“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God remains forever.” —1 John 2:15-17
The Seductiveness of Sensual Pleasures and Entertainment
“All of man’s labor is for nothing more than to fill his stomach –yet his appetite is never satisfied!” —Ecclesiastes 6:7
“For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another. ” —Titus 3:3
“All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.” —James 1:17
“For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.” — 1 Timothy 4:4-5
- Is this pleasure wholesome or sinful? (Hebrews 11:25)
- Am I more devoted to pleasure than I am to God? (2 Timothy 3:2-4)
- Does this pleasure get in the way of what God wants me to be doing? (James 5:5)
The Seductiveness of Money and Possessions
Fueled by the magnetism of greed — the more we have, the more we want. (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 12:15-21; 1 Timothy 6:9-10)
God is the owner of everything and we are to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to our care.
“O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You, Lord, have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all. You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all.”
—1 Chronicles 29:11-12
- Is my desire for money and material things stronger than my love and devotion to God? (Matthew 6:19-24)
- Am I content with the material blessings God has given me or am I consumed with getting more? (Philippians 4:12)
- Am I putting my hope and trust in my material resources or in God? (1 Timothy 6:17)
The Seductiveness of Fame and Power
Fueled by the glory of pride — the more praise and recognition we receive, the more we solicit. (Proverbs 25:6, 27; 30:32)
God has created us for greatness. But He wants us to concentrate on exalting Him, not ourselves. (Psalm 8:5; 2 Timothy 1:7)
- Am I serving others or demanding to be served? (Matthew 20:26)
- Am I building God’s kingdom or my own? (Matthew 6:33)
- Am I doing everything for the glory of God or seeking glory for myself? (1 Corinthians 10:31)