Luke 8:5-8, 11-15

Introduction:

1. Being citizens of the most pampered society in world history raises the difficulty level of being content with a simple life of godliness.

2. Covetousness takes many forms, but the solution to them all is godly contentment.

Discussion:

I. The Danger of Covetousness

A. The Bible highlights the danger of covetousness in at least three important ways.

B. Direct commandments to eliminate it.

1. It was the tenth commandment given to Moses on the mountain (Exodus 20:17).

2. Jesus warned the crowd to “…take heed and beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15).

3. It is among the things Paul told the Colossians to “…put to death” calling it idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

C. Descriptions of its harmful effects.

1. The thorny ground shows how covetousness thwarts godly production (Luke 8:7, 14).

2. The rich fool was unprepared for eternity, being caught up in materialism (Luke 12:16-21).

3. Paul vividly described the destructive force of covetousness (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

4. Many of the Proverbs corroborate Paul’s deadly description (1:19; 15:27; 28:16; 29:4).

5. Unchecked desires empower sin (James 1:13-15).

D. Narratives which demonstrate its harmful effects.

1. Covetousness brought sin and death (Genesis 3:6).

2. Achan brought God’s wrath on the camp and death to his family (Joshua 7:20-21).

3. The rich young ruler walked away lost because of his great possessions (Matthew 19:16-30).

4. Judas betrayed the Lord for silver (Matthew 26:15).

5. Ananias and Sapphira coveted both money and praise at the cost of their lives (Acts 4:36-5:11).

II. The Power of Contentment

A. The solution to the problem of covetousness is to be content with God’s provisions in our lives.

B. It is the antithesis of the destructive manner Paul described in 1 Timothy 6:9-10.

C. Had the people named above been content with God’s provisions, they would not have suffered so.

III. Developing Contentment

A. Being content and avoiding the destruction of covetousness requires the right mindset.

B. This is not intuitive; it is learned (Philippians 4:11-12).

C. Several biblical principles are necessary to learn it:

1. First, acknowledge the impact of what we value on our hearts (Matthew 6:19-24; cf. Proverbs 6:27).

2. Know that life does not consist of the things one possesses (Luke 12:15).

3. Accept that no material thing will profit us in eternity (Job 1:21; Ecclesiastes 5:15-16; Luke 12:20; 1 Timothy 6:7; Hebrews 1:10-12; 2 Peter 3:9-12).

4. Trust God to provide (Matthew 6:25-32; Hebrews 13:5) and pursue His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

5. Recognize what is truly at stake, our souls in eternity (Mark 8:34-37).

Conclusion:

1. Who doesn’t love creature comforts, pleasurable things, entertainment, etc.?

2. This is why covetousness is such a clear and present danger to holiness.

3. May we cast it aside and always pursue His kingdom and righteousness foremost.