In the biblical context, the concept of appetite extends beyond mere physical hunger to encompass desires and cravings that can lead individuals away from spiritual discipline and righteousness. The Scriptures provide guidance on maintaining control over one's appetites, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and the dangers of succumbing to excessive desires.

Biblical References and Principles

1. Self-Control as a Fruit of the Spirit: The Apostle Paul highlights self-control as a vital aspect of Christian living. In Galatians 5:22-23 (BSB), he lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control, indicating that mastery over one's appetites is a sign of spiritual maturity: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

2. Discipline in All Things: Paul further illustrates the importance of discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (BSB), where he compares the Christian life to an athlete's training: "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."

3. Warnings Against Gluttony and Excess: Proverbs 23:20-21 (BSB) warns against the dangers of gluttony and excessive indulgence: "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This passage underscores the potential consequences of failing to keep one's appetites in check.

4. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of self-control and subjection of appetite. During His temptation in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-4 (BSB), Jesus resists the devil's temptation to turn stones into bread, demonstrating His commitment to spiritual priorities over physical needs: "But Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

5. The Call to Holiness: Believers are called to live holy lives, which includes controlling their appetites. 1 Peter 1:14-16 (BSB) exhorts Christians to be holy in all their conduct: "As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Practical Applications

· Fasting and Prayer: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps believers focus on God and gain mastery over their physical appetites. It is a practice that encourages reliance on God for strength and sustenance.

· Mindful Living: Christians are encouraged to live mindfully, being aware of their desires and ensuring that their actions align with their faith. This involves making conscious choices that reflect their commitment to God.

· Accountability and Community: Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability in maintaining self-control. Fellowship with others who share similar values can strengthen one's resolve to keep appetites in subjection.

By adhering to these biblical principles and practices, believers can cultivate a life that honors God through the disciplined management of their appetites and desires.Daniel 1:8-16
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Nave's Topical Index

Questions and Answers
... In this respect the apostle Paul kept his body under and brought every appetite
and propensity into subjection to serve him, rather than he should serve them ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xii questions and answers.htm

Called to Reach a Higher Standard
... whose eternal interests are at stake, bring appetite and passion ... my body, and bring
it into subjection: lest that ... One goal he kept ever before him, and strove ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 30 called to reach.htm

1 Timothy ii. 15-Nov
... "Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. ... the women, from such teaching,
kept silence; but ... he transgressed, not captivated by appetite, but merely ...
/.../homily ix 1 timothy ii.htm

First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ...
... love of God; self-will, by subjection and obedience ... will sweetly subdued, the rebellious
appetite gradually conquered ... The heart can never be kept until its case ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/first i am to consider.htm

Of the Fourth Kind of General Mortifications, viz...
... and mortification do produce a greater subjection of sensual ... besides the inward motion
of the appetite he could ... any entry into the soul, which is kept as the ...
/.../chapter viii of the fourth.htm

Bardesan.
... intermingling one with another, and being kept in subjection ... Governors: for he is
a slave and in subjection. ... which is used occasionally for appetite, and forms ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents bardesan.htm

That There was Created at First but one Individual, and that the ...
... such sort, that if he remained in subjection to His ... as his rightful Lord, and piously
kept His commandments ... the beasts do,"the slave of appetite, and doomed ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 21 that there was created.htm

Of the First Covenant Made with Man
... it looked upright towards God,"had no appetite, no delight ... were under a powerful
commander, who kept them under ... remember his own homage and subjection to God ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxi of the first.htm

Whether Only the Sin of Pride and Envy Can Exist in an Angel?
... in such affection the rule of the superior be not kept. ... not to be subject to a superior
when subjection is due. ... to be in them, since for the appetite to tend ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether only the sin of.htm

At the Marriage Feast
... that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good ... Christ teaches us to bring the lower
nature into subjection. ... order to break the power of appetite, He suffered ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 15 at the marriage.htm

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