Participants:
Series Code: SSP
Program Code: SSP230009S
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00:01 Dinzey: It's time for the 3ABN Sabbath School Panel.
00:03 We are working our way through the Quarterly: 00:05 Managing for the Master Till He Comes. 00:08 This is Lesson Number 9 00:09 entitled: Beware of Covetousness. 00:12 If you do not have a Lesson, 00:14 you can go to 3abnsabbathschoolpanel. com 00:16 and there you can download one and also see previous programs. 00:21 Join us for this week's Study. 00:22 Music... 00:53 Welcome to 3ABN Sabbath School Panel. 00:55 My name is John Dinzey and I am glad to be with you 00:58 because we have another interesting study 01:01 with the 3ABN Sabbath School Panel family. 01:03 We are working our way through 01:05 Lesson: Managing for the Master Till He Comes. 01:09 This is Lesson Number 9 entitled: 01:11 Beware of Covetousness. 01:14 I would like to introduce to you the Panelists that are here... 01:17 the 3ABN Family... 01:18 Sister Jill Morikone. 01:19 Jill: Thank you, Brother Johnny, I have Monday: 01:21 An Accursed Thing in the Camp. 01:22 Dinzey: Great! Pastor John Lomacang. 01:25 Lomacang: Wow! 01:26 Mine is entitled: The Heart of Judas... hmmm. 01:29 Dinzey: Ah... excellent. 01:30 Evangelist Ryan Day. 01:32 Ryan: All right, I have Wednesday's Lesson 01:33 and we're going to be talking about Ananias and Sapphira. 01:36 Dinzey: Wonderful and Shelley Quinn. 01:39 Shelley: I have Thursdays... it is: Overcoming Covetousness 01:43 and I used to always say that wrong... 01:46 I used to say: Covechusness 01:48 but... Panel: Laughter. 01:50 Dinzey: Very good... thank you so much. 01:52 We like to begin with a prayer 01:54 and we're going to ask Pastor John Lomacang 01:56 if he would do the favor for us. 01:58 Lomacang: Sure, let's go to the Lord in prayer. 01:59 "Father in heaven, 02:01 it's always a privilege when we walk through a door 02:02 that has on the other side of it 02:05 knowledge that is Yours and Divine. 02:07 Lord, take our human minds and merge it with Yours 02:10 that these words become life to us... 02:13 not just words we've studied 02:14 and lessons that we have communicated 02:17 but may they imbibe in our souls... 02:20 may we digest them and may they change us 02:23 as we seek to guide others. 02:24 We pray in Jesus' name, amen. " 02:28 Panel: Amen. 02:29 Dinzey: Thank you so much. 02:31 The Lesson is entitled: Beware of Covetousness. 02:33 You know, when you think of this, 02:34 you have to ask yourself, "What does this mean?" 02:38 There's danger in this... life-threatening danger. 02:41 I would like to read for you the Memory Text 02:44 taken from Luke chapter 12 and verse 15, 02:48 "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: 02:51 for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things 02:57 he possesses. " 02:58 Excellent choice for a Memory Text 03:01 and when you look at the word: Covetousness, 03:04 it says here in the Lesson, 03:06 it has been defined as an inordinate desire 03:10 for wealth or possessions 03:12 that really don't belong to you. 03:15 And according to the Lesson it says, 03:18 "It's so damaging 03:20 that God chose to warn against it 03:22 in His great moral law. " 03:24 As a matter of fact, 03:26 covetousness is frequently listed in the... 03:29 those terrible sins 03:32 that bring about God's wrath for those sinners. 03:37 In this week's Lesson, 03:39 we're going to look at examples of just how bad this is. 03:42 So, I encourage you to follow along 03:44 and I hope you have your Bible with you 03:46 because we're going to share some Scriptures with you 03:48 that we hope you will continue to study. 03:50 Sunday's Lesson is entitled: The Ultimate Original Sin... 03:55 The Ultimate Original Sin? 03:57 Where does this begin? 03:59 And when we call "original" 04:01 that means there was not one before it. 04:03 That means there was one right after this one. 04:06 This takes us to talk about 04:08 an angel that was a covering Cherub... Lucifer 04:12 and before I go to the Scripture pointed out in the Lesson, 04:17 I'd like to back up a little 04:18 and bring you first to Ezekiel chapter 28 04:21 to establish that he was created perfect. 04:25 In Ezekiel 28... using the symbol of the King of Tyre, 04:30 it talks about Lucifer 04:31 and you know it's talking about him 04:33 because of the context and the words used. 04:36 Notice, Ezekiel 28:14 and 15, 04:39 "You were the anointed cherub who covers; 04:42 I established you; 04:44 you were on the holy mountain of God; 04:48 you walked back and forth in the midst of the fiery stones. " 04:52 Notice... verse 15, 04:54 "You were perfect in your ways 04:57 from the day you were created, 05:01 till iniquity was found in you. " 05:04 And we're going to talk about that "iniquity" in a moment 05:08 but notice that it says, "He was created perfect. " 05:12 That means he was perfect from the day he was created 05:16 and as long as it was until iniquity was found in him... 05:20 and I like to highlight the fact that God did not put 05:24 any defect in Lucifer. 05:29 He was perfect... 05:31 perfect... and the word that is used here 05:33 that is translated "was found" 05:36 is a Hebrew word that when you look deep into it, 05:41 it is as if you investigate deeply 05:44 and you come to a conclusion based on what you found then. 05:50 In essence, it is saying to us 05:52 that Lucifer was perfect from the very second he was created 05:57 and continued to be perfect until sin arose in his mind... 06:03 he was created with freedom of choice 06:06 and he chose to sin on his own. 06:10 God did not put a... "You will fail after so many days... 06:14 you will fail... " 06:16 or... "sin will... will pop up in you... " 06:19 or... or... or "grow in you... " 06:21 because God put something there. 06:24 It was of his own doing. 06:26 And there's really no explanation 06:28 because he was in a perfect environment. 06:31 Everything was perfect around him, 06:33 there was no reason for what took place. 06:36 In Isaiah chapter 14, 06:38 the Lesson brings out verses 12 through 14 06:41 that we're going to look at and it says, 06:44 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, 06:47 son of the morning! 06:49 How you are cut down to the ground, 06:51 you who weakened the nations!" 06:54 So, we are here to understand 06:57 that this original sin took place in heaven. 07:01 Notice verse 13, 07:03 "For you have said in your heart: 07:04 'I will ascend into heaven, 07:07 I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; 07:11 I will also sit on the mount of the congregation 07:15 on the farthest sides of the north; 07:17 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, 07:21 I will be like the Most High. '" 07:24 Did he really want to be like the Most High? 07:27 The Bible says that God is love. 07:29 So, he desired something that did not belong to him, 07:32 he's not worthy of it 07:34 because only God is worthy to sit on that throne. 07:38 So, this is the origin... 07:40 or where the original covetousness began. 07:45 In the Lesson, I read to you from there... 07:48 it has a quote from Patriarchs and Prophets, 07:51 page 35, 07:53 "Not content with his position, 07:55 though honored above the heavenly host, 07:58 he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. 