THE ROOT CAUSE of DISOBEDIENCE: COVETOUSNESS by Tom Williams

The watchman cries out, GOD will not be mocked! 

THE ROOT CAUSE of DISOBEDIENCE: COVETOUSNESS  

“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem (USA), they never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent.” Isaiah 62:6 

Irresponsible Leaders: “His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down living in slumber. Yes, they are greedy dogs, which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his own gain, from his own territory. “Come”, one says, “I will bring some wine, and we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; tomorrow will be as today, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:10-12 

“For MY people are foolish, they have not known ME. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” Jeremiah 5:22 

“Hear this now, O foolish people, without understanding, who have eyes and see not, and who have ears and hear not: Do you not fear ME? Says the LORD, “Will you not tremble at MY presence,” Jeremiah 5:21-22b 

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of GOD; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of GOD?” 1 Peter 4:17 

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your FATHER in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come; for men will be lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of GOD, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of GOD is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth, do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of HIM who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, CHRIST is all in all.” Colossians 3:5-11 

THE ONE COMMANDMENT AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AND THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD,” Romans 3:23 

SIN 

“Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Ecclesiastes 8:11 

“For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecclesiastes 7:20 

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-19 

 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9 

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Matthew 5:19 

“For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the FATHER but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of GOD abides forever.” 1 John 2:16-17 

Definitions: 

Covet: “To desire (what belongs to another) inordinately or culpably.” Merriam-Webster  

“To desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others: to covet another’s property.” Dictionary.com 

Covetousness: “To gain dishonestly (Exodus 18:21; Ezekiel 33:31), the wish to have more than one possesses, inordinately of course (Luke 12:15; 1Thessalonians 2:5).” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia 

THE SOURCE OF COVETOUSNESS 

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart; I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of GOD; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the MOST HIGH. Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the pit. Those who see you will gaze at you, and consider you, saying, is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities, who did not open the house of his prisoners?” Isaiah 14:12-17 

Lucifer wanted what was not rightfully his, he coveted.  

“And HE said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Luke 10:18 

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT 

“Then the LORD GOD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the LORD GOD commanded the man saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:15-17 

Breaking the first commandment: “Now the serpent (Lucifer/Satan) was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD GOD had made. And he said to the woman, “Has GOD indeed said, ‘you shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “we may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, GOD has said, ‘you shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die’.” Then the serpent said to the woman, “you will not surely die.” “For GOD knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like GOD, knowing good and evil.”  {“When he (Satan/Lucifer) speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44} Genesis 3:1-5 

The man and woman coveted being like GOD and having the knowledge of good and evil. They failed to trust and believe GOD that HE would provide for them all they needed and that HE had their best interest in mind. 

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food (the lust of the flesh), that it was pleasant to the eyes (the lust of the eyes), and a tree desirable to make on wise (the pride of life), she took the fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her (Eve was deceived but Adam deliberately chose to disobey GOD), and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.  And they heard the sound of the LORD GOD walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of the garden. Then the LORD GOD called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” “So he said, “I heard YOUR voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” “And HE said, “Who told you that you are naked?” Have you eaten from the tree which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Genesis 3:6-12 

The first two humans created by GOD could not obey one commandment and because of listening to Satan and coveting what they were deceived into believing GOD had withheld from them they brought sin into the human race. 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD,” Romans 3:23 

“As it is written: “There is none righteous, no not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after GOD. The have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of GOD before their eye.” Romans 3:10-18 

COVETOUSNESS 

“Strong desire to have that which belongs to another. It is considered to be a very grievous offense in Scripture. The tenth commandment forbids coveting anything that belongs to a neighbor, including his house, his wife, his servants, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to him. (Exodus 20:17) JESUS listed covetousness or greed along with many of the sins from within, including adultery, theft, and murder, which make a person unclean (Mark 7:22). Paul reminded the Ephesians that greed or covetousness is equated with immorality and impurity, so that these must be put away (5:3). A covetous or greedy person is an idolater ((5:5) and covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5). James warns people that people kill and covet because they cannot have what they want (4:2).”  

