Topical Encyclopedia Covetousness, or an inordinate desire for wealth and possessions, is a sin that is repeatedly condemned in Scripture. It is particularly inconsistent and damaging when found in those who are called to be ministers of the Gospel. The Bible provides clear guidance on the character and conduct expected of church leaders, emphasizing the importance of a life free from the love of money.Biblical Warnings Against Covetousness The Bible consistently warns against covetousness, highlighting its destructive nature. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly commands, "You shall not covet" (Exodus 20:17). The New Testament reiterates this warning, with Jesus Himself cautioning, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). Covetousness in Ministers The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, provides specific instructions regarding the qualifications and conduct of church leaders. In 1 Timothy 3:2-3, Paul writes, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money" . Similarly, in Titus 1:7, Paul states, "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money" . These passages underscore the expectation that ministers should be free from the love of money, as covetousness can lead to compromised integrity and a tarnished witness. The love of money is described as "a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10), and those who are entrusted with the care of God's people must be vigilant in guarding their hearts against it. The Example of Christ Ministers are called to emulate the example of Christ, who lived a life of humility and selflessness. Jesus, though He was rich, became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9), demonstrating that true riches are found in serving others and fulfilling the will of God. This example serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of material wealth is incompatible with the calling to shepherd God's flock. Practical Implications for Ministers Ministers are encouraged to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision. Hebrews 13:5 exhorts believers, "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 assurance of God's faithfulness should inspire ministers to focus on their spiritual responsibilities rather than material gain. Furthermore, ministers are to set an example for their congregations in generosity and stewardship. By prioritizing the needs of others and the advancement of God's kingdom, they demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and the sufficiency of Christ. Conclusion While covetousness is a temptation common to all, it is particularly inconsistent and harmful in the life of a minister. The biblical mandate is clear: those who lead God's people must do so with integrity, humility, and a heart free from the love of money. By adhering to these principles, ministers can faithfully fulfill their calling and bring glory to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. The Constitution of the Church in the Second Century. Index of Subjects. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. The Puritan Conflict. Exposition of the Moral Law. Covenant Duties. Instructions to Converts. Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Resources What is mortification of sin / the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is godly jealousy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to emulations? | GotQuestions.org Covetousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covetousness in Building Fine Houses While the House of the Lord Lay Waste Covetousness in Buying Esau's Birthright Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob when he Served Him Seven Years for Rachel Covetousness in Defrauding Esau of His, Father's Blessing Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Covetousness in Exacting Usury from Their Brethren Covetousness in Following Jesus Merely for the Loaves and Fish Covetousness in Giving Rebekah to be Isaac's Wife Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites Covetousness is Inconsistent in Saints Covetousness is Inconsistent: Specially in Ministers Covetousness is Never Satisfied Covetousness is the Root of all Evil Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Slothful Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Wicked Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure Covetousness: Ahab, in Desiring Naboth's Vineyard Covetousness: Avoid Those Guilty of Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness Covetousness: Comes from the Heart Covetousness: Commended by the Wicked Alone Covetousness: David, of Bath-Sheba Covetousness: Demas in Forsaking Paul for Love of the World Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: Eli's Sons, in Taking the Flesh of the Sacrifice Covetousness: Engrosses the Heart Covetousness: Eve, in Desiring the Forbidden Fruit Covetousness: Excludes from Heaven Covetousness: Festus, in Hoping for a Bribe from Paul Covetousness: Gehazi, in Taking a Gift from Naaman Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Judas, in Betraying Jesus for Twenty Pieces of Silver Covetousness: Leads to Departure from the Faith Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction Covetousness: Leads to Foolish and Hurtful Lusts Covetousness: Leads to Injustice and Oppression Covetousness: Leads to Poverty Covetousness: Lot, in Choosing the Plain of the Jordan Covetousness: Money-Changers in the Temple Covetousness: Nobles of the Jews Covetousness: Reward of Those Who Hate Covetousness: Samuel's Sons, in Taking Bribes Covetousness: Saul, in Sparing, Agag and the Booty Covetousness: Shall Abound in the Last Days Covetousness: Simon Magus, in Trying to Buy the Gift of the Holy Spirit Covetousness: The Rich Young Ruler Covetousness: The Sorcerers, in Filing Complaint Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: The Unjust Steward Covetousness: To be Mortified by Saints Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) |
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