The Clarity of Truth

The Clarity of Truth

John 8:32; 14:6; 17:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Hebrews 11:1

Theme: Authentic facts point to God’s truth; we must live by God’s truth and not mere facts…by faith and not by sight.

Relevance:

God delivers us from spiritual confusion when we believe Him instead of our circumstances. Facts are subject to misleading manipulation leading to greater sin, darkness, and bondage, but embracing God’s truth is freeing, liberating, clarifying, and life transforming!  

Lesson:

Again...Truth Must Override Facts as a Standard!

John 8:32, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

God’s spiritual truth (His word and promises) supersedes temporary earthly facts (physical or biological realities or human observations). 

There are Plenty Examples of Truth Overriding Facts:

In Bible history, divine truth frequently superseded noticeable facts, whether temporary physical circumstances, biological limits, or antagonistic settings. When natural facts say one thing, God’s higher truth overrode them, demanding faith over mere human sight.

• Abraham and Sarah’s Aged Bodies (Romans 4:18–21; Genesis 17:15-17)
• The Bare Obvious Facts: Physically, Sarah’s womb and Abraham’s body were dead (as good as dead, being about 100 years old). Physically, their bodies were past the age of bearing children.
• The Greater Truth: God promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations. Abraham “against hope believed in hope,” considering not his own body now very old, but “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief.” Abraham trusted God’s promise to make him the father of many nations, even when human prospects seemed entirely hopeless. God’s truth or promise they would have a son, a coming heir, superseded the biological fact of their infertility. He remained fully convinced that God had the power to fulfill what He promised.
• Peter Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:28–29)
• The Bare Obvious Facts: The physical law of gravity and the force of wind and waves mean a human body sinks in the Sea of Galilee. The physical facts were gravity and sinking waves!
• The Greater Truth: At Jesus’ invitational command (“Come”), Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the stormy sea. The physical fact of the storm only overwhelmed him when he looked away from Christ’s word, proving that divine command momentarily superseded natural physical laws. The truth and real power rested in Jesus’ command to come.
• Stepping Out in Faith but Only with Christ’s Directions. Peter asks Jesus to call him out onto the dangerous, stormy sea. By saying “Come,” Jesus gives Peter the authority and power to do the impossible.
• Leaving the Comfort Zone as an Expression of Trust. This passage represents taking a risk to be closer to Christ. The boat symbolizes safety and familiarity; walking on water symbolizes radical trust in Jesus’ command.
• The Power of Focusing on Christ is Paramount to Triumph! Peter can walk on water only as long as he keeps his eyes fixed entirely on Jesus. (While the verses immediately following show Peter looking at the wind, becoming afraid, and beginning to sink, verses 28–29 highlight the initial triumph of active, obedient faith). We dare not overlook this reality!
• The Three Hebrew Boys in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3:24–27)
• The Bare Obvious Facts: Fire burns human flesh, and Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace was heated seven times hotter than usual so that it killed the executioners.
• The Greater Truth: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God’s preservation. The physical fact of the fire remained, but the higher spiritual truth of God’s presence meant “upon their bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed.”
• Earlier in the chapter, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue, stating that their God was able to save them, but even if He didn’t, they still wouldn’t worship the idol. Daniel 3:27 proves that God did deliver them utterly and completely, leaving pagan witnesses astonished and forcing the pagan king to praise the God of Israel. It highlights that when God saves or brings someone through a trial, He can do so so thoroughly that not even the “smell” or scars of the ordeal remain.—Bible Gateway
• The Shunammite Woman’s Dead Son (2 Kings 4:32–37)
• The Bare Obvious Facts: While working with his father in the fields, the boy complained of a severe head pain and died in his mother’s arms. The child was clinically dead, laid cold upon Elisha’s bed.
• The Greater Truth: The physical fact of death was reversed by the prophet’s actions and God’s power! Elisha arrived, prayed to God, and stretched himself out over the boy’s body twice until the child’s flesh grew warm. Operating on the spiritual reality that God is the author of life, Elisha caused the boy to sneeze and open his eyes then restored him alive again to his mother. Yes, beloved this resurrection is just one token of what the Creator can do through exploits of faith!
• The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:3–5)
• The Bare Obvious Facts: The bones scattered across the valley were “very dry”—a final, irreversible physical state from a human perspective.
• The Greater Truth: When God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?”, the prophet deferred to God’s omniscience (“O Lord God, thou knowest”). God then commanded Ezekiel to prophesy, saying, “O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord,” and life entered them, and “they stood upon their feet, an exceeding great army.” The truth of God’s powerful creative word superseded the dead, bleached fact of the bones.