08:03 Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections 08:07 and allegiance of all created beings, 08:09 it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty 08:14 to himself. 08:16 And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father 08:21 had invested His Son, 08:24 this prince of angels aspired to power 08:29 that was the prerogative of Christ alone. " 08:32 Panel: Hmmm... hmmm... 08:34 Dinzey: He coveted something 08:35 that he could not possibly have... 08:37 it was not his... 08:38 it would never be his 08:40 for he was created an angel and he's below the Creator. 08:46 Ephesians chapter 5 verse 5 tells us this, 08:49 "For this, you know, that no fornicator, 08:52 unclean person, 08:54 nor covetous man, 08:55 or woman... 08:56 who is an idolater, 08:58 has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. " 09:03 So, when we look at this issue of covetous 09:07 and we're talking about managing finances... 09:11 managing things. 09:13 Here we had that covetousness... 09:15 you... if this is the way you live, 09:18 you will not have the inheritance 09:20 of the Kingdom of God. 09:22 Colossians chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 09:25 brings more for our understanding. 09:28 "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: 09:32 fornication, uncleanness, 09:34 passion, evil desire, 09:37 and covetousness, which is idolatry. " 09:40 This is idolatry. 09:41 "Because of these things 09:43 the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience 09:48 in which you yourselves once walked 09:50 when you lived in them. " 09:52 So, Paul here is addressing the Colossians 09:55 and he's telling them to beware of this 09:58 because the wrath of God is coming upon those 10:01 that have this practice. 10:02 And you know, in this sin, 10:04 is something that is not necessarily seen right away 10:08 outwardly, 10:10 it's something that you can do in your mind. 10:13 It is dangerous and it is a poison. 10:16 Now, Paul does present to us better choices. 10:20 Colossians chapter 3, we'll begin in verse 8, 10:24 "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: 10:28 anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language 10:31 out of your speech. 10:32 Do not lie one to another, 10:34 since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10:37 and have put on the new man 10:39 who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him 10:43 who created Him... " 10:45 moving to verse 12, 10:47 we have, "Therefore, as the elect of God, 10:51 holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, 10:55 kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; 10:58 bearing with one another, 11:01 and forgiving one another, 11:03 if anyone has a complaint against another... " 11:06 what should you do? 11:07 "Even as Christ forgave you, 11:09 so you also must do. 11:12 But above all these things put on love, 11:15 which is the bond of perfection. 11:17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, 11:20 to which also you were called... " 11:23 So, we see here that we need to replace this covetousness 11:28 which is a poison that will eat away at you. 11:33 You know, it's interesting 11:34 that the Scriptures point to us 11:36 that this was one of the things 11:38 that Paul had a... a... a challenge with. 11:41 He said, "I would not have known sin 11:44 except the law said, 'Thou shall not covet. '" 11:47 So, coveting is something that is dangerous 11:50 and Satan seeks to work this idea 11:55 or put this in the minds of every one of us 11:57 and, you know, he puts thoughts in our minds. 12:00 "Don't you want what he has? 12:02 Don't you want what she has?" 12:04 "You know you can do better than what you're doing, 12:07 look at what they are driving... 12:08 look at what they are wearing. " 12:10 And so, this is a dangerous, dangerous thing. 12:13 And notice that you identify with the devil 12:17 desiring something that does not belong to you. 12:21 Now, we move to 1st Timothy chapter 6... 12:24 1st Timothy chapter 6 and the question is, 12:28 how can focusing on what Paul writes here 12:31 help protect us from covetousness? 12:33 1st Timothy chapter 6 verse 6, 12:36 "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. " 12:41 Godliness with contentment is great gain 12:44 and we have much to be thankful for. 12:46 God is so good to us 12:49 that He gives to us that which will bring us happiness. 12:52 And it says in verse 7, 12:54 "For we brought nothing into this world, 12:57 and it is certain we can carry nothing out. " 13:02 So, this is a fact, you know, 13:04 our lives do not consist in the things that we possess. 13:09 I read to you now from Romans chapter 7 13:12 which I mentioned earlier, 13:14 Romans chapter 7 verse 7, 13:16 "For what shall we say then? 13:18 Is the law sin? 13:19 Certainly not! 13:21 On the contrary, 13:22 I would not have known sin except through the law. 13:25 For I would not have known covetousness 13:29 unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet. '" 13:32 You remember that Paul said, 13:33 "Concerning the law, blameless... " 13:36 but this is something, 13:38 I mean, the outward life of Paul... 13:41 "Hey, he is blameless... 13:43 doesn't say anything wrong, 13:45 doesn't do anything wrong, 13:46 doesn't even dress wrong, 13:48 he's blameless. " 13:50 But Paul understood 13:52 that he too needed the grace of Christ 13:55 because in him was covetousness. 13:57 So, beware of covetousness. 14:00 Jill: Thank you so much Brother Johnny, 14:02 what a great lesson! 14:03 Great foundation for this entire lesson on covetousness 14:07 and that origin with Lucifer in heaven. 14:09 I'm Jill Morikone... on Monday we look at: 14:11 An Accursed Thing in the Camp. 14:15 I can hardly get that out, 14:16 An Accursed Thing in the Camp. 14:20 We're looking, of course, at Achan's covetousness 14:24 and we're going to the book of Joshua 14:26 so, turn there with me. 14:27 We have ten takeaways from Achan's sin there. 14:32 Before we get to the battle at Ai, 14:35 just a little back story. 14:36 Remember they wandered... the children of Israel, 14:38 40 years in the wilderness. 14:39 They crossed the Jordan River on dry ground 14:43 by a miracle from God. 14:44 The walls of Jericho had come tumbling down 14:48 by a miracle from God. 14:51 Now we pick up and go into the command. 14:55 This is actually... just before the walls of Jericho came down. 14:58 God through Joshua had given a command to the people 15:02 and we'll read that because that's important to the story. 15:05 We're in Joshua 6 verses 17 through 19, 15:09 Joshua 6:17 through 19, 15:11 "Now the city... " this is taking about Jericho, 15:14 "shall be doomed by the Lord to destruction, 15:16 it and all who are in it. 15:18 Only Rahab the harlot shall live, 15:20 she and all who are with her in the house, 15:22 because she hid the messengers that we sent. 15:25 And you, by all means 15:27 abstain from the 15:28 accursed things... " 15:30 we're going to hear that word a lot... 15:31 "lest you become accursed 15:34 when you take of the accursed things, 15:37 and make the camp of Israel a curse... " 15:39 four times that word is used there... 15:42 "and trouble it... 15:43 But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, 15:46 are consecrated to the LORD; 15:48 they shall come into the treasury of the LORD." 15:51 Clearly, it's delineated what they need to do. 15:54 Everything is to be destroyed. 15:57 Nothing is to be spared, 15:59 the only thing is Rahab and her house 16:02 and then the silver and gold was to go into the treasury. 16:05 Takeaway Number 1: 16:07 Beware lest you ignore God's instructions. 16:12 This is a heavy topic for me, this entire Study. 16:16 Beware lest you ignore God's instructions... 16:20 God gives clear instructions... His Ten Commandment Law, 16:23 His Word clearly tells us what we're supposed to do 16:27 as Christians today in these last days. 16:30 Beware if you ignore those instructions. 16:34 Let's jump into this 16:36 and now we're going over to Joshua chapter 7 verse 1, 16:39 "But the children of Israel committed a trespass" 16:43 that word "trespass" means to act under cover... 16:45 underhandedly... 16:47 treacherously... 16:48 they committed a trespass regarding the accursed things 16:52 the things that were supposed to beware of... 16:54 they were supposed to leave alone. 16:55 "For Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, 16:57 the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, 17:00 took of the accursed things; 17:02 so the anger of the LORD burned against... " Achan... 17:05 is that what it say? 17:06 "the anger of the LORD 17:08 burned against the children of Israel. " 17:11 Takeaway Number 2: 17:12 Beware lest your sin affects others. 17:18 Panel: Hmmm... 17:19 Jill: It was Achan's sin, was it not? 17:21 Achan is the one who committed the sin. 17:22 He is the one who kept the accursed things 17:24 and yet the anger of God burned not just against Achan, 17:28 but against the children of Israel. 17:31 We think... "it only affects me... my sin... 17:33 it doesn't bother anybody else. 17:35 It's private... it's personal... 17:37 it's not impacting anybody... " 17:38 no, beware lest your sin affects someone else. 17:43 Let's read verse 2, Joshua 7 verse 2, 17:46 "Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, 17:50 and spoke to them saying, 17:51 'Go up and spy out the country. ' 17:53 So the men went up and spied out Ai. " 17:55 Verse 3, 17:56 "And they returned to Joshua... " what did they say? 17:58 'Do not let all the people go up... '" 18:00 we got this... 18:01 "let only two or three thousand men go into battle. 18:05 Do not weary the people, for the people of Ai are few. " 18:09 Takeaway Number 3: 18:12 Beware when you fail to consult God. 18:17 It was very clear that Joshua had had an encounter 18:20 with the pre-incarnate Christ 18:22 before the walls of Jericho came tumbling down, right? 18:25 He received instruction from God... 18:28 he sought the Lord... 18:29 "How are we to overcome this city?" 18:32 In this case, it doesn't say Joshua went to the Lord, 18:35 it doesn't say he asked for counsel from God 18:38 on how to attack Ai. 18:40 He sent some people to spy out the land. 18:43 Beware when you fail to consult God. 18:46 Let's read verse 4, Joshua 7 verse 4, 18:49 "So about three thousand men went up from there 18:52 from the people, 18:54 but they fled before the men of Ai. 18:56 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, 19:01 for they chased them from before the gate 19:02 as far as Shebarim, 19:04 and struck them down on the descent; 19:05 therefore the hearts of the people melted 19:08 and became like water. " 19:11 Takeaway Number 4: 19:12 Beware of self-confidence in the battle. 19:16 They took the 3,000 men... "We got this... 19:19 there's no issue... " and what happened? 19:22 They turned and fled 19:25 and 36 innocent men lost their lives. 19:30 How many times have I in my own experience, 19:34 I know I've done this. 19:36 "I've got it, God... I got it. " 19:37 Self-confidence... 19:39 "I really don't need anything. " 19:41 Beware of self-confidence. 19:43 Now, let's go after this and what happened? 19:45 Let's see what happens next in verse 6, 19:47 "Joshua tore his clothes, 19:50 fell on his face... fell on the earth... 19:53 to the earth on his face 19:55 before the ark of the LORD until evening... " 19:56 he and the others of Israel 19:58 and they put dust on their heads. 20:00 We see here... repentance. 20:01 Joshua and the Elders of Israel, 20:03 we see this repentance. 20:05 Now, maybe he didn't consult the Lord before going to attack Ai, 20:08 but he's surely consulting the Lord now. 20:10 What does he pray? 20:12 Verse 7, Joshua said, 20:14 "Alas, Lord GOD, why have you brought this people 20:17 over the Jordan at all... why?" 20:19 Have you ever done that? 20:21 Have you ever been involved in difficulty 20:24 and it seems like the enemy overpowers you 20:27 and you're in distress and... "Why God? 20:30 Why is this happening? Why?" 20:32 This is Joshua... "God, why? 20:33 Why are your people defeated? Why?" 20:36 "Why did You do this? To destroy us? 20:39 Oh, that we had been content, 20:40 and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan! 20:42 O LORD, what shall I say when Israel turns its back 20:44 from its enemies? 20:46 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land 20:48 will hear it, and surround us, 20:49 and cut off our name from the earth. 20:51 What will You do for Your great name?" 20:53 "God, it's not just about me... 20:54 it's not just about the 36 men... 20:56 God, it's about Your name... God why?" 20:59 The next two words are very significant to me, 21:03 Verse 10, "The LORD said to Joshua: 21:05 'Get up!'" 21:07 Did I hear that correctly? 21:09 He said, "Get up!" 21:11 So, they're saying, "Why God, why this problem, 21:14 why... why?" 21:15 And He said, "Get up! Why do you lie on your face?" 21:18 Israel had sinned. 21:20 Takeaway Number 5: 21:21 Beware of blaming God for your own sin. 21:25 Panel: Hmmm... Jill: Beware... 21:27 We say, "God, why did my marriage fall apart? 21:29 But I'm the one who had the affair... 21:31 I'm the one who criticized... 21:32 I'm the one who didn't respect my husband. " 21:35 "God, why did I get sick and then I... 21:37 I... why did I get lung cancer? 21:39 I smoked cigarettes for 40 years... 21:40 why?" 21:42 Beware when you blame God for your own sin. 21:47 What is the consequence? Verse 12, 21:48 "The children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, 21:50 but turned their backs before their enemies, 21:53 because they've been doomed to destruction. 21:56 Neither will I be with you anymore... " 21:59 God is speaking, "I will not be with you. " 22:02 "Unless you destroy the accursed thing from among you. " 22:06 Takeaway Number 6: 22:07 Beware lest sin separates you from God. 22:12 God said, "I won't be with you 22:15 because of the sin in the camp. " 22:17 Beware lest sin separates you from God. 22:20 Verse 13, God is still speaking, 22:22 "Get up, sanctify the people, 22:24 say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, 22:26 because thus says the LORD God of Israel... 22:28 there is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; 22:32 you cannot stand before your enemies 22:34 until you take the accursed thing away. '" 22:37 Takeaway 7: Beware lest sin keep you from victory. 