Self-indulgence

The desire to satisfy selfish cravings

Ephesians 2:3 ESV

among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

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Examples of self-indulgent desires

Selfish ambition

James 3:14–16 ESV

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

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The desire for one’s own way

Isaiah 56:11–12 ESV

The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all. “Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.”

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The desire for sexual gratification

Galatians 5:19 ESV

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

See also

Israelites’ immorality with Moabite women:

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David’s adultery with Bathsheba; Amnon’s rape of Tamar; the lure of the adulteress; sexual sin in the church at Corinth; sexual desires of false teachers

The desire for wealth

James 5:3–5 ESV

Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.

See also Achan; Samuel’s sons; Jehoiakim, king of Judah; the people of Judah; false teachers in Crete

Indulgence in food and drink

Isaiah 22:13 ESV

and behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

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Abandoning restraint

Ephesians 4:19 ESV

They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

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The consequences of self-indulgence

Self-indulgence proves futile

Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 ESV

I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

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Self-indulgence leads to ruin

Proverbs 21:17 ESV

Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

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Self-indulgence brings God’s judgment

Romans 2:8 ESV

but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

See also ; ; God’s judgment on Nebuchadnezzar’s selfish pride; God’s judgment on Israel’s pampered upper-class women; God’s judgment on Israel’s self-indulgent nobility;

Dealing with self-indulgence

Receiving new life through Jesus Christ

Dealing with self-indulgence requires an inner transformation.

See also ;

Romans 13:14 ESV

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

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Living in accordance with the Spirit:

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Seeking God’s will

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Self-control

1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 ESV

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

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Ruthless self-denial

Colossians 3:5 ESV

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

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Consideration for others

Galatians 5:13 ESV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

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Generosity

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