Dr. Terry E. Zebulske
Grace Community Church
February 27, 2005
 
THE 10TH COMMANDMENT: GOD’S RESTRAINT UPON YOUR HEART
(Exodus 20:17)
 
…God desires that His children live a happy _contented__ life.  Yet, in our day it is estimated that the average American is bombarded by 3000 advertisements each day…”to be happy you must have this _product_.”   Contentment is _not_ a matter of poverty or wealth…
…A recent interview of those who had won a lottery were asked, “Are you _happier_ today?”   Not a single hand was raised.  But somehow, we think we would be the exception…
…Oh, how disappointed and dissatisfied we can become when we realize that the things we finally possess after long waiting are not the things that bring _satisfaction_ or lasting contentment.  King Ahab illustrates this and tells us how much God _______ coveting. (1 Ki 21)
…This last commandment is a reminder that God looks on the _heart_ while man merely looks on the outward appearance.  (1 Samuel 16:7)
 
THREE QUESTIONS HELPING US TO RESIST COVETING SO
WE MIGHT LIVE A CONTENTED LIFE.
I.   What Does It Mean Not To Covet?
  1. The word “covet” in the Hebrew is Hamad, it means to _desire_ something or someone.
The word itself is neutral, the context tells whether it is a good or evil desire. 
  1. Here it is evil, it is to strongly desire something of your neighbor’s with evil intent.
…Jesus said, Matt 15:19 “out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony and slander.”
  1. We are not to long for, desire earnestly, or lust after what properly belongs to…
  2. One stated, “living _beyond_ your means or the desire to do so is a good definition of coveting.”  God intends for us to be content, joyful, and trusting in Him.
  3. Calvin, “by this 10th, God condemns lust, showing that He has not only imposed obedience on our hands and feet, but also put a restraint upon our _minds_…”
II.  What Are Some Of The Common Ways We Covet And Break This Commandment?
  1. A general statement: we break this when we fail to take _pleasure_ in the success of our neighbor, when we desire his possessions, prosperity, or position.
  2. We might covet a neighbor’s possessions.  “things will never make you happy.” 
  3. We might covet a neighbor’s people…spouse, children, workers…
  4. We might covet a neighbor’s _position_ or status…wishing we had theirs.  The disciples had this problem.  “Who will be the greatest in your kingdom? (Mk 10:35-45)
  5. We might covet another’s accomplishments…thinking we _deserve_ the raise or…
…This reaches it heights when we desire harm to the envied.  We rejoice in their misfortune and feel wounded by their success.
III. What Can We Do To Avoid Breaking This Commandment?
  1. We must _learn_ contentment by trusting our ever-present God Who cares for all of our needs.  Like Paul, “I have learned to be content, no matter what state I am in.”
  2. We must intensely _love_ the Lord.  The result will cause us to love others…
  3. We must _feed_ our minds and fill them with Scripture.
  4. We must seek His kingdom…for then He will provide what we need. (Matt 6:33)
 
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1. This commandment reveals to us what we are and the hidden depth of evil within.
2. The solution begins with salvation.
3. Enter God's school where we learn contentment.
4. Practice bringing every thought into the captivity of Jesus Christ.