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Covetousness: do we really want it???

Covetousness: do we really want it???. 1 Kings 21 & 1 Tim 6:6-10. The Story of Ahab ( 1 Kings 21 ).

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Covetousness: do we really want it???

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  1. Covetousness: do we really want it??? 1 Kings 21 & 1 Tim 6:6-10

  2. The Story of Ahab (1 Kings 21) • “Ahab saw Naboth’s 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 Naboth’s 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: Preacher’s Resource Book p. 326-327)

  3. The Story of Ahab (1 Kings 21) • A closer look at these verses reveals at least 4 direct violation of God’s 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. God clearly speaks out against covetousness (Ex 20:17) • 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. God clearly speaks out against covetousness (Ex 20:17) • 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. God clearly speaks out against covetousness (Ex 20:17) • 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. How can we fight covetousness? • 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. How can we fight covetousness? • 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. How can we fight covetousness? • Give generously • Prov 3:27 & 11:24-25; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor 9:6-8

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

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