·        Christ’s Raising Lazarus to Life (John 11)

Jesus Christ’s resurrection of Lazarus demonstrates His authority over life and death renders physical death a temporary boundary rather than a permanent reality. Yes, accordingly Lazarus was brought back to physical life by Jesus four days after he died and was placed in a tomb. 

·        The Death of Lazarus of Bethany, brother to Mary and Martha and a friend of Jesus, fell sick and died while Jesus was away. 

·        The Miracle unfolded when Jesus arrived four days after the burial, he went to the cave tomb, had the stone rolled away, and called out, “Lazarus, come forth.”

·        The Result literally entailed Lazarus coming out of the tomb still wrapped in his burial cloths, astonishing the crowd and leading many to believe in the Lord Jesus. Beloved, these are the observable bare face facts!

Carefully, note the significance of Lazarus being dead four days in the tomb. You see Lazarus was dead for four days, past the Jewish belief that the soul lingered for three days, making his death an undeniable physical fact.

Then specifically pay attention to the awesome power of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus called, “Lazarus, come forth,” the physical reality of decay and death yielded to divine command instantly.

Recall how Jesus described Himself earlier as “The Resurrection and the Life”! Jesus specified that anyone who believes in Him will live even if they die physically, shifting the focus from death as an absolute end to life in Christ (Jn. 11:23-27). Beloved, this is the "TRUTH" that frees you and me for the sins of doubt, skepticism, questions, worry, frustrations, and unbelief! 

Many More Passages Elevate God’s Words Over Obvious Facts that are Rooted in Mere Human Understanding!

Living by faith is trusting God, believing Him regardless of other otherwise reasonable inputs from even accomplished people. Humility is necessary for us all before a Mighty God and Creator! A humble posture is our rightful place and not the arrogance of dreaming up some new theory in a quest to be published! Trusting God’s promises and character instead of relying only on temporary, physical circumstances or human logic is needed by us all. God calls us to a life of faith and moves us past the mere limitations of physical sight.

• Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith provides a real foundation and proof for spiritual realities that physical eyes cannot detect.
• 2 Corinthians 4:18: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
• Romans 1:17: “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Faith is not a one-time event, but the core posture of daily survival and spiritual life.
• Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Several Essential Matters are Involved with Living by Faith!

• Looking Beyond Circumstances to the Reality of God! Refusing to let present hardships, fear, or worldly facts dictate your peace or obedience.
• Trusting the Word of God as a Standard! Relying on what God has declared as more certain than what physical evidence shows.
• Actively Resolving to Proceed! Moving forward through unclear paths with confidence in God’s hidden work and ultimate faithfulness.

Conclusion:

Jesus says, “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Spiritual truth and alignment with God sovereign will free us from the bondage, captivity, confinement, and lifestyles of sinful enslavement. Beloved, our Lord promises spiritual liberation through faith.

Child of God, this notion is critical to our spiritual experience:

• Freedom from Sin: people who live in sin are slaves to it. Knowing and accepting the truth breaks that control.
• The Person of Jesus: Jesus defines himself as the “TRUTH”. Knowing the truth means having a ‘living faith’ in him.

Having a living faith in Jesus Christ provides inner peace, deeper personal purpose, and a supportive connection to God that helps overcome daily hardships.

