Spiritual Stomachs - Guarding Your Appetites

Feb 8, 2026    Mike Abbott

This powerful message invites us to examine what truly fills our spiritual stomachs and drives our deepest appetites. Drawing from Mark 7 and Philippians 3, we're challenged to understand that spiritual uncleanness doesn't come from external sources but from within our hearts. The sermon confronts a sobering reality: many people today live as though their stomach is their god, consumed by insatiable appetites for temporary, earthly things that lead to destruction and shame. But there's hope for those of us who recognize we're not mere animals driven by cravings—we're image-bearers of our Creator, called to a higher standard. The message beautifully contrasts dietary rules with divine renewal, reminding us that true transformation comes not from self-imposed regulations but from the Holy Spirit working within us. We're encouraged to develop a holy hunger for God's Word, to taste and see that the Lord is good, and to crave spiritual milk like newborn babies. The climax comes with Jesus's radical call in John 6 to completely consume Him—not just taste or chew, but fully swallow and commit our entire lives to Him. This isn't about partial devotion; it's about making Christ the bread we hold onto when everything else fails. What are we truly hungry for today?