1. 1 Kings 21 & 1 Tim 6:6-10

2. Ahab saw Naboths vineyard and decided he wanted it. When Naboth refused to give or sell it to Ahab, Ahab went home pouting to his wife, Jezebel. Jezebel hatched a plan to get it, resulting in Naboths death. Finally, Ahab had what he wanted, but the joy of it was short-lived, because Elijah showed up to pour cold water on his party (Dr Kent Spann: Preachers Resource Book p. 326-327)

3. A closer look at these verses reveals at least 4 direct violation of Gods commandments Ahab coveted (1-7) contrast with Ex 20:17 Jezebel arranged for false testimony (8-10) contrast with Ex 20:16 Jezebel murdered Naboth (11-14) contrast with Ex 20:13 Ahab stole the vineyard (15-16) contrast with Ex 20:15 The Lord condemns Ahab for his actions (17-29)

4. No society can thrive when it is under the spell of covetousness Covetousness is never satisfied Eccl 5:10-12; Heb 13:5; Phil 4:11-12 Covetousness takes over the heart and even comes from the heart Ezek 33:31; 2 Pet 2:12-14; Jer 22:17; Mk 7:21-23 What we covet becomes an idol to us Eph 5:5; Col 3:5; 1 Cor 10:14

5. No society can thrive when it is under the spell of covetousness Covetousness leads to: Injustice and oppression Mic 2:2 Murder Ezek 22:12; 1 Kings 21; 2 Sam 11; Jam 4:2 Great temptation, harmful desires, and ruin and destruction Gen 3:1-6; 1 Tim 6:9 Departure from the faith and great sorrow 1 Tim 6:10

6. No society can thrive when it is under the spell of covetousness Covetousness ruins homes and marriages Prov 15:27 Covetousness can lead to lead to war and conflict Jam 4:1-4

7. Desire the right things the right way The right things God Ps 63:1; Ps 84:2; Phil 3:7-14 His Kingdom Mt 6:33; Col 3:1-4 His approval Gal 1:10; 1 Thes 2:4-6 The right way Avoid excess and reject selfish desires

8. Love our neighbor Lev 19:18; Mt 22:39 Develop a sense of gratitude Ps 100:4; Col 2:6-7; 1 Thes 5:18 Learn to be content Mt 6:25; Phil 4:11; Heb 13:11 A man was tired of his friends owning nicer homes than his, so he went to a realtor and put his home on the market and to search for a new one. One day, as he was reading the paper, he came across a listing for a home that was just what he was looking for. He called the realtor. The realtor replied, Sir, that is your house. That is the house we are trying to sell for you.

9. Give generously Prov 3:27 & 11:24-25; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor 9:6-8

10. When you find yourself envious or desiring more than you need, ask yourself, Covetousness, do I really want it?