Sabbath Afternoon - February 25, 2023

Reading for the Week

 Isa. 14:12–14, Eph. 5:5, Joshua 7, John 12:1–8, Acts 5:1–11, 1 Cor. 10:13


Prayer Thought

Covetousness is an evil of gradual development. Achan had cherished greed of gain until it became a habit, binding him in fetters well-nigh impossible to break. While fostering this evil, he would have been filled with horror at the thought of bringing disaster upon Israel; but his perceptions were deadened by sin, and when temptation came, he fell an easy prey.  {PP 496.3}  

Are not similar sins still committed, in the face of warnings as solemn and explicit? We are as directly forbidden to indulge covetousness as was Achan to appropriate the spoils of Jericho. God has declared it to be idolatry. We are warned, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24. "Take heed, and beware of covetousness." Luke 12:15. "Let it not be once named among you." Ephesians 5:3. We have before us the fearful doom of Achan, of Judas, of Ananias and Sapphira. Back of all these we have that of Lucifer, the "son of the morning," who, coveting a higher state, forfeited forever the brightness and bliss of heaven. And yet, notwithstanding all these warnings, covetousness abounds.  {PP 496.4}  


Memory Text

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. {Lk.12:15}


This week's SS Lesson will describe what covetousness is and to what extent it makes a person disqualified to enter His Kingdom. This also includes examples where we can learn and get the principles to overcome and avoid them.


Study Outline

The Origin of Covetousness

Sunday - February 26, 2023

The Ultimate Original Sin?

Isa. 14:12-14; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5; Rom. 1:25; 2 Sam. 11; 1 Tim. 6:6, 7

Examples of Covetousness

Monday - February 27, 2023

An Accursed Thing in the Camp

John 5:1; Joshua 6:18, 19; 7:9; Dan. 9:23

Tuesday - February 28, 2023

The Heart of Judas

John 12;1-8; Matt. 26:14-16

Wednesday - March 1, 2023

Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 4:31, 32, 34-35; 5:1-11 

How to Overcome Covetousness

Thursday - March 2, 2023

Operating Covetousness

1 Cor. 10:13; Josh. 24:15; Matt. 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; Ps. 119:11; Isa. 55:6, 7


Friday - March 3, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

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The Origin of Covetousness

Sunday - February 26, 2023

The Ultimate Original Sin?

Isa. 14:12-14; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5; Rom. 1:25; 2 Sam. 11; 1 Tim. 6:6, 7

“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:13-14)


A Masterpiece of Satan's Deceptions

It is a masterpiece of Satan's deceptions to keep the minds of men searching and conjecturing in regard to that which God has not made known and which He does not intend that we shall understand. It was thus that Lucifer lost his place in heaven. He became dissatisfied because all the secrets of God's purposes were not confided to him, and he entirely disregarded that which was revealed concerning his own work in the lofty position assigned him. By arousing the same discontent in the angels under his command, he caused their fall. Now he seeks to imbue the minds of men with the same spirit and to lead them also to disregard the direct commands of God. {DD 9.2} 


God's Predestined Plans for Man to Return to the Original Home

As soon as sin entered in the beginning with the parents of the human family, and before they were driven out from their Eden home, the plans already devised for the return to their original home of eternal abode were made known to them as well as to the serpent.  These pre-ordained plans of God are better understood by studying His wonderful divine dealings with the human family onward through the ages as pictured in this chart.  {SR1: 230.3}

Our God has carried out His predestined plans without variation even to the minutest of details.  Said Jesus, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." Luke 24:44.  The Spirit of God led the Psalmist to inscribe the words, "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies....The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:2, 4.


Consider the Following

Lucifer coveted the worship that only the Creator can receive. He even coveted God’s throne (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Later, he tricked Eve to commit the same sin, and to covet what God had prohibited: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6).

This is how covetousness became a part of our sinful nature.


The Sanctuary Truth - A Remedy for Our Restoration and Salvation

Because of sin, the sanctuary truth was added after the fall of Adam.  Both truths are of vital importance.  The Sabbath we keep to avoid sinning, but the Sanctuary truth is to save us after we have sinned.  The one is to keep us from falling, and the other is the remedy if we fall!  If, after receiving the knowledge of the truth, we break the Sabbath, we have sinned and denied the Creator, which is far worse than the sin of Adam.  By noncompliance with the Sanctuary truth, we refuse the plan (or remedy), and reject the Saviour of our Salvation.  Read "The Desire of Ages," page 165.  The Sabbath is a part of the Ten Commandment Law. (Exodus 20:1-17.)  The Sanctuary truth is the law of our salvation, after we have sinned.  Adam sinned by eating the forbidden fruit.  Lucifer sinned by setting himself up as a god.  Said he, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." (Isaiah 14:13, 14.)  {SR2: 143.3}


Examples of Covetousness

Monday - February 27, 2023

An Accursed Thing in the Camp - Achan

John 5:1; Joshua 6:18, 19; 7:9; Dan. 9:23

“When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them […]” (Joshua 7:21)


Why Achan's Family Perished

Have you considered why it was that all who were connected with Achan were also subjects of the punishment of God? It was because they had not been trained and educated according to the directions given them in the great standard of the law of God. Achan's parents had educated their son in such a way that he felt free to disobey the word of the Lord. The principles inculcated in his life led him to deal with his children in such a way that they also were corrupted. Mind acts and reacts upon mind, and the punishment, which included the relations of Achan with himself, reveals the fact that all were involved in the transgression.  {CG 234.3}  


A Valley of Achor for a Door of Hope

"And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt." Hos. 2:15.  {2TG46: 38.1}

"...instead of giving all for Christ, many have taken the golden wedge and a goodly Babylonish garment and hid them in the camp.  If the presence of one Achan was sufficient to weaken the whole camp of Israel, can we be surprised at the little success which attends our efforts when every church and almost every family has its Achan?" -- Testimonies, Vol. 5, pg. 157. 

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Covetousness and Deception in the Heart

Achan had fostered covetousness and deception in his heart, until his perceptions of sin had become blunted, and he fell an easy prey to temptation. Those who venture to indulge in a known sin will be more readily overcome the second time. The first transgression opens the door to the tempter, and he gradually breaks down all resistance and takes full possession of the citadel of the soul. Achan had listened to oft-repeated warnings against the sin of covetousness. The law of God, pointed and positive, had forbidden stealing and all deception, but he continued to cherish sin. As he was not detected and openly rebuked, he grew bolder; warnings had less and less effect upon him, until his soul was bound in chains of darkness.  {CC 119.2}  

Shame, defeat, and death were brought upon Israel by one man's sin. That protection which had covered their heads in the time of battle was withdrawn. Various sins that are cherished and practiced by professed Christians bring the frown of God upon the church. . . .  {CC 119.3}  


Consider the Following

— The Hebrew word châmad or chemdâh (to covet) doesn’t imply something bad. It can be translated as beautiful, desirable, delightful, good, beloved, pleasant, and covetable.

— This word was used to introduce Daniel as “greatly beloved” (Daniel 9:23) or Jesus as the “Desire” (Haggai 2:7).

— The problem is desiring something that is not ours, like Achan did.

— Achan’s covetousness was his own ruin, and it also affected his whole family. Thirty-six men died (Joshua 7:5, 10-11, 15, 24-26).


Tuesday - February 28, 2023

The Heart of Judas

John 12;1-8; Matt. 26:14-16

“and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.” (Matthew 26:15)


The Associates may become Judas - a Form of Godliness

In striking contrast to the sanctification worked out in the life of John is the experience of his fellow disciple, Judas. Like his associate, Judas professed to be a disciple of Christ, but he possessed only a form of godliness. He was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ; and often, as he listened to the Saviour's words, conviction came to him, but he would not humble his heart or confess his sins. By resisting the divine influence he dishonored the Master whom he professed to love. John warred earnestly against his faults; but Judas violated his conscience and yielded to temptation, fastening upon himself more securely his habits of evil. The practice of the truths that Christ taught was at variance with his desires and purposes, and he could not bring himself to yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from heaven. Instead of walking in the light, he chose to walk in darkness. Evil desires, covetousness, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished until Satan gained full control of him.  {AA 557.2}  


Betrayer Amidst Jesus' Disciples

Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act. When the mob entered the garden, he had led the way, closely followed by the high priest. To the pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, saying, “Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast.” Matthew 26:48. Now he pretends to have no part with them. Coming close to Jesus, he takes His hand as a familiar friend. With the words, “Hail, Master,” he kisses Him repeatedly, and appears to weep as if in sympathy with Him in His peril. {CSA 34.3} 

Jesus said to him, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” His voice trembled with sorrow as He added, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” This appeal should have aroused the conscience of the betrayer, and touched his stubborn heart; but honor, fidelity, and human tenderness had forsaken him. He stood bold and defiant, showing no disposition to relent. {CSA 34.4} 


Consider the Following

— Judas coveted something good: to be close to Jesus, to become like Him, to preach the good news of salvation…

— However, he was never able to get rid of greed.

— His greed led him to steal, to betray, and to kill himself (John 12:6; Matthew 26:15; 27:5).

— Judas was not meant for this sad fate. Like us, he could’ve accepted the power of Jesus that would’ve transformed his heart. His story would’ve been different.


