YOUTH STS LESSON 112: WARNING AGAINST COVETOUSNESS
MEMORY VERSE: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).
TEXT: Luke 12:13-34
In this chapter, the Lord Jesus warned against three vices that are injurious to the Christian youth on his pilgrimage; namely: hypocrisy, covetousness and anxiety. These three evils can stop the spiritual growth and progress of a professing Christian.
Question 1: In a simple sentence, describe covetousness.
Covetousness is an inordinate desire for something. It is a strong desire to acquire what one cannot get legitimately. It is an intense urge to possess something or someone that belongs to another person (Exodus 20:17). Covetousness has destroyed individuals, families, organisations, churches and even nations. The Scripture concludes that “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
Question 2: What danger does covetousness pose to Christian youth?
Covetousness, if allowed in a life, will sap the spiritual strength, energy and render such a person useless.
- PERILS OF UNGODLY RICHES AND COVETOUSNESS
Luke 12:13-21; 18:18-25; Genesis 3:6; Joshua 7:1, 16 21,24,25; Proverbs 28:22; 1 Timothy 6:9,10; 2 Peter 2:14-16
Covetousness springs from greed, self-centeredness and total disregard for God’s law (Exodus 20:17). In a society where riches, fame, success and worldly possessions are worshipped, there is a strong pull on youths to become covetous.
This has driven many youths into
(a) Kidnapping for ransom,
(b) Examination malpractice to gain success and admission into higher institutions,
(c) Internet fraud to acquire wealth,
(d) Marriage covenant with an ungodly partner.
(e) Stealing and armed robbery,
(f) Ponzi schemes. Gambling and betting to gain wealth without work.
(g) Prostitution,
(h) Illegal migration across borders,
(i) Occultism, ritualism and Spiritism in quest for power, fame and recognition
(j) Militancy and terrorism.
Christ’s warning against covetousness is very relevant to present-day believing youth more than ever. This is because there are more sophisticated devices of Satan to lure and entice the Christian youth into this sin. In the epistle to the Ephesians, Paul equates covetousness with idolatry and stated that “no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephesians 5:5). Apart from being described as an idolater, a covetous person is as sinful as adulterers, fornicators, thieves, robbers, drunkards, witches and wizards (Ephesians 5:3-6). This shows that God has made it clear that no covetous youth will go to heaven except he/she repents.
Question 3: Mention some Bible characters who were covetous and its consequences.
We must guard against the negative influence of materialism as we navigate through life. True believers must be wary of getting involved in the rat race for political, traditional positions and honours. Christ’s response to the young man’s request is instructive- no Christian leader must leave the weightier matter of soul-winning to engage in the mundane business of arbitration for possessions. Covetousness is damnable indeed! Achan, Judas Iscariot and Lots wife met their untimely deaths because they allowed this monster to hold them captive (Genesis 19:26; Joshua 19:21; Matthew 27:3,4). Also, Balaam’s and Demas’ ministries were terminated due to covetousness (2 Timothy 4:10; 2 Peter 2:14-16). Gehazi also became leprous because of covetousness (2 Kings 5:20,27). Covetousness opens the expressway to eternal destruction (Matthew 27:3,4); therefore, beware and take heed to yourselves.
2 THE PROFIT OF GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT
Luke 12:22 30; Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:9, 19; 1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 5:7
Christ’s message on covetousness was followed by another warning against two sister spiritual maladies worry and anxiety. Christian youths should shun worry and anxiety, avoid the spiritual and physical conditions that predisposes individuals to these vices. Worry and anxiety often go with fear. Fear brings torment. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Some Christian youths today have lost their health, vitality and life as a result of worry and anxiety. The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things have choked the word of God in men’s heart giving room to fear, worry and anxiety.
Question 4: What is the cure for worry and anxiety?
There is profit in maintaining a calm disposition in the face of challenging life situations and circumstances. For purposes of clarity, the Lord used symbols to illustrate His lesson on avoidance of worry and anxiety. If God feeds sparrows, clothes, the lilies, cares for fishes in the sea and provides rain in its due season, then He will do more for the Christian youth whom He has made in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26; 2 Peter 1:3,4). Therefore, we can live by faith “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38).
3 . PROPER SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION OF POVERTY AND PROSPERITY
Luke 12:31-34; Proverb 30:8,9; Ecclesiastes 1:1-3,14; 1 Timothy 6:6,7,10,17
Christ’s teaching on riches and poverty are clear and unambiguous. The Lord did not recommend poverty as a condition for making heaven neither did He consider prosperity or wealth as basis for going to hell. The position of the Scriptures is that we should pursue God’s kingdom and other spiritual blessings first while working for earthly gains. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). True riches come from God. Believers must avoid both extremes on the issue of riches and poverty. On the one hand, we must avoid a negative attitude to wealth. Abraham was rich without condemnation from God: “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). Isaac also was prosperous like his father Abraham. The Bible stated that “…he had possession of flocks and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him” (Genesis 26:14). In the New Testament, Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man. Jesus was not against His disciples acquiring riches or being wealthy, but warned them against covetousness.
Question 5: What are the biblical views on poverty and prosperity?
The story of the rich young ruler teaches a number of lessons about riches and wealth:
one, the more of this world’s goods an unregenerate man has, the more difficult it is for him to leave it behind and follow Christ completely.
Two, possession of riches through fraudulent means can lead to pride and self-management. That is why the Lord cautioned against being high-minded and trusting in uncertain riches.
Three, if riches are not carefully managed, they can draw away a person’s attention and heart from God. Solomon’s riches made him to marry many wives who turned his heart from God.
Four, ungodly pursuit of riches can easily deaden a person’s spiritual alertness. Poverty should not be construed to mean punishment from God. God does not tempt anyone with evil neither does He pull the righteous down. Lazarus did not make heaven on the account of his abject poverty. He made heaven simply because of his faith in the living God and love for godliness. Poverty can never secure heaven for anyone. It is written …Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Both the poor and the rich can be covetous because it is a sin that grows on spiritually uncultivated hearts. Everyone should seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness in order to enter heaven at last. We should learn to pray with Solomon thus “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain” Proverbs 30:8,9). Christian youths should maintain godliness with contentment in all areas of life, and shun tendencies capable of predisposing them to covetousness as heaven-bound pilgrims.
