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Gluttony: Sin of Lust and Greed (Part One)
Article by Martin G. CollinsGreed, synonymous with gluttony, embodies an insatiable appetite and excessive eagerness for more than is needed. It manifests not only in overeating but also in various forms such as drinking, gambling, and accumulating material possessions. The destructive nature of greed is evident in its ability to control our will, leading us away from self-control, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we succumb to intense craving and lust, we feed the god of excess within us, prioritizing too much, too fast, and too eagerly. This loss of control is a sin, producing negative outcomes like poverty, poor health, and a bad example for others. Overcoming greed, rooted deeply in human nature, requires the help of God's Holy Spirit to nurture wisdom and live righteously, thereby destroying the credibility of false accusations through our actions.
Are All Forms of Gambling or Games of Chance Sin?
Bible Questions & AnswersGreed, as a wrongful desire for another's possessions, is condemned in the Bible as a transgression of God's spiritual law, specifically the commandment against coveting (Exodus 20:17). Any activity rooted in covetousness is considered sin, conflicting with the command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), which is impossible when competing with a coveting attitude. A Christian must not seek to increase personal wealth by depriving others, for when greed is present, the activity is wrong regardless of the wager's value. The Bible warns that those with such an attitude will not inherit the Kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:10; Ephesians 5:3-5), and it cautions against the trap of lusting after riches (I Timothy 6:9-10). Gambling often reflects this greed, seen as a way to gain something without work, contradicting the biblical work ethic that if one will not work, neither shall he eat (II Thessalonians 3:10). Such schemes, driven by a desire to escape work or debt or to strike it rich quickly, bear harmful fruit like neglect of family and poverty (Matthew 7:16; Galatians 6:7-8).
Gambling: A Question of Motive
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe lure of effortless, fast profit through gambling is a clear manifestation of greed. Coveting money and material possessions reflects a mindset of "Get" instead of "Give," focusing on self-gain and competition rather than love toward God and neighbor. The basic problem behind gambling is the covetous desire to acquire gain at someone else's expense, an attitude that is undeniably sin. The tenth commandment declares, "You shall not covet . . . anything that is your neighbor's," and the apostle Paul reinforces this in Hebrews 13:5, urging contentment with what one has. Paul also warns in I Timothy 6:6-10 that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, leading to destruction and sorrow for those consumed by greediness. The motive behind gambling, rooted in self-interest, destroys the godly nature of giving and prevents the building of God's character within us. Gambling, often justified by claims of supporting worthy causes, frequently masks greed with false altruism, as the real intent of giving is seldom genuine. This selfish motive of gain at another's expense blocks the spiritual character growth necessary to be in God's Kingdom.
Spiritual Satisfaction
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Rich Fool illustrates that, when one has all the material possessions he could want, he may still not be rich toward God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Corruption in the courts is a fact of life. We should not be surprised by this curse, realizing that God is aware and is allowing it for a purpose.
Covetousness
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsCovetousness—wanting something with a deep, greedy, envious burning—has reached epidemic proportions. Covetousness is also idolatry.
Biblical Finance
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible is not an economic text, but it does include financial principles that all should know and follow as well as they are able. Here are a few.
A Telling Juxtaposition
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughOne day we acknowledge the lovingkindness of our Creator, and the next we engage in no-holds-barred materialism, illustrating the nation's self-indulgence.
A Warning from Jude (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeBlinded by greed, Balaam used whatever mental gymnastics necessary to arrive at the answer he wanted. He turned the grace of God into a license for evil.
The Philosophy of Black Friday
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBlack Friday stirs up greedy, materialistic, covetous attitudes. When a nation reaches a materialistic mindset, it is on its way to oblivion.
The Tenth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Coveting begins as a desire. Human nature cannot be satisfied, nothing physical can satisfy covetousness, and joy does not derive from materialism.
A Prophecy for Our Time
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The 'change' that was promised has turned out to be national bankruptcy as we plunge into insurmountable debt, leaving us at the mercy of others.
Coming Home to Roost
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAt the root of American industry's troubles are policies and practices that will result in conflict, injustice, and the demise of many companies.
The Tenth Commandment (1998)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOne commentator said all public crime would cease if this one law was kept. Another said every sin against one's neighbor springs from breaking this commandment.
The Eighth Commandment
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThere is more to the eighth commandment than the act of stealing. This Bible Study explores other ways of stealing and how to avoid Satan's way of get.
America's Mercenary Culture
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughSociologists are concerned that the mercenary attitude pervades American culture. What does the Bible about this 'each man for himself' way of life?
Breaking Israel's Pride
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Modern Israel has not yet learned that 'there ain't no free lunch.' The reality of the depth of this crisis has not really hit the national psyche.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasThere are three basic causes for discontentment and three strategies to contentment, enabling us to emulate the apostle Paul's content state of mind.
The Present and Future Crisis (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe United States' enormous debt, coupled with its escalating trade deficit, is inevitably leading to what economist call economic Armageddon.
Who Owns Water?
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsFascist governments would like to put a lock on the world's water supply, making everyone dependent on an unholy alliance between government and business.
The Handwriting is on the Wall (2008)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must allow God to change our lives. The blessings and cursing principle of Deuteronomy 28 remains unchanged, applying to all who have made the covenant.
Back to Life (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus' deliberately delayed His return to Bethany until Lazarus had died so that He could bolster the faith of Martha and His other disciples, then and now.
Why Things Won't Change
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Only by a massive returning to God will the political landscape change for the better. The culture will only change for the worse if mobs get their way.
Balaam and the End-Time Church (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBalaam, motivated by self-interest, believing that the ends justify the means, willing to do anything to get his way, is spiritually inferior to a donkey.
The Love of Money
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe context for the oft-misquoted 'money is the root of all evil' is a warning against ministers who wish to enrich themselves using the pretext of God's Word.
Deceived by His Eyes
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAbram learned that God gives material prosperity to those who are not seeking it. Those who seek riches are destined to fall into a snare.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHabakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.
Balaam and the End-Time Church (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBalaam illustrates the paradox of someone who knows God's will, but willfully and deliberately disobeys, presumptuously thinking he could manipulate or bribe God.
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCoveting—lust—is a fountainhead of many other sins. Desiring things is not wrong, but desiring someone else's things promotes overtly sinful behavior.
Cleansing the Temple and Economics
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerViolently, Christ responded to the corrupt, moneymaking establishment, overturning tables, driving away people and animals. But why did He do so twice?
Daily Thanksgiving
'Ready Answer' by StaffToo many confine their giving of thanks to one day a year. Answering these four questions will help us to evaluate our approach to this spiritual duty.
A Gift Opens Doors
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The bribe seems to be the magic elixir designed to turn a moral man into a pragmatic amoral man.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the Bible, eating can be a symbol of fornication. Like Jacob and Christ, we must learn to curb our appetites, learning to distinguish holy from profane.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhile drunkenness and gluttony show self-centeredness and lack of discipline, often leading to poverty and ill health, moderation is the way to glorify God.
Forgiving, Giving, and Living
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod possesses attributes that are His alone, like omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. But there are other attributes that become part of our new nature.
Slavery and Babylon
'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. CollinsWe are all affected by the enslaving system of Babylon, as servitude comes in many forms: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, economic, and political.
The Eighth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe eighth commandment seems so simple: You shall not steal. Yet, it seems that just about everyone on earth has his hand in someone else's pocket!