Delete Dangerous Desires!

Laws Of Life (The Ten Commandments), part 10 of 10
“Do not covet” is all about contentment! We so often think that the destination is what counts and what brings joy, but when we arrive, we realize that the most fun was the journey in getting there! And the only way we enjoy the journey is to develop a contentedness during the journey! Joy in the journey if you will. The main trap in v.17 is comparisons! We’ll talk about how to put contentment over comparison and enjoy the journey!

Download the notes.

I. The covetousness challenge

• Covetousness: Desiring something that someone else has because of our evil or jealous desires.

“Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” (Luke 12:13-15, NKJV)

1. Coveting someone else’s possessions or property.

2. Coveting someone else’s people or partner.

3. Coveting someone else’s personal success.

II. Counter-acting covetousness

• To delete the dangerous desire of covetousness, cultivate contentment.

“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. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV & NLT)

III. Conquering covetousness

1. Cultivating possession contentment: Appreciate the true riches God has already given you.

“…Be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5b, NIV)

“Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” (Proverbs 30:8b-9, NLT)

2. Cultivating people contentment: Connect with God-minded people who ispire growth.

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number…” (Acts 2:46-47a, NIV)

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NIV)

3. Cultivating personal contentment: Derive ultimate contentment by soaking in God’s Word.

“I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you…Direct me in the path of your commands, for there i find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.” (Psalm 119:11, 35-37, NIV)

“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs…” (Isaiah 58:11a, NLT)

After the Ten Commandments were delivered:
“When the people saw the thunder and lightening and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.’” (Exodus 20:18-19, NIV)