Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15
King James AV1611
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
The Ten Commandments was taught by Dr. James Modlish
The Tenth Commandment
Thou shalt not covet. (Ex. 20:17)
Introduction:
"Thou shalt not covet..." This is the most commonly broken commandment and consequently it is the most acceptable of all sins
Covetous - Webster def. - "very desirous; eager to obtain; Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain or possess, avaricious; implies excessive desire to have what belongs to another."
Covetousness is the Mother of all sins for it can lead to the violation of the other nine commandments.
It is violated regularly because:
[1]. It is common and readily acceptable.
[2]. Difficult to detect.
I. THE NATURE OF THE SIN
The more you get the more you want (Prov. 27: 20; Ecc. 5:10; Lk. 12:15; Ps. 10:2)
Covetousness is found in these five major sin lists in the New Testament.
[1]. (Rom. 1:29)
[2]. (1 Cor. 5:11)
[3]. (Mk. 7:22)
[4]. (Gal. 5) - Idolatry
[5]. (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5)
II. THE RESULTS OF THE SIN
Gehazi - (2 Kings 5:15,16; 5:20-27) lied.
David and Bathsheba - (2 Sam. 11:2,3)
Achan - (Josh. 7:21)
The Prodigal Son - (Lk. 17:12) Give me ruin
Ahab & Naboth - (1 Kings 21:2,8,10)
Judas - suicide - (Matt. 27:5)
Adam and Eve - The fall of man, (Gen. 3)
III. THE MODERN FORMS OF THE SIN
[1]. American business is largely devoted to promoting covetousness. Film business - R and X rated films Book business - rape and murder themes T.V. shows - Dallas, Charlie's Angels.
[2]. People covet position and recognition. Covetousness denies faith.
[3]. People covet people.
IV. THE CURE FOR THE SIN
[1]. Admit and confess your sin.
[2]. Count your blessings.
[3]. Learn to Give.
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I wonder why the Lord did ask for tithes from you and me;
When all the treasures of the earth are his eternally.
And why should he depend on us to fill his house with meat,
When we have so little and his storehouse is replete.
But he said to bring our little and he would add his much,
Then all the heavenly windows would be opened at his touch.
And blessings running over even more than has been told,
Will be ours but there's no promise of his portion if his portion we withhold.
Are we afraid to prove him?
Is our faith and love so small?
That we tightly grasp our little,
When he freely gave his all?