“Covetousness, therefore, is basic to the commandments against murder, adultery, stealing, and lying, those who accept bribes are coveting, leading to murder (Ezekiel 22:12). Coveting a neighbor’s wife is a form of adultery (Exodus 20:17). Achan admitted to coveting a robe, and silver and gold, so he stole them, which was a sin against the LORD (Joshua 7:20-22). Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, coveted the property of Naaman so much that he lied to get what he wanted from Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5:19-25) and was struck with leprosy. Proverbs warns that a covetous person brings trouble to his family (15:27). Thus covetousness is the root of all kinds of sins, so that JESUS gave the warning, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.” (Luke 12:15) Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology – William J. Woodruff 

“Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes (Ephesians 5:3). In Colossians 3:5 it is “idolatry”, while in 1 Corinthians 6:10 it is set forth as excluding a man from heaven. Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root of so many other forms of sin, e.g. departure from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9-10); lying (2 Kings 5:22-25); theft (Joshua 7:21); domestic trouble (Proverbs 15:27); murder (Ezekiel 22:12); indeed, it leads to “many foolish and hurtful lusts” (1 Timothy 6:9). Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament period. It was one of the first sins that broke out after Israel had entered into the promised land (Achan Joshua 7); and also in the early Christian church immediately after its founding ( Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5); hence, so many warnings against it. A careful reading of the Old Testament will reveal the fact that a very great part of the Jewish law – such as its enactments and regulations regarding duties toward the poor, toward servants; concerning gleaning, usury, pledges, gold and silver taken during war – was introduced and intended to counteract the spirit of covetousness.” William Evans, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1915 

The United States of America has a culture and policies in schools, Government, and churches that promote covetousness. We have policies not to prosecute stealing / theft of less than $950. We have perverted Biblical direction on sanctuary cities. This promotes breaking GOD’s law and HE will hold those responsible accountable as well as those who commit the crime, unless they come to JESUS CHRIST in repentance for forgiveness. 

“Do not be deceived, GOD is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7  

“So you shall say to them, “This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the LORD their GOD nor receive correction, truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.” Jeremiah 7:28 

“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving thanks. For as you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetousness man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of CHRIST and GOD. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of GOD comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:3-7 

“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in HIS sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of GOD apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of GOD, through faith in JESUS CHRIST, to all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD, being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS, whom GOD set forth as a propitiation by HIS blood, through faith, to demonstrate HIS righteousness, because in HIS forbearance GOD had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time HIS righteousness, that HE might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in JESUS.” Romans 3:20-26 

THE ONLY HOPE JESUS CHRIST 

Repent! Individually, as a family, as a church, as a nation! 

The one and only redeemer JESUS CHRIST 

  “JESUS answered and said to him, most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of GOD.” (John 3:3) 

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) 

“For I know that my REDEEMER lives, and HE shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see GOD, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27 

The dividing line of belief or unbelief; the exclusive statements 

“JESUS said to him, I AM the way, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.” (John 14:6) 

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 

The inclusive statements 

“This is good and acceptable in the sight of GOD our SAVIOR, WHO desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4 

“The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 

“But GOD demonstrates HIS own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us.” (Romans 5:8) 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD.” (Romans 3:23) 

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10 

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that GOD has made this JESIS, whom you crucified, both LORD and CHRIST. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren what shall we do?” The Peter said to them, “Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.” Acts 2:36-38 

“But GOD, who is rich in mercy, because of HIS great love with which HE loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS, that in ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us in CHRIST JESUS. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:4-9 

Without CHRIST as your savior, you are dead in trespasses and sins. 

“For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on HIM will not be disappointed. For there is not distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same LORD is LORD of all, abounding in riches for all who call on HIM; for ‘Whoever will call on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13)  

Is pride keeping you from confessing you are a sinner in need of a Savior and acknowledging that JESUS CHRIST through HIS death, burial, and resurrection is the only way to eternal life?