When Jesus was in the middle of teaching a man interrupted Him to say, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me" (Luke 12:13). Jesus took advantage of the interruption by turning it into a teachable moment. He responded, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15). While it looks like Jesus didn't help the man, He did by exposing the man's sin of covetousness. Learn why Jesus used such strong language to warn against covetousness, and why this is a sin that applies to us and our nation more than any people throughout history. What does it mean to covet, and is it always coveting when we desire something?
Family Guide:
Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:27
Day 1: Read Luke 12:13-14, Phil 4:6, Eph 6:18, 1 Tim 2:1, and discuss: What does the question that the man posed to Jesus reveal what was important to him? How did his priorities reflected in his question contrast Jesus' priorities in His teachings? How can the desires for our lives contrast against Christ's desire for our lives? How does bringing our requests before God help us in prioritizing their importance?
Day 2: Read Exo 20:17, Matt 5:27, Josh 7:19-21, Pro 15:27, and discuss: How is covetousness and lusting in our hearts immorally alike? Are the effects of covetousness isolated only to the one who commits it?
Day 3: Prov 22:7, Rom 13:8, and discuss: Is it possible to covet a good thing? How can we know, if it is a good desire or a sinful one? What way does God want us to always be in debt to pay to each other?
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Scott LaPierre
We Covet When We Covetousness and Contentment Woodland Christian Church
Scott LaPierre is the teaching pastor at Woodland Christian Church in Woodland, WA, an author, and conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Scott and his wife, Katie, have nine children and they are passionate homeschooling advocates. Scott...