Think Deeply About the Advantages of a ‘Living Faith’:

·        Rich Inner Peace is Realized. Trusting in Christ offers a stabilizing inner calm that helps reduce worry about the future.

·        Hope during Hard Times is a Present Truth to Embrace. A living trust provides the resilience needed to persevere through suffering, sickness, and difficult life circumstances.

·        Clear Life Purpose and Confidence for the Future. Walking closely with Jesus aligns our daily actions with meaningful values, helping us love and serve others more effectively.

·        Direct Access to God Deepening that vital Connection. Faith opens an ongoing relationship through prayer and spiritual guidance, offering constant support and a lifted burden of guilt or shame.

 

Yes, authentic facts should invariably point to God’s eternal truth; as the people of God, we must live by God’s truth and not merely the facts…by faith and not by sight.  

Am I a Wise Man?

Am I a Wise Man?

Proverbs 1:7

Once more we see God’s value system is different from the average person’s. He describes “wisdom” not as mere human intelligence or being brainy like we do, but as respecting Him first and paying attention to the profitable counsel from His Word. So, a ‘wise man’ leads a lifestyle of moral integrity or honesty, humility, and agreement/obedience to God.

Regarding biblical wisdom, “fear” again is not referring to being terrified of punishment. Instead, this is a deep, reverent awe and healthy respect for God. It includes recognizing that He is the Creator, the ultimate authority, and the judge of all that is right. By starting here, we acknowledge our own limitations and align ourselves with the fundamental moral order of God.

The essence of true knowledge is fearing God. Apart from Him a person is ignorant of spiritual things (Rom. 1:22; Eph. 4:18; 1 Peter 1:14).^[1]

If you wonder if you are ‘wise’, God offer clear statements to help us reflect on. These primary verses provide specific ways to measure our wisdom.

What Can I Learn from the Book of Proverbs?

God views a wise man as someone who pursues humility, seeks counsel, and reveres Him. He is characterized by emotional control, diligence, careful speech, and a lifelong desire to learn.

Basic qualities of a wise man in Proverbs include:

1.     His Foundation is in God: The Bible states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). A wise man trusts in God rather than relying solely on his own understanding.

If a man wants to be wise, the place to begin is in reverencing God and in trusting and obeying Him. What is more reasonable than that the creature should trust his Creator? On the other hand, what is more illogical than for a man to reject God’s Word and to live by his own hunches? The wise thing to do is to repent of one’s sins, trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and then live for Him wholeheartedly and devotedly.^[2]

• The Character Statement: “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)
• The Worldly Wisdom Evaluation: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18)

True wisdom is fundamentally rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (a deep reverence and respect for God) and applying His lessons to everyday experiences.

2. He Listens to Counsel with a Desire to Learn: A wise man is teachable, actively increasing his learning and seeking guidance, whereas a fool despises instruction and thinks he needs no advice.
• The Teachability Examination: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)
• The Humility Acid Test: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

Unlike a fool who thinks he is always right, a wise man listens to advice, accepts correction, and learns from his mistakes.

3.    He Controls His Temper: Rather than being reckless or quick-tempered, he stays calm, restrains his anger, and overlooks insults.

o   God very directly says control your temper in Proverbs 16:32: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

• James 1:19: Advises being "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath".

o   Ephesians 4:26: Advises dealing with anger immediately rather than letting it fester.

In this better … than proverb (see comments on 12:9) having patience and a controlled temper is honored above being a soldier. In a land where safety depended on might and skill in warfare, this statement may seem surprising. Yet conquering oneself (cf. 14:17, 29; 25:28; 29:11) is of greater virtue than conquering a city.^[3]

4. He Uses Restrained and Helpful Speech: A truly wise person speaks carefully and uses few words. His words are known to bring healing rather than acting rashly like a sword.
• The Speech Appraisal: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
• Proverbs 29:11, 14:29, & 15:1: Focus on wisdom over folly, urging a calm spirit and using soft words to calm conflicts.
• Proverbs 25:28: Compares lack of self-control to a broken-down city.

