Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:17
What an incredible week of examining coveting. God never puts a command in His Word that is weak or foolish. Every command is given to protect us from moving in the wrong direction. The reason God dealt with us not coveting is because coveting is a form of idolatry. When we want/desire/long for something that someone else has, that thing we’re longing for becomes a god to us because we become obsessed with it. God tells us this in Colossians 3:5: “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.” Notice that everything God had Paul mention in this verse “amounts to idolatry.” Therefore, we must crucify our fleshly desires. What God wants us to desire, long for, want, and passionately pursue are Him and His Word. The enemy seeks to set out the bait for us, hoping we’ll turn our backs on God and go after the garbage of this world. God warns us again in James 1:14–15, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” We can be “carried away and enticed” when we long for anything other than our fellowship with God and His Word. Our lustful desire will always lead us to death, and God wants us to experience life through Him. Let’s walk according to our Lord’s commands and never miss what He has for us.
Challenge & Application
· What would be something that the enemy might test you with, and how would you choose to overcome it?
· What are some of the precious gems God has taught you this week, and how will you apply these gems to your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!