Covetousness, Envy, and Lust

Preview: A lesson about very common human conditions which we must overcome to live a godly life. The price is too high to indulge worldly thoughts and actions.


Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:1-6.

Memory Verse: Exodus 20:17.

1. Was the first sin a sin of covetousness? Genesis 3:6.
Note: To covet is to desire eagerly and guiltily; to have an extreme or unlawful desire.
2. Did Cain envy Abel? Genesis 4:3-8.
Note: To envy is to feel chagrin or mortification because of the good fortune of another; to covet and wish for what is another’s.
3. Did David lust for Bathsheba? II Samuel 11:2-4.
Note: To lust is to desire something strongly; to have impure desires; a strong desire to possess and enjoy, usually in a bad sense.
4. Did lust cause Samson to be destroyed? Judges 16:1, Judges 16:4-5 & Judges 16:19.
5. Why did John tell us not to love the world? I John 2:15-17.
6. Did lust for wealth cause Judas to betray Jesus? Matthew 26:14-16 & Matthew 26:47-49.
7. Was Christ crucified because of envy? Matthew 27:17-18 & Matthew 27:22-25.
Note: Our tenth Commandment is “Thou shalt not covet.” Lust and envy go along with covetousness. The breaking of the tenth Commandment causes us to lie, steal, kill, and commit adultery. It is simple to see why James said that if we broke one Commandment we are guilty of breaking them all.