The more we talk, the greater is the probability of saying something wrong. Compulsive talkers should beware! The lust for incessant conversation often leads to exaggeration, breaking of confidences, and associated sins. Trying to top someone else’s joke often mushrooms into off-color stories.

The man who exercises self-control in his speech is wise. He saves himself from embarrassment, apologies, and outright sin.

10:20 What a good man says is a reflection of what he is. Because his character is sterling, so is his speech. Since the heart (or mind) of the wicked man is not worthwhile, neither is the conversation that flows from it.^[4]

A wise person restrains their speech, avoiding gossip, anger, and hasty words in favor of gracious and truthful communication.

5.   He is a Diligent and Productive Worker:

God provides strong motivation for a productive work ethic, urging believers to work with diligence and integrity as an act of service to Him. God highlights the importance of hard work, offering wisdom for both daily tasks and career focus.

o   Proverbs 14:23: Emphasizes that hard work brings profit, while idle talk brings poverty.

o   Proverbs 22:29: Notes that diligent workers gain recognition and distinction.

o   Proverbs 13:4: Highlights how the diligent will be fulfilled, while the lazy will lack.

o   Proverbs 10:4: Connects a diligent hand with prosperity.

God heartily endorses excellence, purpose, diligence, reward, skill, and integrity for employers and employees. Colossians 3:23, encourages working heartily for the Lord rather than men. Ecclesiastes 9:10, instructs doing all tasks with your full strength. 1 Corinthians 10:31, advises doing everything for the glory of God.

6.    He Looks Ahead with Discretion: He exercises discretion and caution, anticipating danger and turning away from evil, while a fool is reckless and arrogant. ‘Discretion’ is the ability to use godly wisdom to protect yourself from harm, avoid foolish mistakes, and respond calmly to others.

o   Proverbs 2:11, “Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:” This verse highlights that exercising good judgment acts as a guardrail against dangerous paths.

o   Proverbs 19:11, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” Self-control and knowing when to let something go reflect true character.

o   Psalm 112:5, “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” In daily matters the righteous manage their responsibilities wisely.

Wisdom brings discernment. A wise man is vigilant, avoids dangerous paths, and flees from temptation.

7.    He Keeps Good Company: Whoever walks with wise men becomes wise, much like iron sharpens iron.

o   Proverbs 13:20, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Those with whom you surround yourself will shape your own character and future. Walking with the wise leads to wisdom, while associating with fools (the biblically unwise or rebellious) leads to ruin.

o   1 Corinthians 15:33, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” God warning us against being misled. Spending time with negative influences, unwholesome speech, or those who disregard God’s values will ultimately ruin your own good character and habits.

One way to become wise is to associate with wise people, including companions and teachers. Conversely to associate with fools brings problems.^[5]

What Can I Learn from the Lord Jesus?

1.     The chief quality of a “wise man” is obedience to God through adherence to his word.

2.    Jesus illustrates this concept on a real-world level referring to the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27).

3.    Jesus showed:

·        The Wise Man: Represents anyone who hears Jesus' teachings and puts them into practice. Because their life is built on a solid foundation of obedience, they can withstand the storms and trials of life.

·        The Foolish Man: Hears the teachings of Christ but ignores them. When life gets difficult, their house (life) collapses because it lacks the strong foundation of adherence.

In conclusion Jesus presented the two options open to His listeners. They were now responsible for what they had heard and must make a choice. They could build on one of two foundations. One foundation was likened to a big rock and the other to sand. The foundation determines the ability of a structure to withstand the elements (rain and winds). The rock foundation represented the Lord Himself and the truths He had been presenting, especially the truth concerning inner transformation. The sand spoke of Pharisaic righteousness which the people knew and on which many were basing their hopes. In storms the first would give stability; the second would result in destruction. Thus hearing and heeding Jesus’ words is wise; one who does not is foolish. Only two courses of action are possible—two kinds of roads and gates (Matt. 7:13–14), two kinds of trees and fruit (vv. 15–20), two kinds of foundations and builders (vv. 24–27).^[6]

Conclusion:

It is wise to walk in King Solomon’s wisdom. Clearly, King Solomon is widely regarded as the wisest man ever. When God offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern God’s people well (1 Kings 3). Such wisdom became legendary. However, the Bible also teaches that even Solomon’s adherence faltered later in life when he strayed from God’s guidelines—reminding us that godly wisdom requires lifelong, active faithfulness and continuous application. So, where are you concerning God’s wisdom?

