1 Kings 21 & 1 Tim 6:6-10

“Ahab saw Naboth’s vineyard and decided he wanted it. When Naboth refused to give or sell it to Ahab, Ahab went home pouting to his wife, Jezebel. Jezebel hatched a plan to get it, resulting in Naboth’s death. Finally, Ahab had what he wanted, but the joy of it was short-lived, because Elijah showed up to pour cold water on his party (Dr Kent Spann: Preacher’s Resource Book p. 326-327)

A closer look at these verses reveals at least 4 direct violation of God’s commandmentsAhab coveted (1-7) contrast with Ex 20:17Jezebel arranged for false testimony (8-10)

contrast with Ex 20:16Jezebel murdered Naboth (11-14) contrast

with Ex 20:13Ahab stole the vineyard (15-16) contrast with

Ex 20:15The Lord condemns Ahab for his actions (17-

29)

No society can thrive when it is under the spell of covetousnessCovetousness is never satisfied

Eccl 5:10-12; Heb 13:5; Phil 4:11-12Covetousness takes over the heart and even

comes from the heartEzek 33:31; 2 Pet 2:12-14; Jer 22:17; Mk

7:21-23What we covet becomes an idol to us

Eph 5:5; Col 3:5; 1 Cor 10:14

No society can thrive when it is under the spell of covetousnessCovetousness leads to:

Injustice and oppressionMic 2:2

MurderEzek 22:12; 1 Kings 21; 2 Sam 11; Jam 4:2

Great temptation, harmful desires, and ruin and destructionGen 3:1-6; 1 Tim 6:9

Departure from the faith and great sorrow1 Tim 6:10

No society can thrive when it is under the spell of covetousnessCovetousness ruins homes and marriages

Prov 15:27Covetousness can lead to lead to war and

conflictJam 4:1-4

Desire the right things the right wayThe right things

GodPs 63:1; Ps 84:2; Phil 3:7-14

His KingdomMt 6:33; Col 3:1-4

His approvalGal 1:10; 1 Thes 2:4-6

The right wayAvoid excess and reject selfish desires

Love our neighborLev 19:18; Mt 22:39

Develop a sense of gratitudePs 100:4; Col 2:6-7; 1 Thes 5:18

Learn to be contentMt 6:25; Phil 4:11; Heb 13:11• A man was tired of his friends owning nicer homes than

his, so he went to a realtor and put his home on the market and to search for a new one. One day, as he was reading the paper, he came across a listing for a home that was just what he was looking for. He called the realtor. The realtor replied, “Sir, that is your house. That is the house we are trying to sell for you.”

Give generouslyProv 3:27 & 11:24-25; Acts 20:35; 2

Cor 9:6-8

When you find yourself envious or desiring more than you need, ask yourself, “Covetousness, do I really want it?”