In today's sermon, we explore James 4:1-3 and confront a central question: are we living for our own pleasure, or for the glory of God? As we navigate a culture obsessed with personal gratification—from social media's quick dopamine hits to the processed foods on our shelves—we'll uncover the hidden dangers of hedonism. James challenges us to look beyond short-term pleasures and consider the deeper, lasting joy found in God's presence.
We’ll dive into the Greek term "hedone," which is often translated as "desires" or "pleasures," and examine how this concept manifests in our everyday lives. From the medical field's approach to pain to the endless scrolling designed to keep us coming back for more, we'll see how our pursuit of pleasure often leads to emptiness. Drawing parallels to the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), we'll discuss how chasing pleasure can leave us feeling lost and how true fulfillment comes from surrendering to God.
Ultimately, this sermon invites us to assess where our priorities lie. Are we seeking happiness over holiness, comfort over character? When we align our desires with God's will, we find that the deepest satisfaction comes not from the pursuit of pleasure itself, but from delighting in the Lord.
Primary Passage: James 4:1-3
Other Passages Used: Luke 15:11-32, Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Hashtags: #ChristianHedonism #CityWellChurch #CoatesvillePA #BiblicalTeaching #James4 #ProdigalSon #SeekHoliness #SurrenderToGod #TrueJoy