Introductory Thoughts
Paul’s description of the enemies of the cross suggests that they were controlled by their bellies. Paul may have meant something other than appetite when he used the word belly, but there can be no doubt that the idea is included. In Romans 16:18, Paul said that “they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly.” In other words, those who are divisive and doctrinally unsound are led by their own lusts. The outcomes of their desires focus upon fulfilling their own lusts which Proverbs and Ecclesiastes reinforce. In Proverbs 16:26, the Bible says that man “laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.” This is repeated in Ecclesiastes 6:7 where the Bible says, “All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.” These are just a few biblical examples of those ruled by appetite.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Jesus performed many miracles while on earth that definitely proved He was the Son of God. After feeding the 5,000, some continued to follow Him, not to become His true disciples, but because they wanted their bellies full without working (John 6:26).
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(For everyone): How much are you controlled by your belly? If you dont know, try fasting. Food is necessary for sustenance, but the Lord still wants control of every aspect of your body.
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What drastic things have men done historically in order to satisfy their hunger (2 Kings 6:25, 28-29)? What would you be willing to do if you had no food?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to show you when you are under your bellys control.
- Ask God to lead you in all things by His Spirit.
Song
WHEREVER HE LEADS I’LL GO
