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The decision to indulge fleshly appetites for pleasure leads to sin against God and destroys and damns the soul.  This is every person’s battle.  It is the inward war!  The lusts of the flesh war against the soul (I Peter 2:11).  This battle is acute at this time in our culture.
Self-Indulgence Defined
Self-indulgence is the unrestrained gratification of one’s own fleshly appetites including desires, passions, and whims.  Whenever these fleshly appetites violate God’s law, they are sinful and put the human soul in peril.  These appetites can become chords which bind us to satan especially when habitually practiced.  They can corrupt the mind, heart, and will.  They put the will of man in direct conflict with the will of God.  They exhaust the energy needed to serve God and others.  We are so preoccupied with our own lusts that there is no time or energy or money left to serve God and others.  We are spent.  We are spent on self-indulgence and self-gratification.
Synonyms of Self-Indulgence
In order to further define the concept of self-indulgence, an examination of synonyms will aid us.  One synonym is hedonism.  Hedonism is succinctly summarized by Paul in II Tim. 3:4 by the phrase, “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.”  God should be and must be our “first love” (Matthew 22:36-39).  Whenever we supplant God with sinful pleasure, we have made a god out of sinful pleasure.  This is one of the false philosophies that Paul warns us about in Col. 2:8.  Paul writes, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”  A second synonym is covetousness.  Covetousness is the insatiable appetite for more and more.  Covetousness is a lust of the flesh that focuses on material things and so defines materialism which is another false philosophy that can take us captive.  A third synonym is egotism.  Egotism is living life in a self-centered way.  It feeds on selfishness and violates the law to “love our neighbor as ourselves” and “love one another.”  Yet, another synonym is indolence.  Indolence is stubbornness.  Stubbornness manifests itself in the pursuit of wrong even if it is detrimental to our own good.  Another synonym is frivolity.  Frivolity is a lack of sober-mindedness.  Everything becomes of joke to those who do not take life seriously.  This produces an appetite for risky behaviors that puts our soul in harms way.  Still another synonym is entitlement.  Entitlement is the attitude that the world owes me everything and at the same time I owe others nothing. The last synonym is childishness.  Childishness is self-centered immaturity.  It is the inability to handle the challenges of this world with good emotion.
Antonyms of Self-Indulgence
Sometimes when we are defining a term, it is helpful to consider what the opposite of what term is.  An antonym of self-indulgence is self-restraint.  Self-restraint is the ability to control one’s self.  It is self-mastery.  Paul writes, “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” (I Cor. 9:27).  There were times whenever Paul had to say “no” to himself for his own spiritual benefit.  Another synonym is discipline.  Discipline is training in righteousness that is both positive through truth and negative through reproof, rebuke, and correction.  Both of these previous words relate to another antonym of self-indulgence which is self-control.  Temperance is self-control and it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).  The contrast between the flesh and the Spirit is easily seen in the difference between self-indulgence and self-control.  A lack of self-control will lead to overspending, drug abuse, risky behaviors involving sexual sin, and even procrastination.  This virtue identifies with Christianity and is needed for a well-ordered society.  Often we want the benefits of Christianity without the responsibility of Christian living.
The Remedy for Self-Indulgence. 
True religion eliminates self-indulgence. Jesus came to save sinners from themselves (the lusts of the flesh).  True religion is a hard sell in today’s American culture.  People want cheap grace, ease and convenience, and the promises of God without obedience to the precepts of God.  The first step in solving the problem of self-indulgence is self-denial.  Jesus said, “…if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).  Self-denial is an essential step in preserving the value of the human soul in relationship with God (Matthew 16:25-27).  Jesus is the hope of the world because He is the savior of the world (John 4:42; I John 4:14).

Paul declares by the Holy Spirit, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof from such turn away” (II Tim. 3:1-5).  There are nineteen sins listed by Paul.  Two are the focus of this article:  lovers of self and lovers of pleasure.  These two sins combine to produce the peril of self-indulgence.
