Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (NAS)
We’ve all heard the expression, “The more you have; the more you want”. This is the definition of greed. Another definition is, an unrestrained desire to get, possess or own. Sometimes the word "covet" is used, which means an unreasonable desire for worldly gain; a selfish desire to possess what belongs to another.
In the following passages, who was greedy and for what?
Genesis 3:6
Genesis 13:10-13
Joshua 7:19-26
1 Samuel 2:12-17
2 Samuel 11:2-5
Haggai 1:4-9
Matthew 26:14-16
Luke 16:14 and 15
What does Jesus say about greed in Mark 7:21-23?
What does He say in Luke 12:16-21 and Matthew 16:26?
According to the following passages, what type of people are greedy?
Romans 1:21-23 and 28-32
2 Peter 2:1-3
2 Peter 2:12-15
How is greed described in Colossians 3:5? How is greed idolatry?
Ephesians 5:3 says that greed, along with immorality or any impurity “must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints”.
List some things that people can be greedy for in today’s culture.
What does Jesus say about these things? (Luke 12:15)
Why do you think Jesus puts such an emphasis on being aware of and guarding against greed?
How does Jesus say to “beware” of and “guard against” greed in Matthew 6:19-21?
Colossians 3:2 and Hebrews 13:16 also tell us how.
Now that you know what Jesus says, ask Him to reveal any greed in your lifestyle and habits. Tell Him of your desire to obey His commands and ask Him to show you how to “beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed”.
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