DEALING WITH COVETOUSNESS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 12:15 (KJV):
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Colossians 3:5, Exodus 20:17, Matthew 6:19-21, Hebrews 13:5
INTRODUCTION:
Covetousness is a deep desire or longing for something that belongs to someone else. It often manifests as an intense craving for material possessions, status, or power. While desires themselves are not inherently wrong, when they become driven by greed, comparison, and envy, they turn into covetousness, which the Bible warns us against.
In a world driven by consumerism and social media, covetousness has become an insidious issue that many believers face. It entices us to believe that our worth and happiness are tied to what we own or what others have. However, Jesus warned us that life does not consist in material possessions, and we must be vigilant against the subtle pull of covetousness.
Covetousness can poison relationships, bring dissatisfaction, and lead to sin. As believers, we are called to focus on the eternal treasures that are found in Christ. This message today is a call to reflect on the dangers of covetousness, reject it, and live in the freedom that comes with contentment and trust in God's provision.
1. UNDERSTANDING COVETOUSNESS
To deal with covetousness, we must first understand what it is and how it works.
a) The Desire for What Belongs to Others
Covetousness is an unlawful desire for possessions, achievements, or relationships that belong to others (Exodus 20:17).
b) An Insatiable Appetite
Covetousness is never satisfied; it constantly craves more, leaving one always feeling empty (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
c) It Goes Beyond Material Things
While often associated with money and possessions, covetousness can also apply to other people's status, relationships, or even talents (Luke 15:11-32).
d) It Denies Trust in God’s Provision
Covetousness arises when we fail to trust God for what He has given us and focus on what others have (Philippians 4:19).
Biblical Example: Cain's covetousness led to the murder of his brother Abel due to jealousy over God’s acceptance of Abel’s offering (Genesis 4:1-8).
2. THE DANGERS OF COVETOUSNESS
Covetousness is not only a personal issue—it has far-reaching consequences.
a) It Leads to Discontentment
The covetous heart is never satisfied, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction with what God has provided (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
b) It Breeds Envy and Strife
Covetousness often causes jealousy, strife, and division among friends, families, and even churches (James 4:1-2).
c) It Brings Financial Loss
Many have fallen into financial ruin due to covetousness, either through reckless spending or dishonest means (Proverbs 15:27).
d) It Corrupts the Heart
Covetousness leads the heart away from God’s will, making it harder to seek righteousness (Matthew 6:24).
Biblical Example: Achan's covetousness led to his downfall and the defeat of Israel at Ai (Joshua 7:1-26).
3. THE ROOTS OF COVETOUSNESS
Covetousness does not appear suddenly; it grows from deep-seated desires within.
a) Pride and Selfishness
At the core of covetousness is the belief that we deserve what others have and that we are entitled to more (Luke 12:19-20).
b) Unfulfilled Desires
Often, covetousness arises when personal desires remain unmet, causing frustration and jealousy (James 4:2-3).
c) Comparison and Envy
Comparing ourselves with others fosters a longing for what they possess, leading us into covetousness (2 Corinthians 10:12).
d) Materialism and Worldliness
A focus on worldly possessions and success can lead to a covetous mindset, as we place value on what we have rather than on eternal riches (Matthew 6:19-21).
Biblical Example: King Saul’s covetousness for David’s position led to his jealousy and eventual destruction (1 Samuel 18:6-15).
4. OVERCOMING COVETOUSNESS GOD’S WAY
God offers a solution for overcoming the sin of covetousness.
a) Contentment in God’s Provision
Learning to be content with what God has given us brings freedom from covetousness (Hebrews 13:5-6).
b) Focusing on Eternal Treasures
Jesus teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven, where no moth or rust can destroy (Matthew 6:19-21).
c) Guarding the Heart
We must diligently guard our hearts from greed, envy, and the desire for more (Proverbs 4:23).
d) Trusting in God’s Timing
Covetousness is often a result of impatience. We must trust that God will provide at the right time and in the right way (Philippians 4:19).
Biblical Example: Jesus rebuked the rich young ruler for coveting wealth over eternal life, showing us that following Jesus is worth more than any earthly treasure (Matthew 19:16-24).
5. LIVING A LIFE FREE FROM COVETOUSNESS
Overcoming covetousness is a continual process that requires daily surrender to God’s will.
a) Developing a Heart of Generosity.
Generosity breaks the hold of covetousness. When we give freely to others, we shift our focus from hoarding to blessing (Acts 20:35).
b) Seeking God’s Kingdom First.
When we prioritize God's kingdom and His righteousness, other desires fall into their proper place (Matthew 6:33).
c) Cultivating a Thankful Spirit.
Being thankful for what we have removes the desire for what we don’t have (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
d) Constantly Renewing the Mind.
Regularly renewing our minds through Scripture and prayer helps us align our desires with God’s will (Romans 12:2).
Biblical Example: Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus led him to repentance and a life of generosity, demonstrating a heart transformed by God (Luke 19:1-10).
CONCLUSION:
Covetousness is a subtle yet powerful force that can derail the believer’s life. It stems from a desire for things that are not ours to have and leads to discontentment, strife, and even sin. But through the power of Christ, we can break free from the grip of covetousness by focusing on eternal treasures, cultivating contentment, and seeking first God’s kingdom.
We are called to live lives that honor God, free from the constant yearning for what we don’t have. May we choose to walk in contentment, trust in God’s provision, and practice generosity. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we will find that the things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of covetousness and greed.
2. I receive grace to be content with what You have provided for me.
3. Father, help me to focus on eternal treasures and not on earthly possessions.
4. I choose to forgive anyone whose success has caused me to covet or envy them.
5. Lord, teach me to be generous and to give freely from the blessings You have given me.
