Gilligan’s Island and the Seven Deadly Sins

 

Section Title:  “Thurston & Lovey Howell

 Lesson Title:  “More and More”

 Biblical Principle:  Greed and Gluttony

 

The Moral of the Story:  Both greed and gluttony are sinful because they seek their security in material things rather than God.  The study also addresses that generosity opposes greed while restraint opposes gluttony.  The goal of this lesson is that, for both greed and gluttony, generosity and restraint proved the right perspective on what we have:  God has blessed us, so that we can bless others.

 

Greed and gluttony are sins of excess – meaning both want more and more.

Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed: a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (NIV).

Proverbs 23:1-3  When you go out to dinner with an influential person, mind your manners:  Don’t gobble your food, don’t talk with your mouth full.  And don’t stuff yourself; bridle your appetite. (The Message).

However contrary to both greed and gluttony, Christ tells us that possessing a good life has little to do with our possessions.  Rather than the latest possession that promises some sort of salvation, the truly good life comes from a relationship with God.

 

Watch Video Lesson #5

  1. Who showed greed?
  2. Who showed generosity?  And how so?

 

Restraint goes against gluttony – it is the virtue that says “NO” to the vice.  A glutton not only consumes to much but refuses to share, thereby showing no sympathy for the needs of others.

Titus 2:11-12  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passion, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. 

 

  1. Who showed gluttony – Mrs. Howell or her guests?
  2. Who showed restraint?  For each, how so?

 

Neither greed nor gluttony likes to lose.  Indeed, these vices tell us to hoard as much as we can.  However, if we practice generosity, the virtue that goes against greed, the Bible says we will get more by giving.  This happens when we give and God provides more – so that the more we give, the more he provides for us to give.  By contrast, the greedy and gluttonous person will come to ruin (Proverbs 11:24-25)

 

  1. What did the Howells lose by siding with Gilligan and the Skipper?
  2. What did they gain?
     

Luke 16:13  No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money!  

When you are greedy and gluttonous, your actions say that God cannot take care of you.  The truth is you simply are not satisfied with what he has provided you – namely, the opportunity to have a relationship with him.  Proverb 23:4  Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.  To receive this peace, first appreciate what you have instead of worrying about what you want.  Secondly strive to live with less instead of always wanting more.  Thirdly, give from what you have rather than adding to your abundance.  Through these steps, you may attain a better perspective on your possessions – and thank God for what he has provide you.

  1. Like the Mr. Howell, has seeing the greed of other spurred you to become more generous?      Discuss

 

“NO” wasn’t always a word in Lovey’s vocabulary.  Similarly, some people simply refuse to have enough.  A gluttonous person gives himself over to worldly passions – only to find that while he consumes them physically, they consume him spiritually.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

  1. Like Mrs. Howell at first, have you refused to be satisfied?

 

Thurston and Lovey refused to abuse their friends for money – a pretty big step for a Howell!  Truly, your relationships with others are a thing too valuable to buy.  Indeed, generosity of this sort shows three positive signs: it places people over money, it places others over self and it places faith in something higher than you to provide for you.

Psalm 112:5  In fact, for those who are generous and just, God promises a blessing.

  1. Like the Howells at the end, have you refused to benefit at the expense of others?

 

ACTION / Living on the Island

Psalm 119:36-37  Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain.  Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

While no one is sufficient to do these things on their own, God will provide the security and strength you need to accomplish them.  Tellingly, weak, insecure people usually lack the virtues of generosity and restraint.  The fact that God loves you is already apparent from what he has previously given you – your live, family, friends, the opportunity to know him.  Interestingly, when you begin to trust the Lord, your focus actually changes from your wants to others’ needs, as you live less for self and more for him.  For both greed and gluttony, generosity and restraint provide the right perspective on what you have:  God has blessed you, so that you can bless others.

1. Why should you not be greedy?   2.  How can you stop being gluttonous?   3.  How will God provide for your needs

 

This Week

  1. Read John 3:16 daily devotional days 36-40.

 

Next Sunday: Lesson will focus on Deadly Sin of Envy and Holy Virtues of Contentment


Back