SS Lesson #1

The Cry of the Covetous: “Life isn’t Fair”

I. What exactly is coveting?

a. Definition

1. Hebrew word: chamad

2. Greek word: epithumeo

3. Types of Coveting: Envy, Lust & Greed

b. Characteristics

1. Coveting is a ______not a ______.

2. It is marked by ______and ______.

3. It is a ______type of sin.

II. How do I know if I’m coveting?

1. The object of our desire is wrong.

2. The means of obtaining our desire is wrong.

3. The motivation for our desire is wrong.

4. Our attitude while waiting for our desire is wrong.

III. The Quest for Contentment

  1. What does it mean to be content?
  1. Psalm 1
  2. Psalm 16
  3. Galatians 5:22
  1. What does the Bible say about joy and contentment?
  1. It is available (Phil. 4:11 – 13)
  2. It is commanded (1 Th. 5:16 – 18)
  3. It is rooted in God, not circumstances (Habakkuk 3:16 -19)

“Incline my heart to your testimonies,

and not to selfish gain!

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;

and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:36 – 37

Coveting: an inordinate or culpable desire to possess, often that which belongs to another.

Question 148: What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?

Answer: The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate; envying and grieving at the good of our neighbor, together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.

James 1:14 – 15 “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

Psa. 1:1 - 3Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Psa. 16:1Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” 3 As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. 4 The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. 5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Gal. 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Phil 4:11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

1Th. 5:16– 18Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Habakkuk 3:16 - 19

Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.