Self-Indulgence Defined
Self-indulgence is the unrestrained gratification of one’s own appetites including desires, passions, and whims.  There is a dynamic that needs to be considered.  It is the dynamic of impulsiveness verses intentionality.  The lusts of the flesh war against the soul.  When we act impulsively, we do not think about our words or actions or their consequences.  We merely act on habitual responses or act on the seduction of risky behavior.  The enticement of pleasure adds to the dynamic.  The pleasures of sin factor in to the intensity of temptation and create desire for that which is forbidden by God.  When we act intentionally, we pause to consider the choice of our words and actions and also their consequences.  This mindfulness produces a thought process that enables us to control our words and actions based upon a conscience ruled by God’s standard of righteousness.  Habitual responses become more intense over time and with continued practice they produce a reluctance to resist the object of desire.  In self-indulgence, we put our own interests above others including God.   Self-indulgence exhausts the energy needed in Christian living and service to God and others.  We are so preoccupied with our own needs that there is no time, energy, or money left to serve God.  We are spent.  We have spent all on self-gratification.
Synonyms of Self-Indulgence
Consider some of the following terms that are synonymous with self-indulgence.  Hedonism is the false philosophy where we pursue pleasure.  Indeed, we are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.  When God is supplanted by anything else, we have made an idol out of that entity.  When we love pleasure more than God, we have made an idol out of pleasure.  God is supposed to be our “first love” (Mt. 22:36-39).  Covetousness is another synonym for self-indulgence.  Covetousness is the insatiable desire for more and more.  Paul actually says that covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5).  Egotism is another synonym.  Egotism is when we live in a self-centered way.  We have to have our own way or else we are unhappy.  Entitlement is another synonym.  Entitlement is when a person believes that everyone else in the world owes him/her something if not everything.  One thing is common to all of these terms: the self.  When we become self-indulgent, we become self-serving and we have made an idol out of self.
Antonyms of Self-Indulgence
Self-restraint and self-mastery are both antonyms of self-indulgence.  Both involve the ability to control speech and behavior.  Both involve the ability to say “no” to self and defer gratification.  Moderation is another antonym.  With moderation extremes are eliminated and excesses are eliminated.  We can find balance and practice it.  Discipline is an antonym.  Discipline is training in righteousness that produces the fruit of righteousness in words and works.   Righteousness is right living as God defines it in His Word.  Self-control or temperance is another antonym.  Self-control uses the powers of the mind, heart and will to bring the appetites of the flesh under the control of the Spirit of God.  It is a virtue of the heart.  It helps us avoid:  overeating, overspending, alcohol and drug abuse (including smoking), procrastination, and risky sexual behaviors.
The Antidote to Self-Indulgence
The antidote to self-indulgence is found through Jesus Christ.  The virtue of temperance is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).  These fruits are born in the heart of those who are vitally connected to the vine (John 15:1-11).  Jesus is the vine and we must be in Him in order to bear the fruit of the Spirit.  Today, people want cheap grace, convenience in Christian living, and the promises of God without obedience to the precepts of God.  This spiritual state is self-indulgent and lacks discipline.  The Word of God provides the sacred knowledge that will reprove, correct, and instruct in righteousness.  We must hear it, believe it, and obey it in order to be saved from our self-indulgent selves.

Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).  It is also a Christian virtue (II Pet. 1:5-8).  Self-control regulates desires and impulses (the lusts of the flesh).  Self-control involves wanting to do one thing, but choosing to do another.  Self-control regulates what we think, do, and how we express our emotions.  Willpower is the emotional and mental energy used to exert self-control.  Self-control is inner regulation by one’s willpower keeping ourselves from sin.  Self-control is the fruit of submission to God.  It is energized by faith in God and love for God. The more self-control is used, the stronger it becomes.  It weakens immediately after use, but strengthens with frequent use.
Automated and Controlled Actions
Automated actions develop whenever we learn a skill or activity through repeated actions (Driving a car).  Controlled actions involve conscious thought and effort (Driving a car in a foreign country).  Automated and controlled actions team up to help us function.  Self-control involves both automated and controlled actions.  Self-control exercised over time produces habits of the mind and heart which affect behaviors.
Self-Control and the Bible
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”  Self-control is a result of the pursuit of the Spirit rather than the lusts of the flesh (carnality or worldliness).  “As many as are led by the  Spirit, these are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:14). We must be vitally connected to the Vine in order to bear these fruits (John 15:1-5).
Self-control is a virtue of the Christian life.  II Pet. 1:5-8, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance: and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness: And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”  Self-control is acquired by exercising ourselves unto godliness (I Tim. 4:8).  Lack of self-control is like a city without walls (Prov. 25:28).
Results of Low Self-Control
If we possess a low willpower level, then there will be more indulgence of the flesh.
A low willpower level, will result in the display of more negative emotions like anger and strife.
Low willpower or lack of self-control make temptations more alluring.  Yielding to temptation creates a greater desire for the object of the temptation (we now have a memory of the pleasure of sin).
