Covetousness, a profound and insidious sin, is a defining trait of the unrenewed heart. It is the intense and often unrestrained desire for material possessions or the possessions of others, which stands in stark opposition to the contentment and trust in God's provision that is expected of a believer. The Bible consistently warns against this vice, highlighting its destructive nature and its ability to lead individuals away from a righteous path.

Biblical Warnings Against Covetousness

The Tenth Commandment explicitly addresses covetousness: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17). This commandment underscores the breadth of covetous desires, extending beyond mere material possessions to encompass relationships and status.

In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the dangers of covetousness in Luke 12:15: "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" . Here, Jesus emphasizes that true life and fulfillment are not found in material wealth but in spiritual richness.

Covetousness as Idolatry

The Apostle Paul equates covetousness with idolatry, illustrating its severity: "Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). By equating greed with idolatry, Paul highlights how covetousness places material desires above God, effectively worshiping the created rather than the Creator.

Consequences of Covetousness

Covetousness leads to numerous spiritual and moral pitfalls. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul warns, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" . This passage illustrates how covetousness can lead to a cascade of sinful behaviors, ultimately resulting in spiritual ruin.

Examples of Covetousness in Scripture

The Bible provides several examples of covetousness and its consequences. Achan's sin in Joshua 7 serves as a stark warning. Despite God's command, Achan coveted and took forbidden items, leading to Israel's defeat and his own destruction. Similarly, the account of King Ahab and Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21 demonstrates how covetousness can lead to grave injustice and murder.

The Antidote to Covetousness

Scripture offers guidance on overcoming covetousness through contentment and trust in God. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" . This verse encourages believers to find satisfaction in God's presence and provision, rather than in material wealth.

In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul shares his secret to contentment: "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances... I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . This passage highlights the importance of relying on Christ for strength and fulfillment, rather than succumbing to the desires of the unrenewed heart.

Conclusion

The character of the unrenewed heart, marked by covetousness, stands in stark contrast to the life of contentment and trust in God that believers are called to pursue. Through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are encouraged to reject covetous desires and embrace a life of gratitude and reliance on God's provision.Jeremiah 22:17
But your eyes and your heart are not but for your covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:14
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... Straightway the unrenewed man seeks out artillery with which ... prove themselves to
be their superiors in character. ... it is stained with the Saviour's heart's blood ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

Easter Sunday
... to point the Corinthians to the true character and purpose of ... Only so can the terrified
heart of man regain ... from flesh and blood and an unrenewed sinful nature ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter sunday.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... is a distinction between the two of such a character, that the ... Here comes the unrenewed,
the ungodly man, he brings up ... for he is human, but his heart hates the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.org

What is the heart? | GotQuestions.org

Heart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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