---

^[1] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 908.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 792.

^[3] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 942.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 815.

^[5] Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 934.

^[6] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 34–36.

Strength to Overcome Greed

“Overcoming Greed”

Prov. 3:5-6; Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10

THEME: You Can Overcome the Frustrations by the Wisdom and Strength of the Lord.  

RELEVANCE: Why is this important to us? We need to understand the source of our frustrations is Satan (these are spiritual battles) and trust the Lord to help us overcome these hindrances. God prescribes specific practices to escape the trap of greed like contentment, generosity, and appreciation.   

INTRODUCTION:

Do you feel trapped in disappointing cycles? Never satisfied with your income? Perhaps you are encountering myriads of worldly desires? What about the many forms of wickedness working in your heart? Perhaps it’s unchecked cravings for ‘more’ or distractions to your faith? Periodically you sense your struggles are self-induced and soaked with conflicts, but aren’t sure what to do. You may even feel your greed destroying both internal peace and relationships.  

Frustration can be caused by greed. It seems the more people want, the more there is to want. Greed is the insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. Scripture explicitly warns against it, linking the “love of money” to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of “idolatry”. So, how do we experience victory?

MESSAGE: 

I.  FRUSTRATION COULD BE EVIDENCE OF GREED.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This famous passage offers a blueprint for faithful living and decision-making. It contrasts our own limited human perspective with God’s infinite wisdom. We are challenge to place complete, undivided reliance on God; placing our confidence in His character and promises, rather than just acknowledging Him when it is convenient. God urges us to invite Him into every area of our life. ‘Acknowledging Him’ entails intentionally seeking His will, praying about decisions, and aligning your actions with His principles.

“He shall direct thy paths” is a promise the Lord will give genuine direction as we trust Him. Seeking His guidance and wisdom requires prayer and scripture for clarity, and remain open to His leading, even if it differs from your plans. Also, surround yourself with God-fearing counselors to help discern God’s path.

John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Satan seeks to draw us away from God. Jesus was warning against false leaders, selfish motives, and legalism empowered by Satan that will rob us of peace and truth. Jesus’ promise does not guarantee financial wealth or an easy, trouble-free life. Instead, it refers to a rich spiritual life characterized by inner peace, joy, forgiveness, and a close walk with God that begins now and extends into eternity. While the religious leaders were acting like self-serving ‘thieves,’ Jesus came to bring protection, salvation, and real fulfillment.

But many people respond to this ‘promise’ with frustration that results in compulsive and obsessive behaviors. These ideas are also frequently associated with perfectionism to seize what we treasure. Compulsions and obsessions are traps, not blessings. They drive a person to pursue something until he gains it, regardless of who may be hurt in the process or what damage may be caused.

A.  OUR FRUSTRATIONS ARE OFTEN ROOTED IN GREED.

Luke 12:15, And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

This is Jesus’ definitive warning against greed and the false belief that material wealth equals a successful or secure life. The Bible teaches that frustration rooted in greed is a direct result of placing misplaced trust in wealth rather than God. Because selfish desires are insatiable, greed guarantees continuous disappointment, destroys peace, and traps people in a cycle of endless striving.

1.      The Deception of Disappointments: The pursuit of wealth breeds emptiness. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). The very nature of greed thrives on insatiability and traps a person in perpetual dissatisfaction.

2.      The Cause of Multiple Evils: Unchecked craving for money distracts from faith and causes deep internal pain. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10). The pursuit of wealth often leads to ruin and destructive desires.