22:43 They could not stand before their enemies, 22:46 they could not be victorious 22:48 because there was sin in the camp. 22:51 Verse 15, 22:52 "Then it shall be that he who is taken with the accursed thing 22:55 shall be burned with fire, 22:57 he and all that he has, 22:58 because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD, 23:01 and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel. " 23:04 Takeaway 8: Beware of the consequences of sin. 23:09 Panel: Hmmm... 23:10 The lots were cast... they were fell upon Achan 23:13 and then Achan comes forward and says in verse 21, 23:17 "I saw all the spoils 23:18 and I coveted and took and I hid them in my tent. " 23:23 Takeaway 9: Beware of hidden sin... 23:27 the sin that's not easily visible. 23:30 Covetousness is a hidden sin. 23:32 Finally, we see the judgment 23:35 verse 24, 23:37 "Joshua, and all Israel, took Achan the son of Zerah, 23:40 his garment, the wedge of gold, his sons... " 23:43 did you catch that? "his daughters, 23:45 his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, 23:47 and all that he had, 23:49 they brought them to the Valley of Achor. 23:50 They stoned him with stones 23:51 and burned them with fire. " 23:53 Takeaway 10: 23:54 Beware... lest you hold on to sin 23:58 until it affects those in your family. 24:01 Beware. 24:03 This is a serious topic. 24:05 God wants us to beware of any sin in our lives 24:10 because He wants to forgive and cleanse and restore us. 24:14 Dinzey: Amen, amen, praise the Lord. 24:17 Thank you very much. 24:18 Well, Friends, we're going to take a short break 24:20 and we will be back in just a moment. 24:22 Music... 24:28 Ever wish you could watch a 3ABN Sabbath School Panel again 24:31 or share it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? 24:35 Well, you can by visiting 3abnSabbathSchoolPanel. com 24:39 A clean design makes it easy 24:42 to find the Program you are looking for. 24:44 There are also links to the Adult Bible Study Guide 24:48 so you can follow along. 24:49 Sharing is easy. 24:51 Just click "Share" and choose your favorite Social Media. 24:54 Share a Link... 24:55 Save a Life for Eternity. 24:57 Dinzey: Welcome back. 24:59 we are dealing with the Lesson, "Beware of Covetousness. " 25:01 What a blessing it has been so far. 25:03 Thank you Sister Jill for that last powerful message. 25:06 We continue this study with Pastor John Lomacang. 25:09 Lomacang: Wow! The Heart of Judas... 25:11 what a topic! 25:13 There are so many parallels... 25:16 so many lessons from the life of Judas. 25:18 One of those... I'd like to reiterate, 25:21 I think I'll mention it now... 25:22 I'll mention it again at the end. 25:23 The unresolved sins 25:25 will become the very incarceration of your eternity. 25:29 The things that you refuse to resolve 25:31 will be things that will spell your destiny. 25:34 Judas' life... a life of... 25:36 how many of us would love to have the kind of life he had 25:39 to walk with Jesus physically... visibly... 25:42 every day... to be by His side... 25:45 to be in His presence... 25:46 to see the miracles that transformed thousands 25:49 performed by the very Master that he called 25:52 and yet, to end with a life record 25:56 that goes on to perpetually tell us 25:59 of what he forfeited eternally. 26:02 It's one of the most tragic stories in the Bible. 26:04 Thank you Jill for handling a topic that is so delicate 26:08 yet so necessary 26:09 how sometimes we blame God 26:11 for the very things we are responsible for 26:13 and this is another example 26:15 of one who lost at the very end of his opportunities 26:19 forfeited the greatest gift that was given to him. 26:22 Let's start in John chapter 12 26:24 and we're going to lay some foundation 26:27 for the very heart of this man... the heart of Judas. 26:30 You know, you'll discover along the way in your life, 26:34 your heart shows you who you are. 26:37 When you see who God shows you to be, 26:41 do not ignore it. 26:42 Another way to say it, 26:44 if somebody shows you who they are, 26:45 believe it. 26:47 If someone reveals their character to you, 26:49 believe it. 26:50 By ignoring and denying what God shows you, 26:53 you can spell your downfall. 26:55 John chapter 12... a very delicate moment 26:57 when Jesus is being anointed 26:59 someone named Judas appeared to be in the midst. 27:02 John 12 verses 1 to 8, 27:05 "Then six days... 27:07 then six days before the Passover, 27:09 Jesus came to Bethany, 27:10 where Lazarus who had been dead... 27:13 whom He had raised from the dead. " 27:15 Wow! 27:17 Lazarus used to be dead now he's at the dinner. 27:19 He's at the dinner now. 27:21 Jill: That's good. 27:22 Lomacang: What a... what a... what a mark testament 27:25 to the power in Christ. 27:26 "There they made Him a supper 27:29 and Martha served, 27:30 but Lazarus... one of those who sat at the table... 27:33 Lazarus was one of those who sad at the table with Him. " 27:36 You know, the presence of Lazarus... 27:39 I need to say, this was a constant rebuke to the Jews 27:41 that Jesus was not the Messiah. 27:44 There was evidence of His Messiahship 27:47 and every time they saw Lazarus, 27:49 they could not deny that He is the resurrection 27:51 and the Life. 27:53 Verse 3 says, "Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil 27:57 of spikenard, 27:59 anointed the feet of Jesus, 28:00 and wiped His feet with her hair. 28:02 and the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. " 28:07 Wow! when we are broken and spilled out for Christ, 28:10 our lives become a fragrance of the presence of Christ. 28:13 You know, we become a savor of life unto life. 28:16 That's an example of what God wants for every one of us. 28:19 I love Oswald Chambers... 28:21 he talks about being broken bread and poured-out wine 28:24 being broken and spilled out. 28:26 I did a sermon called: Poured out... 28:27 how when our lives are poured out for Christ, 28:30 we take on value. 28:32 Except a grain of wheat falls into the ground and die, 28:35 it abides alone... 28:36 and those of us who are not poured out 28:38 are living a... a secluded life 28:40 a life devoid of the blessings that God really intended for us 28:43 to experience 28:44 but she didn't 28:46 and that spikenard... that fragrant oil 28:48 cost her about a year's wages 28:50 but look at verse 4, 28:51 "But one of His disciples, 28:55 Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, 28:58 who would betray Him, said, 29:01 'Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii 29:06 and given to the poor?'" 29:07 Verse 6... 29:08 "Then he said, not that he cared for the poor, 29:12 but because he was a... " what? 29:14 "a thief, and had the money box; 29:17 and he used to take what was put in it. 29:21 But Jesus said, 'Let her alone; 29:24 she has kept this for the day of My burial. 29:27 For the poor, you have with you always, 29:30 but Me you do not have always. " 29:33 You know, the Writer of the Lesson, Elder Reid, 29:36 pointed out some very significant questions. 29:39 "What did Mary do that attracted so much attention 29:42 during the feast?" 29:43 Now, I want you to get this, 29:45 What did Mary do that attracted so much attention to the feast? 29:47 What she did attracted attention not to her 29:50 but to the One that was anointed. 29:52 When we do what God calls us to do, 29:54 it will attract attention to the One that must be exalted... 29:58 so, the only anointed One. 30:00 We are not called to attract attention to ourselves 30:02 like Judas did, 30:03 we are called to be the "Mary" at the feet of Jesus... 30:06 pouring out our best on the Master... 