YOU SHALL NOT COVET Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

Introduction Money is not evil. When « things » take the place of God, it becomes a snare. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10

Definition Covetousness is sin. Covetousness is the excessive desire and greed for gain. One of the 10 Commandments It will keep us from heaven - nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10

Why is it a sin? Covetousness angers God - For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; Isaiah 57:17a It is idolatry - Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

Why is it a sin? It is a form of lust - But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy 6:9 It is evil - A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him. Proverbs 28:22

Why is it a sin? Much of the evil in our world is motivated by covetousness Idolatry Witchcraft Murder Kidnapping Bribery Perjury Prostitution Extortion Violence Fighting Family feuds

Why is it a sin? Covetousness causes many spiritual and personal conflicts Pride and conceit Temptation Lust Backsliding Rejection of God's will Difficulty entering the kingdom 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23-24

No Place in our Lives Covetousness should not be a part of: Elders / Deacons - For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self- willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, Titus 1:7 Ministers Christians

No Place in our Lives We must have the right attitude toward our possessions Content with what we have Not trust in uncertain riches Willing to share, give to the poor Don't love the world or anything in it Set your sights higher - 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

No Place in our Lives Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. Matthew 13:22 Material things to not bring happiness They are temporary The do not satisfy There is no security By eternal standards – material things are worthless

What God Wants Our security and trust should be in Him God has the true, lasting wealth He wants our treasure to be in Him His riches are eternal Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17