Sermon Outline – Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 30, 2025
Title: Gluttony
Text: Philippians 3:17-21

1. The Belly vs. the Cross
Paul contrasts citizens of heaven with those who worship their appetites.
Gluttony is not just about food; it’s about seeking comfort and pleasure in earthly things rather than God.

“Their god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19) – a warning against making temporary satisfaction our ultimate goal.

2. Recognizing Gluttony in Our Lives
Gluttony is more than overeating; it manifests in neglecting health, overworking, or seeking distractions to avoid deeper issues.

The root problem: trying to fill a spiritual hunger with physical solutions or as Fredrich Buechner says, "“It (gluttony) is looking to the icebox to fix our spiritual malnutrition”

3. The True Nature of Happiness
Happiness isn’t found in fleeting pleasures but in a combination of enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose.

Earthly attempts to find happiness will always fall short.

4. The Antidote: Jesus Christ
Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and Living Water (John 7;37-39). He satisfies eternally.
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit—not just willpower but God’s power working in us.
Fasting helps rewire our cravings and redirect our focus to God.

5. Grace for When We Fall
Failure is not final—Jesus calls us to lean in, not run away.
Rather than self-condemnation, bring your struggles to Christ and rest in His grace.
Trust Jesus enough to bring your brokenness to Him