LOVERS OF PLEASURE MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD

LOVERS OF PLEASURE MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (KJV)
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Supporting Texts: Romans 1:25, Philippians 3:18-19, 1 John 2:15-17, Luke 8:14, James 4:4

INTRODUCTION:
In the age we live in, the spirit of entertainment, indulgence, and self-gratification is increasingly replacing reverence, holiness, and a passion for God. The Apostle Paul, by the Spirit, foresaw a time when people would prefer pleasure over piety. We are in that time today.

Pleasure in itself is not sinful. God created us with the ability to enjoy life, but the problem arises when pleasure becomes our priority and passion, while God becomes secondary or even ignored. When people become addicted to pleasure, it becomes a form of idolatry that rivals the place of God in their lives.

This teaching aims to open our eyes to the spiritual danger of prioritising pleasure above God. As believers, we must examine ourselves to ensure that our affections are not misplaced. A true child of God finds greater satisfaction in the presence of God than in the fleeting pleasures of this world.

1. THE DANGER OF MISPLACED AFFECTION
Many have replaced God with comfort and convenience.

a) The heart determines our direction
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

b) Misplaced affection leads to spiritual decay
When pleasure is prioritised over God, holiness and spiritual disciplines are neglected.

c) Affection for pleasure breeds selfishness
Pleasure-driven people focus on self, not service (Philippians 2:21).

d) Compromise becomes easier when pleasure rules
People who love pleasure often justify sin to protect their comfort.

Biblical Example: Esau, who sold his birthright for a moment of satisfaction (Genesis 25:29–34)

2. PLEASURE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR TRUE WORSHIP
In many lives, pleasure has become a modern-day idol.

a) Pleasure can become an idol in the heart
Romans 1:25 speaks of those who worship the creature more than the Creator.

b) Entertainment can dull spiritual hunger
A constant desire for worldly amusement kills the appetite for God.

c) False worship brings spiritual emptiness
A form of godliness without power results in deception (2 Timothy 3:5).

d) Seeking pleasure above God quenches the Spirit
When pleasure is prioritised, the fire of the Holy Ghost is extinguished.

Biblical Example: The Israelites dancing before the golden calf while Moses communed with God (Exodus 32:1–6)

3. LOVERS OF GOD DESIRE WHAT PLEASES HIM MOST
True love for God will always produce obedience and surrender.

a) Love for God demands sacrifice
Those who love God deny themselves for His sake (Luke 9:23).

b) Loving God means obeying His commands
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

c) Lovers of God pursue holiness over happiness
The believer chooses what pleases God even when it costs them (Hebrews 12:14).

d) True pleasure is found in God’s presence
"In thy presence is fullness of joy..." (Psalm 16:11)

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany, who chose to sit at Jesus’ feet rather than be distracted by serving (Luke 10:38-42)

4. LIVING ABOVE THE LURE OF PLEASURE
Victory over the love of pleasure is possible through discipline and focus.

a) Set your affection on things above
Colossians 3:2 reminds us to seek heavenly priorities.

b) Crucify the flesh and its desires
Galatians 5:24 calls us to put to death the passions of the flesh.

c) Walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh
When we live by the Spirit, we overcome the lure of sin (Galatians 5:16).

d) Choose intimacy with God over indulgence in the world
Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but thee?”

Biblical Example: Daniel, who purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king’s meat (Daniel 1:8)

CONCLUSION:
To love pleasure more than God is a serious danger to the believer’s walk. It may appear subtle, but it is a powerful force that draws the heart away from intimacy with God. If not checked, it leads to a form of religion without power, a faith that is hollow and fruitless.

Let us return to our first love. Let us hunger once again for God’s presence more than for worldly entertainment. When we choose God above all, we will experience the true joy and lasting satisfaction that no worldly pleasure can offer.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every hidden love for worldly pleasure.
2. Father, rekindle my passion and hunger for You.
3. I break free from every addiction to comfort and indulgence.
4. Holy Spirit, help me to prioritise intimacy with God above all.
5. Lord, remove every idol of entertainment in my heart.
6. I receive grace to walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.
7. Lord, make me a true lover of Your presence.
8. Every spirit of lukewarmness in my life, be consumed by fire.
9. I choose eternal values over temporal pleasures in Jesus’ name.
10. Lord, let my life reflect the power and glory of true godliness.