How can we avoid the sins of greed and violence seen in Nahum 2:12? Nahum 2:12—The Lion’s Lesson “The lion tore enough for his cubs and strangled the prey for his lionesses. He filled his lairs with prey and his dens with plunder.” Seeing the Sins Behind the Picture •The “lion” is Nineveh’s king, fattening his court with stolen wealth and bloodshed. •Greed shows up as hoarded “prey” and “plunder.” •Violence shows up in the tearing and strangling. •Because Scripture is historically true and spiritually timeless, the same twin sins still stalk hearts today. Why Greed Takes Hold •Discontentment: wanting more than God has provided (1 Timothy 6:6-8). •Distrust: fearing God will not supply tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). •Idolatry: measuring life by possessions (Luke 12:15). Why Violence Follows •Pride: grasping power at any cost (Proverbs 16:18). •Coveting: willing to hurt to get what others have (James 4:1-2). •Desensitization: repeated small harms that dull the conscience (Ephesians 4:31). Guardrails Against Greed •Cultivate thankfulness daily—name specific gifts (Philippians 4:11-13). •Practice regular giving—firstfruits, not leftovers (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). •Simplify—choose need over needless upgrade (Hebrews 13:5). •Memorize warning verses—post Luke 12:15 where you handle money. Choices That Replace Violence •Seek humility—serve rather than dominate (Micah 6:8). •Speak peace—soft answers defuse tensions (Proverbs 15:1). •Step away early—leave settings that fuel anger (Proverbs 22:24-25). •Defend the weak—use strength for protection, not exploitation (Psalm 82:3-4). Everyday Habits That Starve the Lion 1.Weekly audit of spending: “Did this purchase honor Christ or feed discontent?” 2.Fast from media that glorifies aggression. 3.Pair earning with sharing—set a percentage of each paycheck for generosity. 4.Invite accountability: a trusted believer who can ask about temper and finances. 5.Remember Christ’s example: “When they hurled insults at Him, He did not retaliate” (1 Peter 2:23). Looking to the Greater Lion •Nineveh’s lion devoured; Christ, the Lion of Judah, laid down His life (Revelation 5:5-6). •As we fix our eyes on His self-giving reign, greed loses its allure and violence its thrill. |
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