Introduction: What does it mean to be COVETOUS? Have you ever COVETED? Honestly, most of us would probably admit it with a resounding, yes. The word “COVETOUSNESS” is used by our Lord Jesus. He said,
“15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
The word “covetousness” is πλεονεξία, (pleh-on-ex-ee’-ah), covetousness, avarice, aggression, desire for advantage.
Thayers Greek Lexicon defines the word in this manner: “greedy desire to have more, covetousness.”
Did you notice the word “Greedy.”
Where do we draw the line? Certainly, there are a lot of people who have considerable wealth and resources that are very generous, which is used for the Glory of the Lord! What does the Scripture teach concerning this subject and how can we as believers in Jesus Christ overcome this temptation?
1. What does Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, write about this subject of COVETOUSNESS?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1Tim 6:6-10)
The word “contentment” is αὐτάρκεια, (ow-tar’-ki-ah): self-satisfaction, self-sufficiency, independence, contentment.
Did you catch the phrase, “which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,”?
The word used is ἀποπλανάω,(ap-op-lan-ah’-o), which means to cause to go astray : I cause to go astray; pass: I am led astray.”
The devil uses “material things” to distract us from our love relationship with Jesus. The flesh pulls on us constantly with thoughts of not being satisfied, and fantasizing that, “if we just had this thing,” it would make us HAPPY!
2. What else does Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, write about this subject of COVETOUSNESS?
“9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1Cor 6:9-11)
And again, he writes,
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col 3:5)
The way to get victory over the setback of COVETOUSNESS is…
* recognize it as wrong – sin.
* repent of it – change of heart
* replace it with contentment & gratefulness
* remember to trust Jesus to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants
Conclusion: One dictionary gave this insight for the word COVETOUS: “having a craving for possession covetous of power.”
Have we learned to be “CONTENT”?
By the way, being CONTENT does not mean being lazy.
Bottom line:
Work hard.
Trust Jesus.
Be thankful.
Serve the Lord.
Keep looking Up!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
