Facing the Giant of Greed

Of all the ‘giants’ we face in life, one truly common to
all of us is greed. Its tentacles entangle us in worldly
pursuits. We see it, we don’t like it, but how to escape
it?! Can we overcome our penchant toward greed?

Gordon Gekko vs. God
· Greed explained: Excessive desire for wealth or power.
· Greed exhibited: Movie Wall Street; Luke 1213-21
· Greed exposed: Ps 103; Prov 116; Rom 129; 2 Pet 214
· Greed is good (Gekko); Greed is bad (God)

The Root Cause of Greed
· Greed: The outward expression of a heart of pride.
· Pride is the ‘original sin’ of Satan – passed on to us!
· Greed confronted in God’s Law: Thou shalt not covet.

Two Key Questions (when it comes to greed)
· Whom/What do you love? (1 Tim 69-10; 1 John 215-17)
o Love the Lord your God – not the world!
· Whom/What are you serving? (Matt 624)
o You cannot serve both God and Money!

How To Be ‘Rich Toward God’ (Luke 12:21)
· Learn and live the ‘Law of Contentment’ (Phil 411-12)
o Greed for ‘more’ vs. satisfaction with ‘what I have’
· Seek for God’s kingdom, not an earthly one (Lk 1231)
o All other needs will be added to you (see 2 Cor 96-11)
· Lay up treasure in heaven, not on earth (Lk 1233)
o Possessions are either ‘tools’ or ‘idols’

“No one can serve two masters. . .
You cannot serve both God and Money.”
- Jesus (Matthew 6:24, NIV)