March 9, 2008
The Seven Deadly
Sins: Greed, Gluttony, & Lust
Dr. Will Jones
First Presbyterian Church,
Proverbs 23:1-5, 19-21; 2 Samuel 13:6-19; Luke
12:15
Summary: The season of Lent is the time for
Christians to examine our hearts and determine which types of sin harm us and
our relationship with God and others.
The Seven Deadly Sins are those that the Church has identified as
especially damaging for our moral lives.
Greed, gluttony, & lust are all manifestations of appetites that go
too far. We can pursue and enjoy good
things to the point of dangerous excess, and thus we sin against God and others
by our thoughts and actions.
Outline:
I. The Season of Lent
a.
A
time of honesty about our own intentions
b.
What
really motivates you?
II. The Seven Deadly Sins
a.
Pride,
Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Sloth, & Anger
III. Appetites & desires
a.
The
body: natural and good; created by God.
b.
Where
is the line drawn between good and dangerous?
IV. GREED
a.
Definition:
the inordinate love of money and material possessions, and the avid dedication
of oneself to their pursuit.
b.
Examples
c.
The
deadly irony of the never-ending cycle of greed/dissatisfaction/unhappiness
d.
Lee
Atwater’s dying epiphany
V. GLUTTONY
a.
Definition:
the over-consumption of food and drink to the point of indulgence and waste; a
misplaced, immoderate, or obsessive approach toward food or drink.
b.
Examples
c.
Eat
to satisfy hunger or to get “full”?
VI. LUST
a.
Definition:
an intense desire for sexual gratification in
unrestrained and unethical actions, relationships,
or addictions.
b.
Examples
c.
Statistics
on lust running wild in our world
d.
What
problems, broken relationships, tragedies, & crimes
would go away if people could control their
lust?
VII.
Deadly Sins offset by Holy
Virtues:
a.
Generosity
b.
Moderation
c.
Self-control
For a copy of this sermon, click here …