1. Tools of Satan: The Lust of the Eyes 1 John 2:15-17

2. Introduction Scripture warns against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). Scripture warns against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). In the temptations of both Eve and Jesus, the devil appealed to the lust of the eyes (Genesis 3:6; Matthew 4:8-10; Luke 4:5- 8). In the temptations of both Eve and Jesus, the devil appealed to the lust of the eyes (Genesis 3:6; Matthew 4:8-10; Luke 4:5- 8).

3. Definitions The Greek word translated “covetous” man identifies “one desirous of having more” [Thomas] or “one who desires to have more than is due, a greedy person” [BDAG]. The Greek word translated “covetous” man identifies “one desirous of having more” [Thomas] or “one who desires to have more than is due, a greedy person” [BDAG]. Covetousness refers to “an intense desire to possess something (or someone) that belongs to another person” [NBD]. Covetousness refers to “an intense desire to possess something (or someone) that belongs to another person” [NBD].

4. Transgression of Law Covetousness is a transgression of God’s law. It was specifically condemned in the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness is a transgression of God’s law. It was specifically condemned in the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness proceeds from the heart, affecting attitude and behavior, and thus defiles a man (Mark 7:21-22). Covetousness proceeds from the heart, affecting attitude and behavior, and thus defiles a man (Mark 7:21-22).

5. Transgression of Law Though characteristic of sinful humanity (Romans 1:29; Ephesians 4:19) and false teachers (2 Peter 2:3, 14), it is not an attribute of inspired apostles (1 Thessalonians 2:5) or faithful Christians (2 Corinthians 9:5; Ephesians 5:3). Though characteristic of sinful humanity (Romans 1:29; Ephesians 4:19) and false teachers (2 Peter 2:3, 14), it is not an attribute of inspired apostles (1 Thessalonians 2:5) or faithful Christians (2 Corinthians 9:5; Ephesians 5:3). Those who persist in this practice face the severance of Christian fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:9-11), the forfeiture of eternal inheritance (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and the outpouring of God’s wrath (Ephesians 5:5-7). Those who persist in this practice face the severance of Christian fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:9-11), the forfeiture of eternal inheritance (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and the outpouring of God’s wrath (Ephesians 5:5-7).

6. Contrary to Contentment Covetousness is contrary to the principle of contentment (Hebrews 13:5-6). Covetousness is contrary to the principle of contentment (Hebrews 13:5-6). Rather than trust in uncertain riches, let us trust in God to provide for our daily needs (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Rather than trust in uncertain riches, let us trust in God to provide for our daily needs (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

7. Violation of Love Covetousness violates the principle of love (Romans 13:9-10). Covetousness violates the principle of love (Romans 13:9-10). Evil men evidence of greedy self- centeredness, being more interested in possessions than in people, but the righteous give generously (Proverbs 21:25-26; 1 Timothy 6:17-19), respecting the property and purity of others (Job 31:1; 1 Timothy 5:1-2). Evil men evidence of greedy self- centeredness, being more interested in possessions than in people, but the righteous give generously (Proverbs 21:25-26; 1 Timothy 6:17-19), respecting the property and purity of others (Job 31:1; 1 Timothy 5:1-2).

8. Conclusion Jesus said, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed” (Luke 12:15). Jesus said, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed” (Luke 12:15). God demands first place in our life (Matthew 6:24, 33). God demands first place in our life (Matthew 6:24, 33). Rejecting covetousness and greed, which equates to idolatry (Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-6), let us the greater gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). Rejecting covetousness and greed, which equates to idolatry (Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-6), let us the greater gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31).