COVETOUSNESS
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
A. In Luke 12:13-21 the Lord taught against covetousness.
1. Covetousness is defined as: "A greedy desire to have more;
greedy of gain; marked by inordinate desire for wealth or
possessions; seeking to get what is another's in an unlawful
way." (Webster)
B. From verse 13 we see that an attempt was made to involve Jesus
in a quarrel over worldly things.
1. Jesus refused to become a judge in such matters. vs. 14
2. His refusal shows His disinterest in such things and
emphasizes His spiritual mission.
3. Jesus used this occasion to teach a lesson on the sin of
covetousness.
I. COVETOUSNESS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH MAN FROM THE DAWN OF
CREATION.
A. It contributed to the fall of Adam and Eve. Gen. 3:1-6
B. It was legislated against in those original commandments given
on mount Sinai. Ex. 20:17
C. It was one of Israel's sins as was exemplified in the sin of
Achan. Joshua 7:20-21
1. In later years, all Israelites were given to covetousness.
Jer. 6:13
2. Thus, whole societies can be given over to this sin.
D. It was listed among the sins of the Gentiles. Rom. 1:29
1. The covetousness of Babylon contributed to her fall. Jer.
51:13
E. It was a common sin in Jesus' day. Luke 16:14
F. It is one of the great sins of our time.
II. LET US LOOK AT THE TEACHING OF JESUS AGAINST COVETOUSNESS.
A. Jesus warned against the sin of covetousness. vs. 15a
1. One must keep himself from covetousness because--vs. 15b.
a. This is contrary to the idea of the world which thinks a
man's life does consist of the things which he possesses.
b. One's standing and status in society depends on what he
possesses.
B. In verses 16-21 Jesus spoke a parable against covetousness.
1. Through the blessings of God and his own skill and effort,
he had gained much. vs. 16
2. What was it that made him covetous; or, what was the cause
of his covetousness?
a. His possession of riches did not prove him covetous.
Just because one is rich does not necessarily make him
covetous.
(1) However, covetousness may be what helped make
him rich.
(2) Covetousness is an immoral disposition regardless
of possession or lack of possession of riches.
(3) The poorest might be the most covetous. Prov.
21:25-26
b. His covetousness was not dishonesty. Just because a
man is covetous does not necessarily prove him
dishonest. He may get what he wants in an honest way.
(1) However, covetousness can and often does make
men dishonest. It can cause men to make
merchandise even of holy things. 2 Pet. 2:3; 1
Thess. 2:5
3. He added blessings which called for greater responsibility
on his part: "What shall I do?" vs. 17
a. This man's wickedness was in how he used these greater
blessings.
b. Greater blessings bring greater responsibility. This has
ever been true and is true also with God's people today
as they share in the prosperity of our times.
c. God requires His people to give as they are prospered (1
Cor. 16:2). We must answer to God "What shall I do?"
with the prosperity that I have.
(1) Times have changed drastically in the last several
years, especially in financial matters. In spite of
this, some are still giving the same amount now as
they did several years ago.
(2) God wants us to be free from covetousness and be
willing to give. 2 Cor. 9:7; Acts 20:35
III. THE TRUE DISPOSITION OF THE COVETOUS MAN.
A. It causes one to be selfish.
1. In his monologue (vs. 17-19), he used the personal pronouns
"I" and "my" ten times; he referred to his own possessions
five time (fruits, barns, goods. etc.).
a. This shows that he was a lover of self. He could think of
no one but himself.
b. When faced with the responsibility of "What shall I do?"
he could make only one possible decision--keep it for
himself.
B. It causes one to have a defiled heart.
1. Covetousness is an immoral disposition originating in the
heart as declared by Jesus in Mark 7:20-23.
a. The Scribes and Pharisees were teaching if one would
eat with unwashed hands, he would be defiled.
b. Jesus first attacks their traditional system and then
shows what really defiles a man.
c. This list of sins shows the seriousness of covetousness.
2. Covetousness originates in the heart and powerfully shapes
the life of an individual. We must guard our hearts. Prov.
4:23
a. Covetousness can increase and progress almost beyond
one's power to control.
b. Some brethren have been prospered far more than other
members, but give less than those members.
C. Another disposition of the covetous man is that he is carnally
minded.
1. The materialistic view of his life is seen in verse 19.
2. Rom. 8:6-7
D. Another characteristic of the covetous man is that he is an
idolater. Col 3:5
1. The new Testament declares that he is an idolater, not
merely like one.
a. A basic definition of "idolatry," is "a worshiper of
anything besides the true God, an excess lover of
anything."
b. A car, TV set, sport, hobby or even another person
could become our idol.
c. When a person, place, or thing attracts all our time and
devotion, it has become our god.
(1) This is where our treasure is. Matt. 6:21
(2) Phil. 3:19 speaks of certain men as having their
belly as their god.
(3) Matt. 6:24 - "Mammon" is defined by Vine as "A
common Aramaic word for riches."
d. The true disposition of the covetous person, therefore,
is: (1) selfishness, (2) a defiled mind, (3) a carnal
mind, (3) an idolater.
(1) Yet, from the world's point of view, he was the
envied ideal of his age.
(a) To the world he is a shrewd business man
because he has obtained more wealth than
others.
IV. LET'S LOOK NOW AT HOW GOD REGARDS THE COVETOUS.
A. God called the covetous man a foolish one. vs. 20
B. Why was this man foolish?
1. He thought he could satisfy his soul with material things
alone. vs. 19
a. Godliness is what is profitable. 1 Tim. 4:7-8
2. He left God out of his plans.
a. We need to learn the worth of the statement, "If the
Lord will" and make application to our lives. James
4:14-15
3. He failed to look beyond this life to the next. 2 Pet. 1:8-9
-- many cannot see afar off.
4. He gave his life for gain and before he could enjoy it, his
life on earth was finished--his soul was required of him.
vs. 20b
a. Perhaps his relatives would then fight for his
inheritance as in vs. 13.
b. Eccl. 2:18-19 -- We do not know if our relatives will
rightfully use what we leave them; thus, laying up riches
is just striving after the wind.
5. He was foolish because he made no preparation for eternity.
The love of money causes men to be led away from making
such preparation. 1 Tim. 6:9-10
a. 1 Tim. 6:17-19 -- what the rich should do.
6. He was foolish because his covetousness barred him from
heaven and brought on the wrath of God. Eph. 5:5; 1 Cor.
6:9-10
Concl.
A. This is God's true picture of the covetous man who is not rich
toward God and lays up treasures for himself.
B. Jesus closed the parable by saying--vs. 21.
C. The Bible gives this divine advice to avoid covetousness:
1. Put covetousness to death. Col. 3:5-6
2. Pray for strength to control covetous dispositions. Psalm
119:36
3. Heed the word of Paul in Eph. 5:3.
4. Heed the word of our Lord in the text. vs. 15
D. Thus, let us keep ourselves from the sin of covetousness.
E. God's instructions to those who are not Christians are: believe
(Mark 16:16), repent (Acts 3:19), confess (Rom. 10:9), and be
baptized (Gal. 3:26-27)
1. God's instructions to Christians who have sinned are: repent
and pray (Acts 8:22), and confess (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).