Sermons on Worthless Pleasures:

Jesus Pronounces Woes

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Oct 5, 2013

Jesus teaches us that woes serve as warnings about finding ultimate satisfaction with present pleasures.

Scripture Last week we began studying Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain” that is recorded for us in the Gospel of Luke 6:20-49. Jesus’ sermon was about the kingdom of God. He drew a contrast between two ways of life. He explained the difference between those who belong to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:24-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Acceptable Fasting

Contributed by Dr. Abraham Obadare on Dec 16, 2017

In the sight of God, fasting is not just denying oneself the pleasure of food but actually meeting the needs of others.

Memory Verse: “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6 NKJV Definition: According to The New Unger's Bible Dictionary, fasting in the Hebrew language is called ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Search For Meaning Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 23, 2023

In your pursuit of meaning in life, look beyond your own hands; look beyond your own head; and look beyond your own heart. Look beyond the sun to the Lord, who died for you and rose again.

Since its founding in 1995, people have used eBay to sell billions of items. They include some odd products and occasionally something priceless. For example… In 1954, the great physicist Albert Einstein penned a personal letter to philosopher Erik Gutkind in which he defended his views on ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, Ecclesiastes 2:1-17, John 10:10

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Secret Of Ineffective Prayer Series

Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Jul 26, 2006

Most unanswered prayer goes back to our not doing something right to begin with, so we need to make sure that our prayers are not obstructed by worthless and unnecessary obstacles

The Secrets of Ineffective Prayer Griffith Baptist Church – 7/23/06 P.M. Service Text: Matthew 6:5-15 Theme: Most unanswered prayer goes back to our not doing something right to begin with. We need to make sure that our prayers are not obstructed by worthless and unnecessary ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15

Denomination: Baptist

Poverty Can Be Caused By Excessive Consumption Series

Contributed by Henry Trocino Jr. on Apr 9, 2017

Part 14 of the Sermon Series, "Rich Man Poor Man in Proverbs"

"Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags" (Prov. 23:19-21). The wise writer particularly addresses his words to a young ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:19-21, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 23:29-30, Deuteronomy 2:18-21

Denomination: Baptist

Their Rock Is Not As Our Rock

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 30, 2018

What has God done for me lately? We need to remember the distinction of God as contrasted to the varied "gods" of this dying world.

“Their rock is not as our Rock; our enemies are by themselves.” [1] Our world adulates success; however, the world defines success by a standard of its own making. To a far greater degree than we might ever admit, we Christians have been infected with the attitudes of this fallen world. We ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Renewed Vision

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on May 20, 2025

This New Year’s Eve sermon challenges believers to reflect on perseverance through hardship and to anchor their goals not just in ambition, but in the eternal path, presence, and pleasures found in Christ.

Not Giving Up As I was preparing for today, I just want to share with you where my heart was yesterday as I was preparing for this morning: we had a hundred opportunities this year to quit. We had a hundred opportunities to quit on Jesus. Maybe you were disappointed and you clung to him. Maybe you ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:1-11, Psalm 119:103-105, John 14:6, John 4:13-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

My Joy Shall Not Be Stolen At The End Of The Year Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Dec 25, 2025

This sermon emphasizes God’s power to preserve joy in the life of believers, ensuring that trials, setbacks, or manipulations cannot steal the divine happiness meant to crown the year.

MY JOY SHALL NOT BE STOLEN AT THE END OF THE YEAR By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Nehemiah 8:10 Key Verse: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Supporting Texts: Psalm 16:11; John 15:11; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:4; Isaiah 61:3 INTRODUCTION: The end of ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The At Risk Generation

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Nov 21, 2002

We study how the Wine, Dine, and Whine attitude of seeking pleasure and entertainment, that is putting this generation AT RISK!

THE AT RISK GENERATION. PLEASURE SEEKERS By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: Philippians 3: 19 WHOSE END IS DESTRUCTION, WHOSE god IS THEIR BELLY, AND WHOSE GLORY IS IN THEIR SHAME, WHO MIND EARTHLY THINGS. Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:19, Hebrews 11:25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Wait Of Glory

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Jun 19, 2007

MP: God has nothing against pleasure – he’d just rather give you joy.

Long Branch Baptist Church Halfway, Virginia; est. 1786 Sunday, June 03, 2007 Enter to Worship Prelude David Witt Meditation Invocation Michael Hollinger *Opening Hymn #182 “For the Beauty of the Earth” Welcome & Announcements Morning Prayer [See Insert] *Hymn #541 “The Joy of the ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Life's Meaning

Contributed by Neal Gracey on Mar 10, 2007

What is the meaning of life? King Solomon was blessed and vexed with the 3 P’s. Power, Possessions, and Pleasure

Ecclesiastes 1:1-9 Finding Life’s Meaning Ecclesiastes is one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible and it’s too bad because Ecclesiastes is a divinely inspired meditation on one of the most profound questions asked by man: “What is the meaning of Life?” Q. What is the meaning of life? ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Distinction Of Joy & Happiness

Contributed by William Meakin on Mar 20, 2025

Joy is defined in the dictionary as a feeling of great pleasure and exultation, whereas happiness is regarded as a state of elation or cheerfulness.

Adela Rogers St. Johns, a female American journalist and novelist once remarked: “Joy seems to me a step beyond happiness - happiness is a sort of atmosphere you can live in sometimes when you're lucky. Joy is a light that fills you with hope and faith and love." John 15:11 reminds us: ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22, John 14:16, 1 Peter 5:7, Romans 16:17

Will Money Make Me Happy? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 19, 2023

Explores finding true pleasure, prosperity, and purpose in God, not in worldly pursuits, through understanding the seasons of life.

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a joy to be with you all today, gathered in God's house, ready to receive His Word. We're here, not because of any obligation or tradition, but because we love the Lord and we seek His wisdom and guidance in our lives. We're here because we ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Topics: Eat, Drink, Merry

What Is Your Name? Week 1 Series

Contributed by Randy Bennett on Aug 17, 2004

Satan, the father of lies, has convinced us that we are worthless sinners. What does God say about us - and how hard is it for us to accept it?

What is Your Name? Big Idea: Satan has deceived us into believing that we are simple humans, just “sinners, saved by grace.” God calls us His children and Jesus tells us that we are made new in Him. Which voice are we listening to? Scripture: John 10:10 2 Corinthians 5:17 Romans 6:1-14 1 Peter ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God’s Name Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 23, 2008

An application of the third commandment not to take up God’s Name in a worthless or false way, but rather to honor God’s name by what we say and do.

God’s Name (Exodus 20:7) Just a little over 10 years ago (1997), a 14-year-old student, Nathan Zohner, circulated a petition to ban the use of dihydrogen monoxide. According to Zohner, dihydrogen monoxide “may cause severe burns, accelerates the corrosion and rusting of many metals, and has been ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:7

Denomination: Evangelical Free