COVETOUSNESS

By David J. Riggs

                        
Intro.
   A. In Luke 12:13-21 the Lord taught against covetousness.
      1. Covetousness is defined as: "A greedy desire to have more;
         greedy of gain; marked by inordinate desire for wealth or
         possessions; seeking to get what is another's in an unlawful
         way." (Webster)
   B. From verse 13 we see that an attempt was made to involve Jesus
      in a quarrel over worldly things.
      1. Jesus refused to become a judge in such matters. vs. 14
      2. His refusal shows His disinterest in such things and
         emphasizes His spiritual mission.
      3. Jesus used this occasion to teach a lesson on the sin of
         covetousness.

I. COVETOUSNESS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH MAN FROM THE DAWN OF         
   CREATION.
   A. It contributed to the fall of Adam and Eve. Gen. 3:1-6
   B. It was legislated against in those original commandments given 
      on mount Sinai. Ex. 20:17
   C. It was one of Israel's sins as was exemplified in the sin of   
      Achan. Joshua 7:20-21
      1. In later years, all Israelites were given to covetousness.  
         Jer. 6:13
      2. Thus, whole societies can be given over to this sin.
   D. It was listed among the sins of the Gentiles. Rom. 1:29
      1. The covetousness of Babylon contributed to her fall. Jer.
         51:13
   E. It was a common sin in Jesus' day. Luke 16:14
   F. It is one of the great sins of our time.

II. LET US LOOK AT THE TEACHING OF JESUS AGAINST COVETOUSNESS.
   A. Jesus warned against the sin of covetousness. vs. 15a
      1. One must keep himself from covetousness because--vs. 15b.
         a. This is contrary to the idea of the world which thinks a
            man's life does consist of the things which he possesses.
         b. One's standing and status in society depends on what he
            possesses.
   B. In verses 16-21 Jesus spoke a parable against covetousness.
      1. Through the blessings of God and his own skill and effort,  
         he had gained much. vs. 16
      2. What was it that made him covetous; or, what was the cause
         of his covetousness?
         a. His possession of riches did not prove him covetous.
            Just because one is rich does not necessarily make him
            covetous.
            (1) However, covetousness may be what helped make
                him rich.
            (2) Covetousness is an immoral disposition regardless
                of possession or lack of possession of riches.
            (3) The poorest might be the most covetous. Prov.
                21:25-26
         b. His covetousness was not dishonesty. Just because a
            man is covetous does not necessarily prove him
            dishonest. He may get what he wants in an honest way.
            (1) However, covetousness can and often does make
                men dishonest. It can cause men to make
                merchandise even of holy things. 2 Pet. 2:3; 1
                Thess. 2:5
      3. He added blessings which called for greater responsibility  
         on his part: "What shall I do?" vs. 17
         a. This man's wickedness was in how he used these greater
            blessings.
         b. Greater blessings bring greater responsibility. This has
            ever been true and is true also with God's people today
            as they share in the prosperity of our times.
         c. God requires His people to give as they are prospered (1
            Cor. 16:2). We must answer to God "What shall I do?"
            with the prosperity that I have.
            (1) Times have changed drastically in the last several
                years, especially in financial matters. In spite of  
                this, some are still giving the same amount now as   
                they did several years ago.
            (2) God wants us to be free from covetousness and be
                willing to give. 2 Cor. 9:7; Acts 20:35

