The Pleasure Seekers

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Southeast Christian Church

Nov 8, 2022

The second way of life that Paul describes in his letter to the Philippians is that of the pleasure seekers. In stark contrast with the ruler keepers who pride themselves on following all the rules and being constantly “good enough”, Paul says that pleasure seekers brag about the shameful things that they have done or continue to do. This is something most of us struggle with, even though it is sometimes difficult to recognize in ourselves. Think about it though: How much money have you stored up for yourself? How many hours have you been lazy playing video games or scrolling through social media? We can boast and pridefully discuss the worldly “accomplishments” we have achieved when these things are not good or pleasing to God.

The pleasure seeker lives for the here and now. Everything needs to feel good for them. This precise moment is all there is and all that matters, so considerations don’t need to be made for the future impact that these decisions make. The way of the pleasure seeker ends in shame though. This way of living leaves you feeling empty because you are filling yourself and your time with things of this world that will never satisfy you in the way that you are searching for.

We read in Philippians 3:10-11 that Paul states, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Paul says that he wants to suffer with Jesus; hence, being a pleasure seeker doesn't fulfill him. Paul wants his readers to know that the worldly things that promise pleasure, contentment, and satisfaction in that moment will never be able to do what a relationship with Jesus can.

Reflection/Discussion Question: What is an area of your life where you seek out the immediate pleasures of this world over the things of Jesus?

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