30:08 attracting all the joys and all the sorrows 30:12 and all the glad tidings to the One 30:14 who can deliver us... 30:16 the One who can bless us... 30:17 the One who can take our lives from a downtrodden state 30:21 to an exalted one only for His glory. 30:24 But how did Judas react? 30:26 "This money could have been used for better reasons. " 30:28 Watch out when people make majors out of minors. 30:32 Now, this was not a minor moment 30:34 but Judas decided to point this major... 30:37 this major service of anointing 30:39 preparing Jesus for His burial. 30:42 This was greater than just breaking a bottle 30:45 and pouring out ointment. 30:46 This was a symbol that she was there for Christ 30:49 and that's why when Jesus was raised, 30:52 all of the fear in the world could not get Mary to 30:55 to... to abandon the tomb. 30:56 "Where... where have they laid my Lord?" 30:59 And she waited there 31:00 and was the first to embrace her Lord. 31:02 How beautiful was her dedication to Christ 31:05 but Jesus... even calmly rebuked to Judas, 31:08 didn't even make Judas an example. 31:10 He chose to turn away that precious moment 31:14 to a man whose heart was so destitute of joy 31:17 and dedication to his Lord 31:19 which tells me... in moments when people turn the moment away 31:23 from the chief focus of the moment, 31:25 don't engage them 31:27 to rob that moment of the great blessing that's there. 31:29 We could argue with people over something 31:31 that will take the glory from Christ 31:33 and put the glory on themselves. 31:35 Don't allow those who re-direct the praise of God 31:37 to a moment of tragedy. 31:40 Verse 5 and 6, we find the focal point of the story... 31:43 "Why was this fragrant ointment not sold for 300 denarii?" 31:47 He even gave a price. 31:48 He said, "This is worth a whole lot more than this moment. " 31:50 Really? 31:52 Is the oil worth more than the Lord? 31:54 Absolutely not. 31:55 The value was not in the cost of the oil 31:58 but in the limitless cost of the Savior 32:00 and he missed that. 32:02 Panel: That's right. 32:03 Lomacang: How can you be with someone every day 32:04 and miss their inestimable value? 32:07 Wow! 32:08 He missed that moment. 32:10 The heart of Judas... Matthew chapter 26 verses 14 to 16, 32:13 "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, 32:17 went to the chief priests and said, 32:18 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?' 32:22 And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 32:26 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. " 32:30 That was really the motive behind this moment. 32:32 "I have to find a way to betray Him. " 32:34 And that's why we find in Philippians chapter 3 32:37 verses 18 and 19, 32:38 "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, 32:40 and now tell you even weeping, 32:42 that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ... " 32:45 how can you be with Jesus 32:47 and end up becoming an enemy of Christ? 32:49 "Whose end is destruction, 32:50 whose god is their belly, 32:51 and whose glory is in their shame... 32:53 who set their minds on earthly things. " 32:55 So, we have here the... the... the examples from Judas. 32:59 We must not allow money to be above our allegiance to Jesus. 33:02 1st Timothy 3 verse 8, 33:04 "Not greedy for filthy lucre... " 33:06 whereas the New King James says, 33:08 "Not greedy for money. " 33:09 There are some people that are close to Christ... 33:11 even claim to be ministers of Christ 33:13 but the focus is money. 33:15 They use God for financial gain 33:17 thus the many ministries that we find on television 33:20 and I want to say this... 33:21 praise God that is not the focus of 3ABN. 33:24 We don't use this ministry for financial gain, 33:27 we use it for the proliferation of the everlasting gospel 33:29 and everything you give is handled humbly. 33:32 You know, Greg and Jill, I understand our finance here, 33:34 I know Jason Bergman 33:36 and I know the motive behind those who work here. 33:38 We want to get the gospel of Christ out to the world. 33:40 We do not beg for money for personal gain. 33:43 Praise God for that. 33:44 But we have some takeaways and I need to get to that 33:47 before my time expires 33:49 but let me just point out a couple of things, 33:50 This is the generation motivated by financial gain. 33:53 2nd Timothy 3 verse 2, 33:55 "For men will be lovers of themselves 33:57 and lovers of money. " 33:59 That's the generation we live in and I hate to say this, 34:03 but even many people that open churches and open ministries 34:06 have the same motive... 34:07 they use Jesus Christ for financial gain... 34:09 the many mansions... the many houses... 34:12 the many jets... the many cars... 34:13 the many Rolls-Royces... 34:14 the lavish lifestyles... 34:16 but they claim to be connected to Christ. 34:18 What are the tragic lessons from Judas? 34:20 Let me bring those to the forefront 34:22 and I'll leave the rest for the latter part of the Program. 34:25 The tragedy of Judas is this: 34:27 having so much... he settled for so little. 34:30 The tragedy of Judas is this: 34:32 Being so close... his life ended so far. 34:36 The tragedy of Judas is this... 34:38 he pursued that which cost him everything 34:41 and ignored that which cost him nothing. 34:43 Panel: Hmmm... 34:44 Lomacang: The tragedy of Judas is those that betray others, 34:47 really betray themselves. 34:48 The tragedy of Judas is this: 34:50 he conspired to arrest the innocent One 34:53 but became incarcerated by his guilt. 34:56 The heart of Judas. 34:58 Don't use Jesus for your own personal gain. 35:02 Don't claim to be so close to the Messiah 35:05 and yet miss that which He offers. 35:08 Abandon the heart of Judas and embrace the heart of Jesus. 35:13 Panel: Amen. 35:14 Ryan: Thank you, guys, so much for that, I appreciate it, Pastor. 35:16 I mean, what you were just sharing... 35:18 just... what came into my mind 35:19 as we live in an era... 35:21 live in a time in which many are prostituting the gospel 35:24 and it's just a... it's a sad thing indeed. 35:27 I have Wednesday's Lesson entitled: 35:31 Ananias and Sapphira. 35:32 My name is Ryan Day 35:34 and it's a blessing to be able to share this truth, 35:37 you know, it's a story that we don't really focus on very often 35:41 we don't have many people that, you know, account 35:44 or give account to the story many times 35:46 because it doesn't have a very pleasant ending. 35:48 But there are certainly some lessons 35:50 that we can learn from this 35:51 and, you know, the lesson brings out 35:54 that it was an exacting time 35:55 that this particular time in history... 35:57 talking about the first century A.D. 36:00 right after Christ obviously had died, 36:02 the church was booming... it was growing greatly 36:05 especially from Pentecost and onward... 36:07 I mean, there were tons of people coming into the church 36:09 and their lives were being changed 36:11 by the gospel of Jesus Christ. 36:12 In fact, Acts chapter 4 verses 31 and 32 reminds us, 36:16 it says, "And when they had prayed, 36:18 the place was shaken where they were assembled together; 36:20 and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, 36:22 and they spake the word of God with boldness. 