Breaking Free from Gluttony: Finding Self-Control Through God's Spirit
In our modern culture, we often make light of sin, treating it as something harmless or even humorous. But sin is far more serious than we realize. The word sin literally means “without,” as in acting without God’s influence in our lives. When we sin, we operate under a fallen influence that leads to spiritual decay and distance from God.
What Are the Seven Deadly Sins?
The early church recognized that even believers continue to struggle in seven key areas, what became known as the Seven Deadly Sins. They aren’t labeled “deadly” because they’re the worst, but because they represent recurring patterns we tend to justify and normalize.
Among these, one that’s easy to overlook yet deeply destructive is gluttony.
Understanding Gluttony Beyond Food
The Biblical Definition of Gluttony
The Apostle Paul warns of people “whose god is their stomach” (Philippians 3:19), describing appetites and desires that control rather than serve us. Gluttony isn’t just about overeating, it’s any area where our appetites have taken over our self-control.
Modern Forms of Gluttony
Today, gluttony shows up in many ways:
Food overconsumption: With 75% of Americans overweight and 40% obese, this is more than personal—it’s cultural.
Alcohol abuse: Overindulgence that numbs rather than nourishes.
Screen addiction: Endless scrolling that robs us of peace and presence.
Gaming obsession: Youth and adults alike losing precious time to virtual worlds.
Information overload: Consuming news, gossip, and entertainment instead of resting in truth.
We can even be gluttons for punishment, continually returning to harmful situations or thought patterns.
Why Do We Struggle with Self-Control?
The Cycle of Shame and Indulgence
Many fall into a loop: overindulgence → guilt → shame → more indulgence. It’s a vicious cycle that feeds on itself.
Using Indulgence as Reward or Punishment
We often treat overconsumption as both comfort and consequence. We say things like, “I’ve earned this,” or “I deserve this,” turning our indulgence into a substitute for peace.
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
The Virtue of Temperance
Scripture consistently calls believers to self-control. Titus 1:8 praises those who are “self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” These are not burdensome restrictions; they’re pathways to true spiritual freedom.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
John Wesley wrote that it’s “the Spirit of God that enables us to govern our tempers and passions, to rule over our appetites.” True self-control doesn’t come from willpower alone, it’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
How Can We Overcome Gluttony?
Recognize the Pattern.
Identify areas where your appetites have taken charge. Awareness opens the door to transformation.
Seek Spiritual Help.
Willpower will fail. The Holy Spirit won’t. Invite His strength into the places where yours runs out.
Find Community Support.
Healing grows in community. Surround yourself with others who will encourage discipline, grace, and balance.
The Freedom of Self-Control
Rest Instead of Restlessness
A desert father once wrote, “He who has self-control in all things, eating, speech, anger, desire, will find rest.” True freedom comes when we’re governed by God’s Spirit within us rather than our cravings outside us.
Balance and Moderation
God’s desire isn’t to strip joy away, but to reorder it. When our spirits set the agenda, we enjoy His blessings in their proper place.
When We Fall Short
Failure is part of growth. When we stumble, grace picks us up. The goal is not perfection, it’s progress.
Life Application: A Week of Honest Reflection
Ask yourself:
What appetites or desires control me more than I control them?
Where do I turn for comfort when I should turn to God?
What boundaries or habits can I put in place to regain balance?
Who can hold me accountable as I grow in self-control?
Self-control isn’t harsh, it’s holy. It’s not about deprivation, it’s about freedom. When the Holy Spirit governs our lives, even our appetites bow to grace.
