Proverbs: Lust of the Flesh, Part 1 - Food & Wine - Steve Gregg

https://thenarrowpath.com | In this talk by Steve Gregg, he discusses the contrast between the things of the world and the things of God as described in Proverbs. He reminds us that while God gives us things to enjoy, we must exercise restraint in indulging our cravings at inappropriate times and in inappropriate ways. Gregg also offers caution when it comes to alcohol and warns against the dangers of excess and inappropriate use. Ultimately, he encourages following God's laws and avoiding anything that hinders us from making correct judgments and bringing glory to God. | Transcript: https://opentheo.org/i/5683542729742041441/proverbs-food-and-wine

Outline by Grok 3:
Outline of Lecture: Proverbs: Food and Wine by
Steve Gregg
1 Introduction
• Context: Nearing the end of a Proverbs series, focusing on frequent topics.
• Theme: Avoiding the worlds traps, specifically the lust of the flesh (1 John 2:1517).
• Biblical contrast: Worldly desires (lust of the flesh, eyes, pride of life) versus Gods
will (James 4:4).
2 Understanding the Lust of the Flesh
• Definition:
– Flesh can mean the body or fallen nature; here, it refers to bodily cravings (1
John 2:16).
– Bodily desires: Food, drink, sleep, and sex, designed by God for survival and
enjoyment.
• Gods design:
– Desires are not corrupt; God gives things to enjoy (1 Timothy 4:4, 6:17).
– Example: Adam and Eves paradise, pleasurable to the senses.
• Need for governance:
– Bodily desires are undiscerning, requiring restraint (1 Corinthians 9:27).
– Unbelievers follow fleshly desires without conflict; Christians face a mind-flesh
conflict (Romans 7:1923; Ephesians 2:23).
3 Proper Enjoyment of Food
• Biblical perspective:
– Food is a gift to be enjoyed with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:34).
– Honey as a symbol of pleasure: Good in moderation, harmful in excess (Proverbs
25:16, 27).
• Warnings against gluttony:
1
– Proverbs 21:17: Loving pleasure (e.g., rich food, oil) leads to poverty.
– Proverbs 23:13, 6: Restrain appetite when dining with rulers or misers to avoid
manipulation.
– Proverbs 30:2122: A fool filled with food becomes proud and disruptive.
• Practical restraint:
– Example: Daniels refusal of the kings delicacies to honor God (Daniel 1).
– Health considerations: Avoid foods that harm health or overeating during
fasting.
4 Proper Use and Dangers of Alcohol
• Biblical view of alcohol:
– Not inherently evil; has medicinal and heart-gladdening value (1 Timothy 5:23;
Proverbs 31:67).
– Used in ancient times to purify water, consumed diluted at meals.
• Dangers of excess:
– Proverbs 20:1: Wine mocks, leads to brawling and poor judgment.
– Proverbs 21:17: Loving wine impoverishes.
– Proverbs 23:2935: Describes alcoholismwoe, sorrow, hallucinations, and addiction.
– Proverbs 31:45: Kings (and Christians) must avoid intoxication to maintain
clear judgment.
• Personal reflection:
– Greggs experiences: Unpleasant effects of slight overconsumption; no desire
to alter consciousness.
– Cultural note: Addiction to alcohol or drugs can ruin finances and lives.
5 Temptation, Lust, and Sin
• Distinction:
– Lust (desire) is not sin until it conceives through approval (James 1:1315).
– Temptation is not sin; sin occurs when one chooses to indulge (Matthew 5:28).
• Christian responsibility:
– Resist temptation, governing desires to avoid sins consequences (death).
– Solomons advice: Govern appetites to live virtuously.
2
6 Conclusion
• Summary: Food and wine are Gods gifts but require restraint to avoid worldly
entrapment.
• Call to action: Eat and drink to Gods glory, exercising moderation (1 Corinthians
10:31).
• Final note: Prioritize spiritual interests over bodily pleasures to maintain sound
judgment and honor God.

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