36:24 And the multitude of them that believed 36:26 were of one heart and of one soul: 36:28 neither said any of them that ought of these things 36:31 which he possessed was his own; 36:33 but they had all things in common. " 36:36 So, in this case, you know, 36:37 there was a... there was a sense of unity... 36:39 there was a sense of substantial growth... 36:41 the Spirit of the Lord was moving mightily 36:43 during this time 36:44 and, of course, it got the attention of a couple 36:47 by the name of Ananias and Sapphira 36:48 and the Lesson brings out that what a privilege 36:50 Ananias and Sapphira to people 36:52 and being part of this early church... 36:54 seeing it grow and seeing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit 36:57 in such a marked manner 36:59 and, of course, it brings out in Acts chapter 4 verses 34 and 35, 37:03 it says, "Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; 37:07 for who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, 37:10 and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 37:13 and laid them in the apostles' feet... " 37:15 or "at the apostles' feet; 37:16 and they distributed to each as anyone had need. " 37:20 So, this was a great impression upon Ananias and Sapphira 37:23 as they were seeing 37:24 just the mighty works of God taking place. 37:26 And, of course, it was in this setting... 37:28 that Ananias and Sapphira 37:29 obviously impressed by what was happening 37:31 and wanted to be a part of it... 37:32 decided to sell some property 37:34 and contribute the proceeds to the church... 37:36 sounds good so far, right? 37:38 Well, let's read the story, 37:39 let's go to Acts chapter 5 and let's read verses 1 through 11, 37:42 because the Bible gives us some clear insight 37:45 on what actually happened. 37:47 Acts chapter 5 verse 1 through 11, it says, 37:51 "But a certain man named Ananias, 37:52 with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 37:55 And he kept back part of the proceeds, 37:57 his wife also being aware of it, 37:59 and brought a certain part 38:01 and laid it at the apostles' feet. 38:03 But Peter said, 38:04 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart 38:07 to lie to the Holy Spirit 38:08 and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 38:12 While it remained, was it not your own? 38:15 And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? 38:20 Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? 38:23 You have not lied to men but to God. 38:26 Then Ananias, hearing these words, 38:29 fell down and breathed his last. 38:32 So, of course, 38:34 great fear came over all those who heard these things, 38:37 and the young arose and wrapped him up, 38:39 carried him out and buried him. " 38:41 Verse 7, 38:43 it says, "Now it was about three hours later 38:46 when his wife came in, 38:47 not knowing what had happened. 38:49 And Peter answered her, 38:51 'Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?' 38:54 She said, 'Yes, for so much. ' 38:58 Then Peter said to her, 39:00 'How is it that you have agreed together 39:03 to test the Spirit of the Lord? 39:05 Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband 39:10 are at the door, 39:11 and they will carry you out. ' 39:13 Then immediately she fell down at his feet 39:16 and breathed her last. 39:18 And the young men came in and found her dead, 39:21 and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 39:24 So great fear came upon all the church 39:27 and upon all those who heard these things. " 39:30 I mean, my goodness... 39:32 and just those words just ring out, 39:34 "You have not lied to men... 39:36 you're not... you're not pulling... 39:37 you may pull the wool over the men's eyes 39:40 but you have lied to God... 39:42 you can't get anything past God. " 39:43 God knows all... He sees all 39:46 and, of course, at first it seems as they were sincere, 39:49 of course, in their desire to give toward the work. 39:52 However, afterwards as... as Mrs. White brings out 39:55 in the Acts of the Apostles, page 72, 39:57 "Afterwards, Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit 40:00 by yielding to the feelings of covetousness. 40:02 They began to regret their promise 40:04 and soon lost the sweet influence 40:06 of the blessing that had warmed their hearts 40:09 with the desire to do large things 40:11 on behalf of the cause of Christ. " 40:14 Of course, you know, in other words, 40:16 though they had started out with the best of motives, 40:19 you know, they wanted to be a part of this great work, 40:22 their covetousness caused them to put on a front 40:25 and pretend to be what they really weren't. 40:29 This reminds me as we... 40:31 as we have heard this word many times, 40:33 "Covetousness... covetousness... " 40:35 this is all of the back to the heart... 40:37 the very heart of God's very commandments. 40:39 Exodus chapter 20 verse 17, 40:42 what does it say there in God's very law? 40:44 it says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; 40:45 you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, 40:47 nor his male servant, nor his female servant, 40:49 not his ox, nor his donkey, 40:51 nor anything that is your neighbors. " 40:53 In other words, 40:54 don't... don't put this before God... 40:56 don't put this before even your own salvation 40:58 to chase after those things which are not yours 41:01 or that God may not have plan 41:02 or will for you to have in your life. 41:04 If we dig a little deeper and we study a little deeper, 41:07 you'll eventually end up in Colossians chapter 3 41:10 where you're reading the first five verses 41:12 where it actually brings out the heart of the matter 41:14 because many people question and say, 41:16 "Well, if I see something and I want it, 41:18 is that a... is that a sin?" 41:19 Well, it goes a little deeper than just seeing something 41:21 and wanting something 41:23 or desiring something. 41:24 If you go to Colossians chapter 3 verses 1 through 5, 41:26 we get kind of a glimpse into what is at the heart of this 41:29 covetousness 41:30 or coveting... as it is a sin. 41:32 For Colossians 3 verses 1 through 5 says, 41:35 "If you were raised with Christ, 41:37 seek those things which are above, 41:39 which Christ is, 41:41 sitting at the right hand of God. 41:42 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 41:45 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. " 41:49 And Verse 4, 41:50 "When Christ who is our life appears, 41:53 then you also will appear with Him in glory. " 41:56 And then Verse 5, here it is, 41:58 "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth" 42:01 what are those things we are to put to death? 42:04 "fornication, 42:05 uncleanness, 42:06 passion, 42:08 evil desire... " 42:09 and here it is... 42:11 "covetousness... " 42:12 but then it says, "which is idolatry. " 42:15 Panel: Hmmm... hmmm... 42:16 Ryan: Did you catch that? 42:18 What is at the heart of this covetousness? 42:20 What is at the heart of... of... of the sin of coveting? 42:23 It's idolatry. 42:24 It's putting others or anything above God 42:27 and not putting God first in your life. 42:29 Of course, Pastor Dinzey read Ephesians chapter 5 verse 5 42:33 which repeats this... 42:34 it says, "For this, you know, 42:35 that no fornicator, unclean person, 42:37 or covetous man... " 42:38 and then it says, "who is an idolator, 42:42 has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. " 42:45 You know, it doesn't take a rocket scientist... 