Covetousness on SermonAudio

Heidelberg Catechism—Lord's Day 44

Do not set your heart on the fleeting wealth of this world, but on the enduring, abundant, and unsearchable riches of Christ, His grace, His glory, and His kingdom!

On any given Sunday, I have three sermons. The first is the sermon manuscript I prepared during the week. The second is the sermon I actually preach which may differ from the manuscript. And the third sis the sermon I wish I would have preached. In reflection there are always things I wish I would have said or said differently. I wish I could add an addendum, a post script to my sermon. The preacher to the Hebrews sermon ends with the call to make a decision in chapter 12. It's either Mt Sinai and the fear of judgment, or Most Zion and the blessings of heaven. Chapter 13 is an addendum, a post script of important injunctions, parting words. The first five revolve around love. Our first love is brotherly love, then love of strangers, love for the persecuted Christian who may be imprisoned for their faith, love for our spouses by protecting the purity of ur marriage relationships, and then finally a love for God over money or material possessions. Learning to be content with what God has given to us rather than coveting what others might have. We can do so because God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. And He has promised to be our present help in times of trouble. So, we are to love God above all else! The post script of love is really a script for life!

This sermon explores the parable of the workers in the vineyard to reveal the character of God as a radically generous landowner who delights in gathering people into His kingdom. The central message contrasts the grumbling of the early workers, who covet the rewards of others, with the gracious wage that God freely bestows upon all believers. By connecting this parable to the life and death of Jesus, the text illustrates that salvation is a gift earned by Christ, not by human effort or comparison. The sermon urges listeners to reject the spirit of envy and entitlement, instead serving God with gladness and humility. Ultimately, it calls for a response of faith and joy, recognizing that God's generosity is sufficient for all, regardless of when they join His work.

Join us for Worship Service on Sunday's at 10:30am! Philippians 4:10-20 "The Secret of Contentment" by Pastor Kevin Pulliam OT: Isaiah 40:28-31 NT: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Consider This: "He is much happier that is always content, though he has ever so little, than he that is always coveting, though he has ever so much." #christreformedchurchminot Trinity Hymnal Published by Great Commission Publications CCLI#22311974,22311981

This sermon examines James 4:1-3 to identify the root cause of conflict among believers as selfish desires and the influence of earthly wisdom. The message explains how unsurrendered desires for pleasure produce strife, envy, covetousness, and self-reliance, contrasting these destructive attitudes with the peaceable and gentle wisdom that comes from above. Through the illustration of the cuckoo bird, the sermon demonstrates how selfish ambitions can consume our attention, harm others, and leave us continually unsatisfied. The text also challenges believers to examine their prayer lives, recognizing that both neglecting prayer and praying with selfish motives reveal a failure to depend upon God. Key themes include walking in the Spirit rather than the flesh, replacing worldly ambitions with godly desires, and approaching God in earnest prayer according to His will. The message concludes by encouraging believers to examine their hearts, turn from sinful desires, and pray boldly with confidence in God's goodness and faithfulness.

Jesus counters Pharisee attacks. The unpardonable sin. Worry and covetousness addressed.

The Giants and How To Fight Them