How can we guard against greed as seen in Luke 22:5? Greed Exposed in Luke 22:5 “They were delighted and agreed to give him money.” The Heart of the Issue • Judas let the promise of silver eclipse devotion to the Savior. • Greed rarely shouts; it whispers, offering quick gain while hiding long-term loss (Luke 16:13). • When love of money takes root, love for Christ withers (1 Timothy 6:10). Warning Signs of Greed • Secret excitement over profit gained at another’s expense (Luke 22:5). • Reluctance to part with possessions or share earnings (Proverbs 11:24). • Making decisions mainly by financial advantage, not by obedience (Matthew 6:24). • Diminishing gratitude—nothing ever feels like enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10). • Justifying small compromises because “everyone does it” (John 12:6). Biblical Principles for Guarding Your Heart • Remember true treasure: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) • Practice contentment: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) • Cultivate generosity: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) • Seek accountability: “Encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) • Fix hope on God’s provision, not wealth: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” (Hebrews 13:5) Practical Steps to Live Free from Greed 1. Start each payday with intentional giving—first fruits, not leftovers. 2. Keep a gratitude journal; list daily evidences of God’s care. 3. Set lifestyle ceilings, not just income goals; let surplus fund kingdom work. 4. Invite a trusted believer to review your budget annually for blind spots. 5. Memorize verses on contentment (e.g., Proverbs 30:8-9) and recite them when tempted. 6. Celebrate others’ blessings instead of comparing (Romans 12:15). 7. Schedule regular times to serve those in need; generosity grows through practice. Encouragement to Finish Well Judas traded fellowship for coins and found only regret (Matthew 27:3-5). By guarding the heart early and often, you can finish with joy like Paul, who could say, “I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Hold Christ as your greatest gain, and greed will lose its grip. |
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