III. THE TRUE DISPOSITION OF THE COVETOUS MAN.
   A. It causes one to be selfish.
      1. In his monologue (vs. 17-19), he used the personal pronouns
         "I" and "my" ten times; he referred to his own possessions
         five time (fruits, barns, goods. etc.).
         a. This shows that he was a lover of self. He could think of
            no one but himself.
         b. When faced with the responsibility of "What shall I do?"
            he could make only one possible decision--keep it for
            himself.
   B. It causes one to have a defiled heart.
      1. Covetousness is an immoral disposition originating in the
         heart as declared by Jesus in Mark 7:20-23.
         a. The Scribes and Pharisees were teaching if one would
            eat with unwashed hands, he would be defiled.
         b. Jesus first attacks their traditional system and then
            shows what really defiles a man.
         c. This list of sins shows the seriousness of covetousness.
      2. Covetousness originates in the heart and powerfully shapes
         the life of an individual. We must guard our hearts. Prov.
         4:23
         a. Covetousness can increase and progress almost beyond
            one's power to control.
         b. Some brethren have been prospered far more than other
            members, but give less than those members.
   C. Another disposition of the covetous man is that he is carnally
      minded.
      1. The materialistic view of his life is seen in verse 19.
      2. Rom. 8:6-7
   D. Another characteristic of the covetous man is that he is an
      idolater. Col 3:5
      1. The new Testament declares that he is an idolater, not      
         merely like one.
         a. A basic definition of "idolatry," is "a worshiper of
            anything besides the true God, an excess lover of
            anything."
         b. A car, TV set, sport, hobby or even another person
            could become our idol.
         c. When a person, place, or thing attracts all our time and
            devotion, it has become our god.
            (1) This is where our treasure is. Matt. 6:21
            (2) Phil. 3:19 speaks of certain men as having their
                belly as their god.
            (3) Matt. 6:24 - "Mammon" is defined by Vine as "A
                common Aramaic word for riches."
         d. The true disposition of the covetous person, therefore,
            is: (1) selfishness, (2) a defiled mind, (3) a carnal    
            mind, (3) an idolater.
            (1) Yet, from the world's point of view, he was the
                envied ideal of his age.
                (a) To the world he is a shrewd business man
                    because he has obtained more wealth than
                    others.

IV. LET'S LOOK NOW AT HOW GOD REGARDS THE COVETOUS.
   A. God called the covetous man a foolish one. vs. 20
   B. Why was this man foolish?
      1. He thought he could satisfy his soul with material things
         alone. vs. 19
         a. Godliness is what is profitable. 1 Tim. 4:7-8
      2. He left God out of his plans.
         a. We need to learn the worth of the statement, "If the
            Lord will" and make application to our lives. James
            4:14-15
      3. He failed to look beyond this life to the next. 2 Pet. 1:8-9
         -- many cannot see afar off.
      4. He gave his life for gain and before he could enjoy it, his 
         life on earth was finished--his soul was required of him.   
         vs. 20b
         a. Perhaps his relatives would then fight for his           
            inheritance as in vs. 13.
         b. Eccl. 2:18-19 -- We do not know if our relatives will
            rightfully use what we leave them; thus, laying up riches
            is just striving after the wind.
      5. He was foolish because he made no preparation for eternity.
         The love of money causes men to be led away from making
         such preparation. 1 Tim. 6:9-10
         a. 1 Tim. 6:17-19 -- what the rich should do.
      6. He was foolish because his covetousness barred him from
         heaven and brought on the wrath of God. Eph. 5:5; 1 Cor.
         6:9-10

Concl.
   A. This is God's true picture of the covetous man who is not rich
      toward God and lays up treasures for himself. 
   B. Jesus closed the parable by saying--vs. 21.
   C. The Bible gives this divine advice to avoid covetousness:
      1. Put covetousness to death. Col. 3:5-6
      2. Pray for strength to control covetous dispositions. Psalm
         119:36
      3. Heed the word of Paul in Eph. 5:3.
      4. Heed the word of our Lord in the text. vs. 15
   D. Thus, let us keep ourselves from the sin of covetousness.
   E. God's instructions to those who are not Christians are: believe
      (Mark 16:16), repent (Acts 3:19), confess (Rom. 10:9), and be
      baptized (Gal. 3:26-27)
      1. God's instructions to Christians who have sinned are: repent
         and pray (Acts 8:22), and confess (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).