When Possessions Possess Us

When Jesus was in the middle of teaching a man interrupted Him to say, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me" (Luke 12:13). Jesus took advantage of the interruption by turning it into a teachable moment. He responded, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15). While it looks like Jesus didn't help the man, He did by exposing the man's sin of covetousness. Learn why Jesus used such strong language to warn against covetousness, and why this is a sin that applies to us and our nation more than any people throughout history. What does it mean to covet, and is it always coveting when we desire something?

Family Guide:

Memory Verse: Luke 12:15

Day 1: Read Luke 12:15, 1 Kings 10:4-5 & 21, Ecc 5:10, and discuss: How is a covetous person receiving what he wants not solve his problem? Does Jesus' warning of covetousness get reinforced or ignored in our media entertainment? What is the warning to those who think that money can satisfy? Why would Solomon be a credible source knowing that money does not satisfy?

Day 2: Read Luke 12:15, Prov 4:23; 1 Tim 6:10 and discuss: Why did Jesus say that we needed to be on guard against covetousness? How is it different than other sins? In light of Prov 4:23, where would the sin of covetousness start? To what other things could covetousness lead us into committing?

Day 3: Exo 20:17, Col 3:5, and discuss: Is it wrong to want something? When does it become a sin to want something? Even though covetousness is toward objects, who is at the center of it? How is this idolatry?