Selected Scriptures
Theme:
Greed is a deadly idol that blinds the heart, deceives the soul, and draws people away from faith in Christ.
Doctrine:
The love of money is not a neutral habit but a spiritual danger that wars against devotion to God.
Purpose:
To expose the sin of greed, illustrate its dangers through Scripture, and call believers to contentment and faith in Christ.
Introduction:
The idol hiding in plain sight.
1. The Danger Defined: The Love of Money is Deadly
1.1 Money is not the problem – the love of money is.
1.2 It leads to all kinds of evils.
2. The Danger Illustrated: Biblical Examples of Greed.
2.1 Judas Iscariot – the betrayal of Jesus for silver.
2.2 Ananias and Sapphira – lying for applause and profit.
3. The Warning Spoken: Jesus and Paul on Greed.
3.1 Jesus’ direct warning.
3.2 Paul’s serious concern.
4. The Remedy Applied: Contentment and Generosity in Christ.
4.1 Godliness with contentment is great gain.
4.2 Store up treasures in heaven.
5. The Call to Examine Ourselves:
Questions for the Heart:
a. Do I love money more than I love Christ?
b. Do I give sacrificially, or do I hoard selfishly?
c. Do I find my security in wealth or in God’s promises?
d. Am I content with what I have?
Reminder:
Greed is not overcome by guilt but by grace. Christ died to redeem greedy sinners. He rose again to give new hearts.
Conclusion:
The Gospel frees us from greed because Jesus Christ is our true treasure.