Slaying the god of Pleasure Pastor Jon Fulton October 20, 2019 Series: Slaying gods

Idolatry happens when God’s gifts turn into God’s greatest competition

--Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8-11 (NLT) I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world… (cont’d) --Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8-11 (NLT)

--Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8-11 (NLT) I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. (cont’d) --Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8-11 (NLT)

--Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8-11 (NLT) I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless— like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. --Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8-11 (NLT)

--Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT) Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. --Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NLT)

2 Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 3 He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 4 Then David sent messengers to get her… (cont’d) --2 Samuel 11:2-5 (NLT)

…and when she came to the palace, he slept with her …and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. 5 She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. 5 Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.” --2 Samuel 11:2-5 (NLT)

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. --2 Corinthians 1:3 (NLT)

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you… --Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. --John 6:27 (NLT)

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. --John 6:35 (NLT)

Isn’t life more than food? --Matthew 6:25 (NLT)

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. --Psalm 16:5 (NIV)

Slaying the god of Pleasure Pastor Jon Fulton October 20, 2019 Series: Slaying gods