Monday, Genesis 25:19-34 and Hebrews 12:16-17
In Old Testament culture the oldest son was awarded the “birthright,” or an extra portion of the father’s inheritance. In the case of Jacob and Esau, the birthright was the covenant of God as well as material possessions. Esau, Isaac’s elder son, was a man driven by his appetite, and he sold his birthright for a pot of stew. The temporary satisfaction of his physical desire for food was a higher priority than an ongoing relationship with God.
• How did Esau’s actions fulfill the prophecy concerning him and his brother in Genesis 25:23?
• Have you ever made a hasty decision based on physical drives that resulted in long-lasting consequences? What happened?
Tuesday, Isaiah 5:11-12 and Corinthians 9:24-27
It will always be tempting to run with your physical appetites for eating and drinking. Physical desires are strong, and you can allow them to be the deciding factor in your actions. When you practice overindulgence and excess in these areas, you are practicing what the Bible calls “gluttony.” Your decisions on how to handle yourself are based on your understanding of who you are in Christ and how much respect you have for yourself, the work of God’s hands.
• To what or whom is each of the runners in Isaiah 3:11 and 1 Corinthians 9:24 running? What motivates each runner?
• What positive decisions about handling your physical appetites will you make today?
Wednesday, Exodus 16:9-30 and Psalm 78:15-32
After crossing the Red Sea from Egypt, the Israelites found themselves in a desert void of food and water. For forty years God provided a daily supply of water, quail, and manna (bread) to meet their nutritional needs. Most of the Israelites trusted God and depended on God’s food supply to be there. But some of the people tried to hoard an excess of food, which spoiled overnight. Overindulging or hoarding reflects dependence on self rather than God in meeting your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• What did Moses promise the people (Exodus 16:11)? Why?
• In what scenarios are you most likely to overindulge your appetites?
Thursday, Philippians 3:3-21
Paul was experienced in dealing with excess. Before knowing Christ he sought meaning through an insatiable appetite not for food but for overachievement and recognition. After coming into a relationship with Christ, Paul no longer put confidence in the flesh (his own abilities, significance, and habits) but was progressively learning to depend on the resurrection power of Christ in his life.
• How does Paul describe those who put confidence in the flesh rather than in Christ (3: 18-19)?
• What is taking the place of Jesus in your life and needs to die so you can know “the power of his resurrection” instead?
Friday, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 And Luke 21 :29-38
Jesus counseled his followers to be about the right things, always living in expectancy of his promised return to Earth. You are not to get sidetracked by excessive behaviors such as drinking or eating. Paul also advised Jesus’ followers to be sharp and alert, maintaining daily discipline in their relationship with Jesus in order to be prepared to face God, unhindered by the effects of excessive behavior.
• What did Jesus (Luke 21:34-36) and Paul (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8) warn followers to avoid?
• What is your biggest stumbling block when it comes to discipline?
Saturday, Proverbs 23:19-21 And 2 Peter 1:3-11
Scripture gives insight into ways you can help yourself in your struggles with your appetite. Don’t hang out with people who practice the very things that cause you to fall. Surround yourself with people who will support you and hold you accountable in your areas of struggle. Depend moment by moment on Jesus, who has placed his divine power within you and gives you everything you need for health and a God-honoring life.
• From 2 Peter 1:3-4, what is God’s part in helping you live a God-honoring life? From verses 5-9, what is your part?
• Do those closest to you help or hinder your commitment to control your appetites and live a God honoring life?