for Breaking: The Christian Life is To Be a Holy Spirit-Controlled Life.
I love what the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not be drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
So many people today are broken, empty, guilty, lonely, hurting, afraid to die, and are longing for belonging. They are and feel this way.
"My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy." Ps. 63:5-7
Men here really love fat and rich food, but there is a spiritually fat and rich food to become strong that we need far more! King David knew this.
You and I have heard much about bad choices and behaviors. I mean those ones that can take a person down, like drinkin', chewin', smokin', clubbin' but pigging out on several different treats in efforts to satisfy that deep inner craving ..who hears much about that problem?
Feed your spirit-man and eat only what you need. I don't say feed your fleshly nature, but starve it to death! (Am not talkin' 'bout anorexia nervosa and starving physically here. Many Westerners think they can throw logs on the wrong kind of fire to satisfy their flesh, but that fire needs to be put out.)
None of us hears much about this type of idolatry sin these days. It's true, though, gluttony is one of those dangerous sins we in the West rarely hear about anymore but need to. It’s often right there before our faces—quiet, subtle, and so PC-accepted in most Christian circles today. Christians need to be the most disciplined people on this planet!
Hey, just because gluttony is socially tolerated (yes, in some cultures or some denominations more than in others) this doesn’t mean it’s spiritually or physically harmless for people.
Remember how the Israelites, during the time of their wilderness wanderings, murmured and complained about the free food (manna and quail) that was graciously provided by God. They missed the food of Egypt and demanded meat. God, in response to their lame grumbling and doubt, promised to provide them with so much meat that they would be sick of it, according to the Bible. This promise was fulfilled, and the Israelites ate so much meat that it actually became loathsome to them, according to Numbers 11:20. This event is often interpreted as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith in God's provision.
The Bible may not thunder “Thou shalt not cram your pie-hole full. Thou shalt not pig-out in private or in public cuz overeating kills,” but it consistently warns us against letting our fleshly appetites rule over us. Who wants to reach room temperature.. young? Gluttony—at its core—is not just about food and drink, really. It’s often about unaddressed emotional issues inside and surrendering the throne of our hearts to our stomachs.. to our bodily appetites. Those are not worthy to crown, Barney!
“Tell the people, Consecrate yourselves. Get ready for tomorrow when you’re going to eat meat. You’ve been whining to GOD, ‘We want meat; give us meat. We had a better life in Egypt.’ GOD has heard your whining and he’s going to give you meat. You’re going to eat meat. And it’s not just for a day that you’ll eat meat, and not two days, or five or ten or twenty, but for a whole month. You’re going to eat meat until it’s coming out your nostrils. You’re going to be so sick of meat that you’ll throw up at the mere mention of it. And here’s why: Because you have rejected GOD who is right here among you, whining to his face, ‘Oh, why did we ever have to leave Egypt?’” Numbers 11:18-20 msg
Scripture calls us to Christ, and to live with self-control in all areas of life, allowing the Spirit to lead each of us. You and I are to Rep Him. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit to be employed, but self-indulgence is not. Not at all, ever. The Bible says..
"But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 amp
When our desire for food becomes excessive, way disproportionate, or habitual even, it reveals a heart that desires to feed upon the wrong things.
Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Gluttony happens when we refuse to die to self and seek comfort, seek control, or seek to escape—like with food—rather than escape to the Creator our Refuge.
The apostle Paul didn’t merely preach self-discipline with Christ leading as Lord—he lived it daily. He followed Jesus closely, saying. “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).
He refused to let any craving master him (1 Corinthians 6:12), because he knew that losing control in the physical often signals deeper spiritual disorder. How could he lead and teach others by living in defeat? That’s why Scripture warns, “Their god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19). When appetite becomes your authority, then worship is misplaced. Saying the right things before others is the easy part. Being a doer of the word in private and public is what God desires of us all.
Proverbs paints a vivid picture of gluttony’s end: poverty, drowsiness, and disgrace (Proverbs 23:20–21). It isn’t just about eating too much—it’s about craving, it's about a life getting derailed by overindulgence in a world of overindulgence, it's about a soul dulled by unhealthy excess. The wise say NO TO SELF and they act by restraining their cravings. They deny themselves. The foolish folk pig out like those animals like to do. They gorge the gut, and they drift spiritually and might not notice.
What does it mean to deny yourself? What even is self-denial?
My portly friends like to joke with this half verse and they are funny. "..let your soul delight itself in fatness." (Isa. 55:2b). No, that's not talking about physical weight and overeating - those words shouldn't even be your refrigerator memory verse, Bro!
What does that mean in the Bible.. it sounds kind of harsh doesn't it - “dying to self”?
What did Paul mean when he said, “I die daily” in 1 Corinthians 15)?
Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:27 said "I buffet my body, and lead it captive.." Not "I buffet my body" (in that line with all the refills of food).
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow me".
In Matthew 16:24, Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Yes, there's a cost involved -- there's to be a willingness, a surrender to Him.
In a culture just saturated with.. that is obsessed with pleasures, with gourging the flesh, and excess—here in the West where food is entertainment, comfort, and identity—it’s easy to forget that God calls us to real moderation. We are to represent Him and our church well in this sick-like world. Why be sick in any way when you don't have to be?
I say enjoy His gifts, yes. You don't need to get legalistic and weird, but never worship His good gifts. The same Bible that condemns drunkenness (in Ephesians 5:18) also warns us about any addiction that enslaves the body or spirit. Whether it’s alcohol, food, porn, or possessions—anything that habitually steals our focus and affection away from God becomes idolatry.
We were created to crave God most. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). That leaves no room for our belly to be our boss. It's true, gluttony dulls our hunger for God. It replaces spiritual pursuit with physical pleasure. And over time, it deadens our ability to say “no”—not just to food, but to sin itself.
The good news? Jesus still saves sinners—including gluttons. He doesn’t just forgive; He frees. He breaks the bondage of every addiction and retrains our appetites to hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). He gives power to the weak and new desires to the born again.
So yes—gluttony might be PC, but it is a sin. But more than that, it’s a signal that should get your attention for changing. It tells us something is way off. Something deeper is hungry. And only Jesus can satisfy. The goal isn’t guilt, we take heed to guilt—bit it’s godliness. Let’s learn to enjoy God’s good gifts without letting them govern us. Let’s eat to live, not live to eat. And above all, let’s feed our souls on Christ, the Bread of Life.
It's true that each of the seven deadly sins can lead people to other sins; for example, anger can lead to evil speaking like smearing, to vindictive territorial violence, or to murder.
Gluttony — it's an excessive desire for the pleasure of eating and drinking far more than you need.
Pride — All sin is rooted in pride. This is what turned angels into rebellious demons. It's humility in Christ that turns men more like decent angels. God wants to change each of us into His own image! Pride is an inflated, unrealistic sense of your own self-worth. It makes beings so self-centered. Never put the will of self before the will of God--instead, live biblically. Never view yourself as better than God or others. I am indeed better off (cuz of Christ's cross and grace) yes, than many who still need to meet Jesus, but I am not better than.. not a know-it-all. We get accused, but have gobs to learn here. Who really is a know-it-all all? God alone. Say and mean it: God is everything to me, and I am nothing without Him!
Envy — The feeling that you deserve the possessions, success, virtues, or talents of another person.
Lust — A selfish focus on sex or a desire to have sexual pleasure with someone other than your spouse.
Anger — An excessive, improper desire to overtly or passive-aggressively exact revenge.
Greed — A strong desire for possessions, especially for possessions belonging to another. Please don't steal from others or break your promises for personal gain.
Sloth — Lack of effort in the face of a necessary task, causing it to go undone (or done badly).
A common misconception about the seven deadly sins is that they are sins that God will not forgive. He will forgive you if you repent/change. In reality, no sin is any more “deadly” than any other sin in the light of eternity. All sin results in death (Romans 6:23). You've sinned (all have by omission or commission) -- you need a Savior. And even one sin will condemns a person as a lawbreaker. One can keep one out of Heaven (See James 2:10), but Jesus is the door to get you in. Enter.
It's not to be: I must increase, but He must decrease in my life. No no! Too many in our culture have got distracted and backslidden away from Jesus. Too many have increased to their own hurt. What does the Bible say?
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30
Gluttony is not just a dietary issue alone—it’s a discipleship issue. It’s not merely about food, but about real freedom. It's the tip of an iceberg of misplaced worship. The deeper problem isn’t what’s on the table, but what’s on the throne of our hearts.
A Sin We Tolerate But Shouldn’t
Gluttony is often called “the acceptable sin.” In a world of overconsumption, our Christian subculture has normalized it. According to a 2022 Barna study, only 2% of churchgoing Christians listed gluttony as a personal struggle, even though over 74% admitted they turn to food for comfort rather than prayer. This disconnect shows how desensitized we’ve become.
“The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie.” ~ John Piper
It's the subtle, sugary idolatry that dulls our spiritual appetite and discernment. We opt to feed the flesh, as we are starving the soul. It's about Dying to Self, believer.
Gluttony -- There was a Cross for That.
Jesus didn’t come to tweak our destructive habits to make them less bad—He came for a crucifixion. And we are to crucify our flesh. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). Saying no to self, yes, dying to self includes saying no to every single master that isn’t Jesus Christ—including our cravings.
I remember seeing Keith Green singing:
🎵 “My flesh is tired of seeking God, but on my knees I'll stay. I want to be a pleasing child until the end.”
He would sow to the Spirit in prayer and praise, instead of to the flesh. This is the war within—the battle between the spirit and the flesh. Paul explained..
"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." Romans 7:23 nkjv
Gluttony feeds apathy and complacency. It numbs good desires. It keeps us earthbound when we’re called to soar like an eagle.
