A Study About Elders - Not Covetous | Words Of Truth
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"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

A Study About Elders
Not Covetous


I. Introduction:

A. We have discussed how that elders cannot be greedy of filthy lucre (I Timothy 3:3 and Titus 1:7).

  1. The subject matters of covetousness and being greedy of filthy lucre are very closely related (Proverbs 21:25-26).
  2. The principles can be taught together (Luke 16:10-15).
B. However, the Lord separated the two in the qualifications of elders, so we have be diligent in handling these things aright (II Timothy 2:14-18).

  1. On the one hand, you have a person who is greedy for money which makes them evil and naturally predatory (Proverbs 1:10-19).
  2. On the other hand, you have a person looking at things that belong to others [when considering coveting] (Exodus 20:17).

II. Body: Not Covetous (I Timothy 3:3).

A. The word translated “covetous” in I Timothy 3:3 means: “without covetousness, not greedy of filthy lucre. Not loving money, not avaricious” (Strong’s # 866).

  1. The only other time this exact Greek word is used in the New Testament is in Hebrews 13:5.
  2. As we discuss a person that covets (Romans 13:9-10), as it is stated throughout the Scriptures, we should consider how such involves looking at what others posses and desiring it (Deuteronomy 5:21).
B. Why does this matter when discussing elders besides the sinful side of it? Think about a person in a position of authority to take something from someone because they covet it (Micah 2:1-2).

  1. They want what you have and might seek to abuse their authority to somehow gain it (I Kings 21:1-29).
  2. False religious leaders have long been guilty of such things (Mark 12:38-40 and Luke 20:45-47).
  3. They might press for you give more on the first day of the week not for the right reasons (II Corinthians 9:6-7), but to get your money (Matthew 21:12-13, John 10:7-10, and John 12:1-6).
  4. Covetousness is something people use flattering words to conceal, especially when they are in a teaching role (I Thessalonians 2:1-5).
  5. What if an elder were to covet, take, and sin in the process. Couldn’t that have an effect on more than just him too (Joshua 7:1-26)?
  6. Shouldn’t a shepherd of the flock have a good heart and care more about helping others than helping himself (Acts 20:35)?
C. Covetousness is a heart problem (Jeremiah 22:17, Ezekiel 33:30-33, and Mark 7:20-23).

  1. How can someone with a heart problem be a servant of God at all (Psalms 24:1-5, Psalms 73:1, and Matthew 5:8)?
  2. Where do heart problems lead (II Chronicles 12:13-14, Jeremiah 16:12, and Hebrews 3:12).
D. For the sake of careful thought, coveting is not entirely or always wrong in all things (I Corinthians 12:28-31 and I Corinthians 14:5; 14:39).

  1. Following someone’s proper lead could show you a life to covet after spiritually (Philippians 3:17).
  2. A zealous affection can be in a good thing (Galatians 4:18).

III. Conclusion: What’s it say of a person who covets things (Psalms 10:1-12)?