the god of pleasure

by Oct 20, 2019gods, Sermon

If given the choice between good feelings or bad, we would usually choose good. Let’s face it, good feelings are pleasurable. But pleasure as a life-goal leads to bad things. All around us are false gods that scream for our attention and devotion. And pleasure can become one of those false gods. Without our realizing it, pleasure can hold us captive.

Discussion Questions

In what ways is our culture addicted to the god of pleasure? What is the relationship between narcissism and hedonism?

Compare the truths found in 1 Timothy 6:17 and James 5:5. How do you reconcile legitimate enjoyment with destructive pleasure?

Read James 4:1-4. What is the consequence of misplaced pleasure? How do you know the difference between good pleasure and bad pleasure?

If you’re an American you might feel that happiness is a right and therefore pleasure becomes a goal. Read John 8:29 and Romans 15:1-3. Briefly summarize the concepts in these verses.

Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. What wisdom about life do you find in Solomon’s words? How is your life different from what you expected it to be?

There’s no greater goal in life than to please God (2 Corinthians 5:9). How does a person please God? What excites you most about your growth toward pleasing God?

Further Reading

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the god of approval

We all want approval. At some level, we all want to be liked and affirmed. Seeking approval by itself is not necessarily bad, but seeking it in the wrong source is. When we make human approval our ultimate value, then we make approval into an idol, worshipping a false...

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the god of control

There is one true God. But all around us are substitute gods competing for our devotion. You don’t have to bow down to a statue to be an idolater. False gods are everywhere. One false god that screams for our attention is the god of control. When we’re satisfied only...