3.      Personally Brought on Conflicts: Greed destroys both internal peace and relationships. “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 28:25). The Book of Proverbs also warns that ‘a greedy person stirs up strife’ and ‘troubles his own household’ through dishonest or selfish actions.

If you struggle with a general feeling of frustration…that there's ‘more’ you believe you should have in your life. You find yourself craving more recognition, more approval, more validation, more likes, more opportunities, more rights, more ‘free’ stuff, more privileges, more things, more power, more money, and more appreciation. This desire for more is a form of disappointment, frustration, dissatisfaction, or even irritation.

This is why we have more psychiatrists, try to increase the bank accounts, use tranquilizers, lead mixed-up lives, and use sleeping pills. Some use drugs and alcohol to numb themselves of the disappointments. Take a good look at the average person…their minds and bodies, reveal a life of turmoil and frustration. 

Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool illustrate the inevitable consequences of greed (Luke 12:13-21): Jesus tells a story about a man who imagine building larger barns to hoard his wealth instead of being “rich toward God” (generous to others in need). The man dies that very night, highlighting the folly of hoarding things you cannot take with you.

B.  IT IS VITAL WE PINPOINT EXACTLY WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

Jesus insisted, ‘We cannot serve both God and money’ (see Matt. 6:24). He urges us to be on guard against all kinds of greed, adding that our life is not defined by the large quantity of assets we may have. Colossians 3:5 equates “covetousness” or greed to “idolatry” because it replaces devotion to God with the worship of material gain.

First, take God’s word on guarding against greed and keeping the proper perspective on wealth:

1.     Proverbs 15:27: "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."

2.     Proverbs 28:16: "The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days."

3.     Matthew 6:19-20: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."

4.     1 Timothy 6:6-10: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out..."

5.     Hebrews 13:5: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Secondly, I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect about the things that you truly value in life. What would you not want to lose? What do you most desire to have when you are ninety years old?

Most people who identify what they truly value in life will list such things as

• a long, fruitful, and fulfilled life;
• good health and real growth in the Lord;
• a loving circle of family and friends;
• the blessings of eternal life now and with the Lord;
• a sense of achieving God’s purpose and will;
• inner peace and joy; and
• a solid impact on this world for Christ’s sake

I have good news and bad news regarding these things. The bad news is that you cannot get any of these things on your own no matter how much you want or think you deserve them. You cannot buy them from a department store, earn them with your dedication, or acquire them through really trying hard. The good news is that these are the very things that the Lord desires for many of us to have and that He will help us to experience as you trust in Him! (C. Stanley)

Again, greed is that insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. God repeatedly and explicitly warn against it, linking the “love of money” (1Tim. 6:10) to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of idolatry (Col 3:5).

C. GREED CAN BE CONQUERED BY THE BELIEVER!

Instead of falling into the trap of greed, God prescribes “contentment.” True peace comes from a shift in perspective, recognizing that material accumulation does not define a person's worth. God prescribe specific practices to overcome the trap of greed:

1.     Watch Your Heart: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (Luke 12:15). Stay on guard against all forms of greed; there is far more to you than merely your stuff.

2.   Choose this Godly Perspective—Contentment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Godly contentment is an inward state of peace and satisfaction that relies on God’s control rather than external circumstances. It is rooted in the belief that God provides exactly what is needed for present well-being, it detaches happiness from wealth or changing situations. Paul taught that “godliness with contentment is great gain”, finding ultimate satisfaction in faith in Christ rather than mere possessions.

3.   Give Generously to the Needy: God encourages giving generously and sharing with the poor as a means of breaking the grip of materialism on the soul.

4.   Practice Gratitude Habitually: Believers are called to practice gratitude, recognizing that everything comes from God and that earthly wealth is temporary.

 Conclusion:

If you are dealing with a specific situation and would like to explore practical or spiritual guidance, consider these thoughts:

·        What area of life is causing you to feel this frustration? (e.g., finances, career, personal relationships)

·        Are there specific goals you are currently striving for?