1. God forbids us to covet what we do not have.

Deuteronomy 5:21

Based on the specific objects of coveting listed in Deuteronomy 5:21, what are some comparable objects in our context that we might covet?

What are certain things you are inclined to long for? In what ways can we battle resentment toward God and the people who have the status or possessions we crave?

We are to fear and love God, so that we do not entice, force, or steal away from our neighbors their spouses, household workers, or livestock, but instead urge them to stay and fulfill their responsibilities to our neighbors.

–Martin Luther (1483-1546)
German professor of theology, composer, priest, monk and a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.

2. Coveting isolates us and robs us of eternal perspective.

Luke 12:13-21

When has coveting caused a breakdown in your family? Your friendships? How have you seen relationships even with acquaintances be affected by coveting?

What is the connection between greed and coveting? How does generosity toward others relate to being generous toward God?

In what ways should an eternal perspective shape our plans in the present? How does coveting rob us of an eternal perspective?

This silly fool of a man…was hoarding perishable crops. I repeat, he was hoarding perishable crops, while he was on the point of perishing because he had handed out nothing to the Lord before whom he was due to appear.

–Augustine (354-430)
Theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced the development of Western Christianity and philosophy.

Everything that we see about us that we count as our possessions only comprises a loan from God, and it is when we lose sight of this all-pervading truth that we become greedy and covetous.

–Billy Graham
American evangelical Christian evangelist

3. Only the gospel can give contentment to the human heart.

Philippians 4:10-14

How would you define contentment? Is there such a thing as a holy discontent? In what circumstances might it be good to desire something more?

In what ways is the gospel the answer to coveting? What new desires does the gospel give us?

Thou madest us for thyself, and our heart is restless, until it repose in Thee.

–Augustine (354-430)
Theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced the development of Western Christianity and philosophy.

Contentment means wanting what God wants for us rather than what we want for us. The secret to enjoying this kind of contentment is to be so satisfied with God that we are able to accept whatever he has or has not provided.

–Philip Graham Ryken
The eighth and current president of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.

You’ll see how rich you are when you add up everything you have that money can’t buy and death can’t take away.

–Adrian Rogers (1931-2005)
Pastor served three terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention (1979–1980 and 1986–1988).

In considering the Tenth Commandment, these questions arise

• Is God enough for you?
• Is God better than the things you desire?
• Are you seeking after the treasures of this world?
• Do you find yourself desiring things that others have?

The basis of biblical truth is God’s character, which cannot be false; not being a man but God, he cannot deal falsely…A God of faithfulness, who does not deal deceitfully with His people requires of His people the same transparency and honesty in personal relationships.

–Mark F. Rooker
Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, North Carolina

Conclusion

If you are in Christ, you do not need to define yourself by your possessions. You already have the greatest gift of all! Because of the gospel, you have been made free from the law of sin and death. You are free to follow Christ, and when you die, you will be with your Creator forever in heaven, never tasting the punishment that you so rightfully deserved.

We know whether we are coveting or living with an eternal perspective by keeping track of our heart—our time, our thoughts, our emotions, and our finances will show if we covet a grand lifestyle or if we are mindful toward the kingdom of God. As we desire God’s kingdom, we’ll see our blessings and possessions being used for the spreading of the gospel to those who need to turn from their covetousness and find contentment in the only One who can satisfy.

How is our mission hindered by coveting? How is our mission supported by being content and generous?