Introduction

Good morning, dear church family. It's a joy to be here with you today, in this sacred space where we come together to fellowship, to seek wisdom, and to grow in our understanding of God's Word. As we gather here, we are reminded of our shared commitment to living in accordance with God's teachings, and the constant need to navigate the complexities of life while holding fast to our faith.

We live in a world that often encourages us to give in to our desires, to seek instant gratification, and to prioritize our own wants above all else. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a different way of living – one that is marked by discipline, self-control, and a focus on the eternal rather than the fleeting.

Perils of Unbridled Passion

The first Scripture reading from Proverbs paints a vivid picture of the dangers of unchecked passion. It speaks of a man brought to ruin by his lust, of a life wasted in pursuit of fleeting pleasures. It's a stark reminder of the cost of giving in to our baser instincts, of allowing our passions to dictate our actions without regard for the consequences.

But the spiritual cost is even greater. When we allow our passions to rule us, we are essentially turning our backs on God. We are choosing to worship the creature rather than the Creator, to serve our own desires rather than the One who made us.

The second Scripture reading from Romans speaks to this. It talks about how God gave people over to their own lusts, allowing them to dishonor their bodies and exchange the truth of God for a lie. The spiritual cost of unbridled passion, of the damage it can do to our relationship with God.

But the Scriptures also offer hope. They remind us that we are not slaves to our passions, that we have the capacity to choose a different path. The verse from Proverbs 11:6 tells us that the righteousness of the upright will deliver them. This speaks to the power of living a life of discipline, of self-control, of choosing to serve God rather than our own desires.

This requires constant vigilance, a daily commitment to living in accordance with God's teachings. But the rewards are great. A life lived in service to God, a life marked by discipline and self-control, is a life that is truly fulfilling.

Price of Low Living

The first image we encounter is that of a man brought to a piece of bread by means of a whorish woman ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO