September 28, 2025

The Destruction of Gluttony

Sermon Series:

Weeds

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Philippians 3:18-21

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. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Main Idea

Outline

Digging In Gluttony is embracing deviance (vv18-19a) Gluttony is ingesting destruction (vv19b-20a) Gluttony is inviting distraction (vv20b-21) Pulling Weeds The Cross models selflessness Godliness guards your Yes with a thousand No’s Don’t let the temporary determine your eternal

Discussion Questions

Read Philippians 3:18-21. Paul contrasts those who live as enemies of the cross with those whose citizenship is in heaven. What stands out most to you in this passage?

Verse 19 says, “Their god is their stomach.” What do you think Paul means by that? How might gluttony include more than just food? What kinds of things—comforts, pleasures, desires—can become a “stomach god” in our culture today? Paul describes those ruled by their appetites as headed for destruction. Why do you think unchecked gluttony leads to destruction in body, mind, and spirit?

In contrast, Paul lifts our eyes to heaven, reminding us that our citizenship is there. How does focusing on our heavenly citizenship give us power to resist earthly excesses?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. What does it mean to “eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”? How does this reframe the way we think about food and desire?

Theological Reflection

Gluttony is ultimately not about food but about worship. It reveals whether we worship the Creator or created things. How does this perspective change how we approach habits of eating, drinking, consuming, or indulging?

Application

This week, identify one area where the desire for comfort or excess has too much control in your life. Pray for God’s strength to surrender it. Practice gratitude before each meal—not just a quick prayer, but truly thanking God for His provision and asking Him to help you glorify Him in how you eat and live. Consider fasting from food or another appetite-driven practice for one meal or one day this week as a way to re-center your heart on Christ.

Closing

If Paul says “their end is destruction, their god is their stomach,” how can your life show the opposite—that your end is glory, your God is Christ, and your mind is set on heaven?