Factors Involved In Increasing Self-Control
Each person should get plenty of rest and pursue a proper diet (remember Elijah who became despondent whenever Jezebel sought his life).
Don’t add stressers to your life (rushing to get somewhere increases anxiety-which wastes emotional energy).
Work to reduce or eliminate personal conflict.
Don’t overload or overwhelm your abilities to cope with life.
Steer away from wasting emotional energy on things like constantly checking email or social media.
Self-control must be used or it will be lost.  Use your own willpower to make habits out of your thoughts, feeling and behaviors that you know are good and beneficial.
Don’t accept weakness or shortcoming.  This leads to failure.  Failure to hit the mark (God’s standard of righteousness) is sin.
(see Can You Control Yourself, Christianity Today, May, 2017, pp. 36-41 for more information).

In Genesis 3:1-7, we are given the biblical narrative concerning the fall of man.  The characters are:  Eve, Adam and the serpent (Satan).  The transition that takes place involves the relationship between Eve, Adam and God.  It is a transition from a spiritual state of innocence to a state of guilt before God due to sin.  Satan is the tempter.  By a series of seductive appeals and direct contradiction of God’s Word, he appeals to the mind and flesh of Eve (Eph. 2:3).  The Bible indicates that Satan is subtle, i.e. crafty, deceitful.  Eve is drawn away by her own lusts and enticed.  Satan uses the avenues of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life.  Satan’s nature and methods have not changed for over 6,000 years!  Eve was the first to sin and then Adam followed Eve, who became a temptress, in disobedience to God (Gen. 2:17).
Eve sinned against her own soul.  She sinned against God.  She sinned against her husband (by tempting him).  She failed to be morally responsible.  She believed a lie.  She rejected God’s Word and by doing so, she rejected God.  She permitted her own thoughts and desires to guide her instead of God’s Word.  She made a choice to act while disregarding the consequences of her actions.
Eve shows us that there is a fundamental difference between human beings and animals.  Human beings are created by God.  They are created in the image of God.  Human beings have free will (the power of volition and so free moral agency); intellect (rational thought and a conscience); emotion (feelings such as guilt); and a soul (a spiritual aspect to their nature).  Human beings are dualistic.  Each person has an “outward man” (physical aspect of his/her being) and an “inward man” (spiritual aspect of his/her being).  The fact of sin in human beings means that there is a fundamental difference between humans and animals.  Animals are never charged by God with sin.  There is no moral law that restricts the conduct of animals.  However, human beings are responsible to God’s laws and God holds them accountable for disobedience to those laws.
There were consequences to Eve and Adam’s sin against God.  They both felt shame and guilt.  They both came to know sin by experiencing it.  They both feared God and hid themselves from God.  Both were separated from the tree of life in the midst of the Garden of Eden and were banished from the Garden of Eden.  Both began to die physically.  Both dies spiritually at the time of their sin.  Both lost the intimacy of fellowship with God.
The consequences the serpent suffered involved: (1) a curse by God involving a change of form; and (2) enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of Satan whereby the seed of the woman would destroy the power of Satan (Heb. 2:16).
Eve suffered the following consequences:  (1) she was placed in subjection to her husband; (2) she was told that she would have pain in child birth; and (3) condemnation due to sin and death entered the world, Rom. 5:12).
Adam suffered the following consequences:  (1) God cursed the ground so that it brought forth thorns and thistles; (2) Adam’s work would be more demanding and (3) he would die physically (from dust thou art, unto dust thou shalt return.
Are you smarter than Eve?
Do you know the enemy?   In John 8:44, we are told, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”  Satan lied to Eve, but Eve did not discern the lie and reject it.  How about you?  Are you smarter than Eve?
Do you know yourself?  Every temptation is a lie.  Temptation is the enticement to sin either by the external presentation of evil allurement or the internal desire to participate in that which is forbidden by God or both.  James states that we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own lusts and enticed (James 1:14). Temptation to sin involves appeals to the mind and the body.  Eve did not practice self-control in the face of temptation.  How about you?  Are you smarter than Eve?
Do you know God?  God knows all and sees all.  We cannot sin without God knowing about it.  We are accountable to God.  God will punish the evil doer.  God means exactly what He says.  We sin when we disobey God.  Eve disregarded God and God’s Word when she sinned.  How about you?  Are you smarter than Eve?
It is possible to be smarter than Eve.  James states, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).