Lesson 9 Review: Beware of Covetousness

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’” (Luke 12:15, NKJV).

Covetousness, defined as the inordinate desire for wealth or possessions that really don’t belong to the person who desires is damaging that God chose to warn against it in His great moral law (Exodus 20:17). It is one of the sins that can keep one out of the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9, 10).

What is the ultimate original sin?

Covetousness is the ultimate original sin. It was covetousness that led to the rise of sin in God’s universe.

How did covetousness play a crucial role in Lucifer’s fall?

 Lucifer was not content with his position, he sought to exalt himself, instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created things, it was Lucifer’s endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself (see Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 35 and Isaiah 14:12-14).

How can covetousness be seen too?

Covetousness can also be seen as wanting something that we shouldn’t have, and wanting it so badly that our desire for it, rather than the Lord, becomes the focus of our heart. (see Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5 where Covetousness is equated with idolatry).

Why is it crucial that we avoid covetousness?

Covetousness is the one commandment that deals only with the thoughts, avoiding covetousness can stop us from acts that will lead to the violation of other commandments as well (see 2 Samuel 11).

What was Achan’s sin according to Joshua 7?

Achan’s sin was the sin of covetousness, he wanted what he shouldn’t have and it led to his taking those accursed things.

How do we also see what covetousness means through the story of Achan?

Israel’s conquests were to be a witness to the nations of Yahweh’s power but after Israel was defeated because of the actions of Achan, that witness was compromised.

What was Judas’s sin that led to his betraying Jesus?

Judas’s sin was the sin of covetousness, which led him to steal (John 12:6), which ultimately led him to betray Jesus.

What lesson can we learn from Judas’s covetousness?

‘We all have character defects that, if surrendered, can be overcome through the power of God working in us. But Judas did not fully surrender to Christ, and the sin of covetousness, which he could have overcome in the power of Christ, overcame him instead, with tragic results.’ What seems like a simple desire of the heart, can lead to calamity and to eternal loss.

What was the condition of the church in the time of Ananias and Sapphira?

Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were preaching the gospel with power, and thousands were joining the church. There was none who lacked among the congregation, for possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostle’s feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need (Acts 4:34, 35, NKJV).

What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira?

The sin of covetousness was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira.

Where did covetousness lead Ananias and Sapphira to?

‘Though they had started out with the best of motives, their covetousness caused them to put a front and pretend to be what they really weren’t.’ Thus their feelings of covetousness led them to hold back some of the money and lie to the Holy Spirit, which led to their death.

What promise has God given that can aid us in overcoming covetousness?

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV).

How can we be protected against the dangerously deceptive sin of covetousness?

1.       Make a decision to serve and depend on God and to be a part of His family (Joshua 24:15).

2.       Be daily in prayer and include Matthew 6:13, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.”

3.       Be regular in Bible study (Psalm 119:11)

We must realize our total dependence on God, and constantly seek Him for power to overcome any temptation.

In Conclusion,

Covetousness is a dangerous sin, it can lead to eternal loss, however God’s promise is that we will not be tempted more than we are able (1 Corinthians 10:13), we only have to depend on God and trust Him to save us. I pray that we totally surrender ourselves to God so we can be saved from the sin of covetousness in Jesus’ name.