42:48 all you have to do is be able to study and read a little bit, 42:50 go back and just survey the story of the Old Testament 42:53 and you will see that it was the sin of idolatry 42:57 that led to much calamity and much destruction 43:00 and... and the end of many. 43:02 For instance, it was idolatry 43:03 that led Lot's wife to turn into a pillar of salt. 43:06 She... she... she made her life in Sodom 43:10 and the things of her possessions 43:11 and everything that she had made there... 43:12 it was an idol to her... 43:14 she coveted that 43:15 and she couldn't let it go in her heart. 43:17 It was idolatry that led 3,000 people in the Camp of Israel 43:19 to be slain. 43:21 In Exodus chapter 32, they worshipped the golden calf, 43:23 Moses said, "Either you're going to worship the Lord 43:26 or you're not... 43:27 you're going to be on the Lord's side or you're not... 43:28 there were 3,000 of them that went against it 43:30 and they lost their life that day 43:31 because they'd rather have the calf than have God. 43:34 Idolatry led 24,000 Israelites 43:37 to be slain before entering the Promised Land. 43:39 The Moabites woman came in 43:41 turned their hearts to serving Baal... they made it an idol 43:44 and it cost them their life. 43:46 It was idolatry that led to Solomon's demise 43:49 and a permanent division of Israel. 43:52 It was idolatry that led to a three-and-a-half-year drought 43:55 in Israel during the days of Ahab. 43:57 It was idolatry that led to the scattering 43:59 of the Ten Tribes of the North 44:00 and the end of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 44:02 It was idolatry that led Israel... 44:04 led to Israel evicting God from His own sanctuary. 44:09 And it was idolatry ultimately that led 44:11 to the complete destruction of Israel 44:14 to 70 years of Babylonian captivity... 44:17 that was the Mecca of idolatry 44:19 which, of course, is Babylon. 44:21 You know, you can read there in Jeremiah chapter 7, 44:24 I don't have time... I had it here in my notes 44:26 but you just go read Jeremiah chapter 7, 44:28 you can just see God's heart pouring out 44:30 as He has been pleading and pleading 44:32 and pleading with Israel for 840 years to trust in Him... 44:36 to put Him first above anything and anyone else 44:39 but yet, it leads to Him saying, 44:41 the most heart-wrenching words that you could ever hear 44:44 from your God... 44:46 to hear the prophet of God, Jeremiah... 44:47 to hear these words to come from God 44:49 and he says, "Therefore, Jeremiah, 44:50 do not pray for these people... 44:52 stop praying for them. 44:53 "Nor lift up a cry of prayer for them, 44:55 nor make intercession to Me for I will not hear you. " 44:58 They had reached a point where they had completely 45:01 turned their back on God. 45:02 They would rather have the world. 45:04 They would rather have the golden calf than to have God. 45:07 But Jesus says in Matthew 10 verse 37 to 39, 45:11 and He says, "He who loves father or mother more than Me 45:13 is not worthy of Me. 45:14 And he who loves son or daughter more than Me 45:16 is not worthy of Me. 45:18 And he who does not take his cross up and follow after Me 45:21 is not worthy of Me. " 45:22 Have you put Jesus first in your life? 45:24 Is there something that you are coveting? 45:26 Is there covetousness or idolatry in our heart? 45:29 It's... that's not the end, 45:30 just simply call out to the Lord and say, 45:32 "Lord, I don't want this to dominate my life anymore... " 45:34 and give your heart to Jesus today while you have time. 45:37 Panel: Amen... amen. 45:38 Shelley: Oooooh! 45:40 I'm telling you this is really a heavier lesson 45:44 and I had... I've got the good part... 45:47 my name is Shelley Quinn, I have Thursday... 45:50 I get to talk about: Overcoming Covetousness. 45:54 You know, when God has always 45:58 from the very beginning 46:01 had a moral code of love. 46:03 Through this moral code of love, 46:06 He sets boundaries around relationships... 46:11 our relationship with Him 46:13 and our relationship with others 46:15 and the moral code of love 46:18 is finally called in Exodus: 46:21 The Ten Commandments. 46:23 Let me repeat the 10th. 46:25 This is one that many of us think, 46:28 "Oh, okay, you're not supposed to have any idols before God... 46:33 you're not supposed to bow down to them. 46:35 You're not supposed to take His name in vain, 46:37 you're not supposed to do this that and the other... 46:39 don't... you know, 46:41 you got to honor your father and mother, 46:42 Don't commit adultery... 46:44 don't steal... 46:46 don't bear false testimony 46:47 and we... we go through these 46:49 and we get down... "Don't covet... " 46:51 like it's nothing. 46:52 To me... I think that covetousness 46:56 is what leads to greater sins. 47:00 Covetousness causes us to murder others. 47:05 Panel: That's true. 47:06 Shelley: Covetousness causes us to steal. 47:08 Covetousness causes adultery. 47:12 So, let me just take a second, go back through our definition 47:17 because my definition of covetousness 47:19 is a little bit different. 47:21 It is just the opposite of contentment. 47:25 It's greed... you want more... more... more. 47:29 More money... more power... more prestige... 47:32 whatever it is... it is idolatry. 47:35 You desire to possess something someone else has 47:39 an insatiable desire for wealth... 47:42 obsession to have more material things... 47:46 "I got to have a new book... " 47:47 "I got to have this... " 47:49 because when your heart covets something 47:52 with insatiable desire... 47:54 you begin to do things that are outside of God's will to get it. 47:59 It's a greediness 48:01 that basically denies faith in God 48:06 and scorns His values 48:09 and let me tell you something, 48:12 it is a self-inflicted wound. 48:14 Covetousness will ruin your life 48:17 but as Jill brought out... 48:18 it can also... no sin happens in a vacuum. 48:22 Covetousness can ruin your family's life. 48:26 The Study Guide said... I love this... 48:30 "It's a matter of the heart. " 48:32 It is deadly... it's deceiving. 48:34 It's like pride and selfishness... 48:36 it often goes unnoticed 48:39 and yet, this is a scary sin. 48:41 So, how do we recognize it? 48:44 Well, do you feel envious or jealous 48:48 when someone else is blessed? 48:50 And you say, "Well, why them and not me?" 48:54 Maybe you manipulate others to get what you want 48:59 because you think, "I deserve it. " 49:01 It's a general... if you have a general lack of contentment 49:07 that leads to bitterness, 49:09 that's covetousness. 49:10 A sense of underachievement... 49:13 competing for status with others is covetousness. 49:18 Spending money you don't have in those Black Friday sales... 49:22 that's covetousness. 49:24 Jesus warned in Luke 12:15, 49:28 "Take heed and beware of covetousness, 49:31 for one's life does not consist 49:33 of the abundance that he possesses. " 49:36 And then, I believe, we've already read 49:39 but I'll repeat, Ephesians 5:5-7, 49:43 "For this, you know, 49:44 no fornicator, 49:45 unclean person, 49:47 covetous man, 49:48 idolater... " 49:50 covetous man who is an idolator... 49:51 "has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. " 49:57 Covetousness can keep you out of the kingdom. 