Sermons on Material Pleasure:

The Three Fools

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 28, 2016

Almost like the 3 Stooges, the Bible describes 3 types of fools: the Mental Fool, the Mocking Fool, and the Material Fool. We need to examine ourselves to make sure we don't fall into one of these three categories.

THE THREE FOOLS Psalms 14:1-7 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. The Three Stooges were a comedy act that built on the ignorance of 3 men: Moe, Larry, & Curly. In this episode, Curly’s trying to save a woman’s reputation and displays his fear of mice and penchant for ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 14:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Set Your Heart On Heavenly Treasure

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Aug 4, 2025

Jesus warned his followers that they would be tempted to “set their hearts” on things of little value. If they did that they would not “set their hearts” on what is priceless. Jesus used similar words but in reverse to say that what we treasure will be where our heart goes.

In 1799, twelve-year-old Conrad Reed, skipped Sunday School to go fishing. He found a place to fish along Little Meadow Creek on his family’s farm in North Carolina. While standing by the creek, young Conrad saw what he thoughts was a “yellow rock shining in the water.” With some effort he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

Denomination: Lutheran

A Messiah Who Gives Caution Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jul 29, 2009

We need to heed Jesus’ cautions and steer clear of the traps of life.

A Messiah Who Gives Caution Text: Matt. 6:19-24 Introduction 1. Illustration: Several years ago at a Promise Keepers conference, Dennis Rainey placed animal traps on stage. They were big ones too. Bear traps and even an African safari large animal trap that took two men to open. There were a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Methodist

Money Talks Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 13, 2021

In James 5, James comes down very hard on the rich and the sins that often accompany materialism. What we do with our money declares what we value and love. So, what is your use of money saying about you?

Introduction: A. One evening a husband was balancing the checkbook and said to his wife, “You know the old saying, ‘money talks’? Well, ours just said, ’So long!’” 1. I know that we all feel that way sometimes, don’t we? 2. The world we live in runs on money, and it seems that we never have enough ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-6, Luke 6:24-25, Luke 18:24, Matthew 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 6:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christian Atheist: Money Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 10, 2015

Do we really trust in God? Do we really trust in our money? Do we say we believe in God and yet live as though He doesn’t exist? Do we say we trust in God and in His security and yet live as though we trust only in money?

This sermon is based off of a few ideas in Craig Groeschel’s book “The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn’t Exist.” Zondervan, 2010. ISBN: 9780310332220 CHRISTIAN ATHEIST: MONEY 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 INTRODUCTION… “In God We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Jesus Gave His Disciples A Goal Greater Than Their Own Pleasures

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

How Jesus Gave His Disciples a Goal Greater than Their Own Pleasures - John 14:12-16

How Jesus Gave His Disciples a Goal Greater than Their Own Pleasures - John 14:12-16 Many people lack motivation because they do not have a higher goal than merely pleasing themselves. Jesus gave His disciples a purpose that would transcend their earthly worries and pleasures. Jesus said, "If you ...read more

Scripture: John 14:12-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Gave His Disciples A Goal Greater Than Their Own Pleasures

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 17, 2006

Many people lack motivation because they do not have a higher goal than merely pleasing themselves. Jesus gave His disciples a purpose that would transcend their earthly worries and pleasures. Jesus said, "If you believe in Me… you will do even greater wo

How Jesus Gave His Disciples a Goal Greater than Their Own Pleasures by Paul Fritz John 14:12-14:16 How Jesus Gave His Disciples a Goal Greater than Their Own Pleasures - John 14:12-16 Many people lack motivation because they do not have a higher goal than merely pleasing themselves. Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 14:12-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Among Secular Gods, Part 5 - When Pleasure Becomes Perilous Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Nov 14, 2019

This is part 5 of Jesus Among Secular Gods, based on the book by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale. This week the dangers of hedonism in our lives, churches, and cultures are discussed.

Hedonism is all about happiness or pleasure. Happiness and pleasure are good things, but when we make happiness and pleasure the highest forms of good, we miss out on the best God has for us. In the movie, The Matrix, it is discovered that machines have taken over the world and are channeling ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:3-9, Galatians 5:19-20, Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, Luke 8:14, Proverbs 21:17, Philippians 4:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Love What Matters Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God's love is eternal and unconditional, unlike the temporary and conditional love of the world. We must make a daily decision to choose God's love and values over worldly desires.

Imagine you're starving, and you have a choice between a candy bar and a healthy meal. The candy bar might taste good for a moment, but it won't fill you up or give you the nutrients you need. That's like choosing the world's temporary pleasures over God's lasting love. That's like choosing the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17

Topics: Spiritual Growth, Divine Love, Materialism, Spiritual Priorities

What's The Big Deal About Easter Anyway?

Contributed by Horace Wimpey on Mar 21, 2015

Peter shares with his readers the importance of what Jesus did for us on Easter.

What’s The Big Deal About Easter Anyway? 1 Peter 1: 3-6a (NLT) Intro: There are some popular commercials out today trying to get you to buy insurance. I’m sure you have seen then. They are the ones that tell you that you can save 15% in 15 minutes. They started that ad campaign many ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Gift Of Enjoying Life

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 24, 2014

The ability to enjoy life’s blessings with intensity is a gift from God, yet, like eternal life, many will not receive that gift.

The Gift of Enjoying Life Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 1. The Wildcat Creek here in Kokomo, IN begins building momentum on the east near the town of Phlox. According to Neil Laymon of the Wildcat Guardians, The Mud Creek, Turkey Creek and a third Creek (Grass Creek) are separate ground-fed streams that ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 6:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Hope Amid Hedonism Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 7, 2012

Much of today's attack on Christian morality and natural marriage results from the conflict between a Biblical understanding of what it means to be human and hedonism.

Nineteenth Sunday in Course 2012 Verbum Domini Ann Scheidler of the Thomas More Society recently wrote her supporters a letter that told a rather startling, but unsurprising story: “Twenty-five militant homosexual couples–most of whom live outside of Cook County [Illinois]–barged ...read more

Denomination: Catholic

Who's On First?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Aug 5, 2014

If the Christian life was a game of baseball, then who is at first base will determine how successful you will be in your Christian life. Spiritually, it is important who is on first in your life. It's a matter of priorities.

Who's on First? Matthew 6:24-34 Coach Bobby Bowden of Florida State liked to inspire his teams with parables. According to Tennessee Titans center Kevin Long, who played under Bowden, one of Bowden’s favorite stories centered on his playing days in college baseball. Bowden had never hit ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 5—perfect Man In The Midst Of Enemies. Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 23, 2018

He wanted the Lord to carefully think about what he called here his “meditation;” that is, he desired him not merely to listen to his “words,” but to the secret and unexpressed desires of his soul.

Thursday, January 9, 2014 Tom Lowe Psalm 5—Perfect Man in the Midst of Enemies. 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Protects Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 14, 2022

God providentially accomplishes His purposes through people.

This is a picture of Anatoly, a 26-year-old member of Irpin Bible Church in Ukraine. His last act on earth was carrying the suitcase of a young mother and her two children, as they raced across a collapsed bridge. All four died when a bomb landed nearby. After evacuating his wife Diana and other ...read more

Scripture: Acts 25:1-27

Denomination: Baptist