05/05/2026
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY:
THE BATTLE THAT DESTROYS A MAN*
*Text: Romans 7:7-23*
Background: The Real Battlefield Is Inside*
1. The battle that destroys a man is more internal than external* _Rom 7:23_
External enemies can be resisted. But the enemy collapses a man from the inside out.
2. *Man is the architect of the internal battle*
We don’t stumble into it by accident. We feed it through our choices and desires.
3. *That battle is mostly covetousness* – an uncontrolled appetite.
*Definition: What is Covetousness?*
1. *An excessive desire to have what belongs to another* – wealth, position, spouse, influence. _Exodus 20:17_
2. *The absence of contentment 1 Tim 6:6-8_
3. *A vice to hate, not a virtue* _Prov 6:16-19_
4. *A destiny-killer for believers* _1 Tim 6:9-10_ – it pierces a man with many sorrows and derails purpose.
*The Core of the Internal Battle: Uncontrolled Appetite*
*Covetousness = appetite that is not under control.*
When appetite rules you instead of you ruling it, destruction follows. _Prov 25:28_ “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
*Points: How This Battle Plays Out*
1. *Victory over the internal battle brings victory externally* _1 Cor 9:26-27_
Paul said “I discipline my body and bring it under control” so he wouldn’t be disqualified after preaching to others.
2. *Uncontrolled appetite destroys a man*
*Biblical Examples:*
- *Adam & Eve* _Gen 3:4-6_ – Destroyed by an appetite for forbidden knowledge. “It was desirable to make one wise.”
- *Esau* _Gen 25:29-34_ – Traded a lifelong covenant for a single bowl of stew. One moment’s appetite cost him his birthright. _Heb 12:16_
- *Samson* _Judges 16_ – Not killed by the Philistines. He was undone on the lap of pleasure. He coveted every beautiful woman and it cost him his eyes, strength, and calling.
The Gateways: Money, S*x, Food*
These three are *not evil in themselves*. _1 Tim 4:4_ “Everything God created is good.”
But when uncontrolled, they become the gateway to destruction.
Money in particular:*
_1 Tim 6:10_ “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
Money is a tool. But when it takes over the truth, ministry becomes business and “What will I gain?” becomes the motive.
*Examples:*
1. *Judas Iscariot* _Matt 26:15_ – Sold Christ for 30 pieces of silver.
2. *Gehazi* _2 Kings 5_ – Ran after Naaman’s gift and ended with leprosy. He missed Elisha’s double anointing.
3. *Balaam* _Numbers 22-31; Matt 6:24_ – Led Israel into sin because of a selfish appetite for gain. “You cannot serve God and mammon.”
On the Path to Victory there will always be external challenges. But the first step to victory is dealing with the internal issues that make us fall short of God’s glory. _Rom 7:24-25_ “Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Victory comes through practicing contentment* _Heb 13:5_ – “Be content with what you have, for He has said ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.
*Key Takeaway*
*The battle that destroys a man is an uncontrolled appetite for covetousness.*
Wealth, s*x, and food are tools in God’s hand. But when they become masters, they become traps.