50:01 "Let no one deceive you with empty words... " 50:05 Paul goes on to say, 50:06 "For because of these things the wrath of God 50:09 comes upon the sons of disobedience. " 50:13 Covetousness is disobeying God. 50:16 "Therefore... " he says, 50:19 "Do not be partakers with them. " 50:20 How do we overcome? 50:22 Quickly, I want to give you seven steps 50:25 to overcome covetousness. 50:28 Number 1: 50:29 Recognize this is a projection 50:33 of Satan's spirit coming over you 50:37 just as Pastor Johnny Dinzey... 50:41 we saw Satan coveted God 50:46 the worship that God was receiving. 50:50 He coveted that position of control 50:53 and you know what? 50:55 He's going to do anything he can to divert your focus 50:58 and destroy your peace 51:01 and lead you to covet 51:03 so that he can lead you into greater sin. 51:05 So the second step is: Repent. 51:09 You know, ask God, "O Lord, show me my heart... 51:12 show me what's going on in my heart... " 51:16 and when He does... ask... ask Him for forgiveness, 51:20 1st John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, 51:24 He's faithful and just to forgive us of all of our sin 51:27 and cleanse us of all unrighteousness 51:30 and pray for the gift of repentance. 51:33 Say, "Lord, grant me repentance. " 51:37 Step 3: Renew your focus on walking 51:40 in covenant relationship with the Lord. 51:43 You know what? If you're focused on the Lord 51:46 and His righteousness 51:48 in a relationship of love with Him, 51:51 you're going to be like Joshua... Joshua 24:15, 51:56 He says, "Hey, choose you this day whom you will serve... 52:00 as for me and my house... we're going to serve the Lord. " 52:03 And when you're focused on that, 52:06 you're not going to be focused on all of this temporal stuff. 52:10 Number 4: Reach out to God in daily prayer 52:16 asking Him to deliver you from evil. 52:21 God will never lead you into temptation. 52:25 As a matter of fact, 1st Corinthians 10:13 says, 52:28 "No temptation has overcome you except as common to man: 52:33 but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted 52:38 beyond what you are able, 52:40 but with the temptation, he'll make the way of escape, 52:44 that you may be able to bear it. " 52:46 You know, I really think a good dose in our prayer... 52:51 a good dose of thanksgiving and praise 52:54 will help you overcome covetousness. 52:57 I... I think 80 to 90 percent of my prayer 53:00 is thanksgiving and praise 53:03 and it cultivates in us 53:06 a spirit of contentment. 53:09 Number 5: Regularly... 53:13 I said, regularly study your Bible. 53:18 Psalm 119:11, he says, 53:21 "Your Word have I hidden in my heart, 53:24 that I might not sin against You. " 53:26 Sometimes, we're sitting in ignorance, 53:29 doesn't mean it's not sin 53:30 but we're ignorant of our sin because we don't know the Word 53:34 and really, we don't have much excuse 53:37 when the Word is so available to us. 53:40 1st John 2:15 says, 53:43 "Do not love the things of this world. " 53:46 So, as you study the Bible, 53:48 and you see that and you're going, 53:51 "Oh Lord, I am in love with things of this world. " 53:55 So, it helps to course-correct you. 53:59 And Number 6, 54:00 Remedy the spirit of covetousness 54:04 by returning tithes and offerings. 54:07 I'll tell you what! 54:08 When... when you do that, 54:11 it does help you get rid of covetousness. 54:14 Celebrate the good fortune of others. 54:18 I remember... oh, I guess I shouldn't say, 54:21 I remember someone I know who was very blessed by the Lord. 54:25 They told us the story... JD and I were just celebrating 54:29 and thinking, "Oh Lord, how wonderful!" 54:32 And then there were other people who were going, 54:35 "Well, why should they get that? 54:37 Just because... blah, blah, blah, blah, blah... " 54:39 And it's like, "What! 54:41 we need to celebrate other people 54:45 when they are blessed. " 54:47 And Number 7, 54:49 "Remember you are a child of God. 54:51 He wants to bless you. 54:53 He wants to give you an abundance of everything... " 54:57 but He does... he gives us abundantly 55:00 so that we will be equipped to... to... 55:03 for every good work. 55:05 Right? 55:06 And remember, it's His perfect timing. 55:08 He has an inheritance laid up for you in heaven. 55:12 We all have a desire for physical things. 55:16 It's not wrong 55:18 but it's a threat to us if we become fixated with it. 55:23 Colossians 4:14, real quickly... 55:26 Demas was one of Paul's closest companions 55:30 and a disciple of Christ 55:32 but in 2nd Timothy 4:10, 55:34 Paul says, "Demas... in love with this present world, 55:38 has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. " 55:42 A love of the world overtook Demas. 55:46 Panel: Hmmm... hmmm... 55:47 Shelley: The love of the world can... 55:49 can displace our love for God. 55:52 So, if you recognize yourself at all in this, 55:55 repent and ask God to cleanse you. 55:59 Panel: Amen... 56:00 Dinzey: Amen, thank you so much, Sister Shelley. 56:02 What a blessing it has been to hear each and every one of you. 56:05 I'd like to give each one of you a moment 56:06 to give a final thought. 56:08 Jill: It is a heavy lesson 56:09 I know we've said that several times. 56:11 I'm reminded of the promise: 56:12 God is not willing that any should perish 56:14 but that all should come to repentance. 56:16 He always reveals to us what's the state of our heart 56:20 so that we can turn back to Him. 56:22 So, today, if you hear His voice, 56:24 do not harden your heart. 56:25 Lomacang: Yes, perfect segue Jill, 56:27 because the answer to the heart of Judas is the prayer of David. 56:30 Psalm 51 verse 10, 56:32 "Create in me a clean heart O God, 56:35 and renew a right spirit within me. " 56:37 Because God can create the world, 56:40 He can re-create your heart. 56:43 Submit it to Him. 56:44 Ryan: Amen, covetousness does not have to be the end all. 56:48 2nd Chronicles 7 verse 14, 56:51 "If my people who are called by My name 56:53 will humble themselves, and pray 56:55 and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, 56:57 then I will hear them from heaven, 56:59 and I will forgive their sin 57:01 and heal their land. " 57:02 Shelley: With God's help we can overcome any tendency 57:06 toward selfishness and covetousness 57:09 and wanting more. 57:10 So, pray and ask God to lead you in the way everlasting 57:15 where there's fullness and joy 57:17 and remember the consequences of covetousness. 57:20 You can't enter the kingdom of heaven 57:22 so, make God the supreme object of your desire. 57:26 Dinzey: Thank you so much. 57:28 Lesson Number 10 is entitled: Giving Back... 57:30 that's what we will be covering next time. 57:33 In view of what we have discussed, 57:36 I think it is good for us to go to the Lord in prayer 57:38 and I invite you to join us. 57:40 "Our loving heavenly Father, 57:42 we are grateful because Your holy Scriptures 57:46 help us understand 57:47 that this is a poison that needs to get out. 57:50 Help us Lord to allow Jesus to come in... 57:52 that this poison will get out 57:54 and Lord, help us to confess and forsake this 57:57 if this is a part of our lives. 57:59 We pray for each and every one that is hearing my voice, 58:02 that they too will make that commitment 58:04 to get covetousness out and allow Jesus in. 58:07 In Jesus' name we ask it, amen. " 58:09 Panel: Amen. |
Revised 2023-04-13