“The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.” ~ A.W. Tozer
The Weight of Any Idolatry Is Hard To Carry Around
In Colossians 3:5, Paul calls greed idolatry, and gluttony is one form of it. Anything we “must have” besides God is an idol. What is it from, a fear of lack.. a fear that someone else will get that before I do?
“Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” ~ C.S. Lewis
Basic food items to survive on are a nice gift from God—but food can be a terrible god to serve. In fact food can become a real enemy, and a real enemy of your ministry as well. Don't allow it to become that.
The belly is a cruel master to serve. As Scripture says of the ungodly, “Their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame” (Philippians 3:19). That’s a sobering verse. What we serve can quickly shape what we become.
Addiction and the Heart
The National Institutes of Health reports that over 40% of Americans admit to emotional overeating, and many Christians are quietly included. But Scripture commands, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). That includes how we relate to food, comfort, and consumption.
If you’re constantly feeding an appetite that never satisfies, it’s time to ask: What is my soul truly hungry for?
Freedom Is Found in Surrender to God's living Word
The answer is not shame—it’s full surrender. Some people simply need to go to less "events" and walk about five miles.. away from that table or fridge. It's time to live what you believe. Jesus didn’t come to point a finger and condemn us for our cravings. He came to save us, to fix what's broken inside, and to satisfy lost and saved sinners ..with Himself.
“I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (said Jesus in John 6:35).
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
🎵 God requires pure praise. Not misdirected worship, but acceptable worship from the heart is asked for.
“I give You my worship, You still deserve it. You’re worthy, You’re worthy, Jesus, You’re worthy of my song.” ~ Brooke Ligertwood
When Jesus is our portion, everything else takes its rightful place. When we put Him first in our lives all else falls into place.
There's a Call to Christ, to a Healthy Local Church and to Self-Control
Self-control comes from the Spirit. Self-control is not legalism—it’s liberty in Christ.
“Discipline is the wholehearted yes to God and the wholehearted no to self.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
That’s what true Christian maturity is about: not being ruled by our impulses, but ruled step by step from the Spirit.
Paul urges us: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1). That includes excessive food, comforts, bad habits, or wasteful hobbies that all weigh down our walk.
Reignite the Hunger for the Living Word, Righteous Fellowship, and His Holiness
"Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags." (Proverbs 23:20-21).
"The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father" (Proverbs 28:7).
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds" (Matthew 11:19; parallel in Luke 7:34).
"One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons'" (Titus 1:12).
1) Overeating is an unhealthy choice and behaior that becomes a habitual practice.2) Overeating is a wasteful use of resources when you are called to be a steward of God's resources and good example."You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?" Romans 2:21-22 nkjv
3) overeating is incompatible with following God's law and Spirit; therefore, gluttony is sinful. No condo--get free by God's power! No excuses. Man up, act like a man, men. Remember, "glutton" was one of the false accusations that was aimed at Jesus Christ. This shows how gluttony was considered a sin by the Jews.4) gluttony is associated with laziness, which is not pleasing to God (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
- In contrast to living a gluttonous lifestyle, God calls us quit looking/talking down to others so they'll change and start honoring Him with our bodies, habits and attitudes.
= If you have eye-screen, ear and sexual sin, Paul writes, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The Bible teaches, "she who lives for pleasure is dead while she lives" 1 Timothy 5:6. That's talkin about a spiritual death inside.
God has created us in His image and calls us to use the specific body He has given us for His glory, not for our own pleasure. Any act that does not honor the body He has given us, including regular overeating, is sinful. Though indulging in overeating may be more socially acceptable than other sinful practices, we are called to pursue God's standard, practicing self-control in all areas of life, including our food choices (Galatians 5:22-23).
Gluttony is more than related to some dangerous weight problem—it’s more about a worship problem. And the main answer isn’t dieting, but dying to those fleshly demands and temptations.
Dying to self.
Dying to excess.
Dying to idols.
Dying to the world’s seduction.
And rising up to life in Christ.
Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Real freedom begins when we humble ourselves, repent, appropriate His power by faith, crucify our fleshly cravings and find our satisfaction in the Bread of Life (Jesus the Savior).
Ask: What am I really, truly hungry for? Because only one meal satisfies forever the Bread of Life (that relationship with Jesus). Come as you are - taste and see.
Gluttony - Memorize These Truths:
Philippians 3:19 (esv)
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
Proverbs 23:2
And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.
Proverbs 25:16
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Psalm 78:18
They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
Philippians 3:18-19
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Deuteronomy 21:20
And they shall say to the elders of his city, "This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
Proverbs 23:20
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
Galatians 5:16-26
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Proverbs 28:7
The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Luke 7:34
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Meditate upon Moderation and Live with This Way:
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
Proverbs 25:27
It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Philippians 4:5
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Ephesians 5:18
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Proverbs 25:16
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
1 Timothy 5:23
(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
Titus 2:3
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
Colossians 2:20-23
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Romans 14:21
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Psalm 104:15
And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
Ephesians 5:18-20
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Matthew 7:12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.