Wednesday - March 1, 2023

Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 4:31, 32, 34-35; 5:1-11 

And kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it], at the apostles' feet.   (Acts 5:2)


False Oath is a High Crime before God

Man is so corrupt that laws are made to throw the responsibility upon his own head. Some men do not fear to lie to their fellow-man; but they have been taught, and the restraining Spirit of God has impressed them, that it is a fearful thing to lie to God. The case of Ananias and Sapphira his wife, is given for an example. The matter is carried from man to God, so that if he bears false witness, it is not to man, but to the great God. He reads the heart and knows the exact truth in every case. Our laws make it a high crime to take a false oath. God has often visited the one who has taken the false oath, and even while the oath was on his lips, the destroying angel has cut him down. This was to prove a terror to evil-doers.  {4bSG 43.2}  

And I saw if there was any one on earth who could consistently testify under oath, it is the Christian. He lives in the light of God's countenance. He grows strong in his strength. And when matters of importance must be decided by law, there is no one who can so well appeal to God as the Christian. I was bid by the angel to notice that God sware by himself. Genesis 22:16; Hebrews 6:13, 17. He sware to Abraham, Genesis 26:3, to Isaac, Psalm 105:9; Jeremiah 11:5, and to David, Psalm 132:11; Acts 2:30. God required of the children of Israel an oath between man and man. Exodus 22:10, 11. Jesus submitted to the oath in the hour of his trial. The high priest said unto him, "I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said unto him, Thou hast said." If Jesus meant the judicial oath in his teachings to his disciples, he would have reproved the high priest, and there enforced his teachings for the good of his followers present.  {4bSG 43.3} 


Consider the Following

— Ananias and Sapphira were encouraged by the example of Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37), so they promised to sell a landed property and give God the whole amount.

— That was a good thing, but everything changed when they received the money. They thought it was too much to give away, so they decided to keep part of it. They thought that nobody would know the actual amount, so they would still be respected like Barnabas was.

— Sin clouds our reason. God would know the amount they had received. Nobody can steal from God and remain unpunished. Their covetousness was their ruin.


How to Overcome Covetousness

Thursday - March 2, 2023

Operating Covetousness

1 Cor. 10:13; Josh. 24:15; Matt. 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; Ps. 119:11; Isa. 55:6, 7

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)


Contentment

Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 {ML 169.1}  

Too many cares and burdens are brought into our families, and too little of natural simplicity and peace and happiness is cherished. There should be less care for what the outside world will say and more thoughtful attention to the members of the family circle. There should be less display and affectation of worldly politeness, and much more tenderness and love, cheerfulness and Christian courtesy, among the members of the household. Many need to learn how to make home attractive, a place of enjoyment. Thankful hearts and kind looks are more valuable than wealth and luxury, and contentment with simple things will make home happy if love be there.  {ML 169.2}  


Tips to overcome Covetousness

1. Make a right Choice - The first step to your victory is to make the hard choice not to enjoy the lustful life anymore.

2. Meditate upon the Word of GOD - Read the Bible every day and night and have a deep understanding of God’s will for your life.

3. Shed Your Weight - Stay away from everything that would arouse your lust. Discard the romantic materials. Delete all provocative music, images and videos.

4. Say ‘Bye’ to Old Friends - You can’t put a new wine in an old bottle. You would feel the pains but let them go away from your life. If you have no genuine Christian around you, don’t worry, you are not alone because Jesus would stand beside you when you invite Him.

5. Ask GOD for Forgiveness and Repent - The LORD told me that no matter how terrible your sins are, He would forgive you provided you are ready to do His will.

6. Live a Prayerful life - Your prayers are not limited to the four walls of your church or home. Learn to pray silently in your heart. Communicate to GOD all the time because He would teach you the unique steps to take in every peculiar lustful situation you might want to find yourself.

7. Love GOD with all Your Heart - If your daily activities show the love of GOD, then it would be impossible for you to lust.


Consider the Following

What can we do if we ever feel tempted by sinful covetousness?

— Remember that God is powerful enough to free us from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)

— Pray that God would change our thoughts and feelings, so we’re no longer tempted by them (Luke 11:4; 2 Peter 2:9)

— Make the decision to trust God and to be content with everything He has given us (1 Timothy 6:6-8; Proverbs 30:7-9)

— Remember the advice God has given in His Word: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)


Friday - March 3, 2023

Further Study and Meditation

The spirit of covetousness, of seeking for the highest position and the highest wage, is rife in the world. The old-time spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice is too seldom met with. But this is the only spirit that can actuate a true follower of Jesus. Our divine Master has given us an example of how we are to work. And to those whom He bade, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men," He offered no stated sum as a reward for their services. They were to share with Him His self-denial and sacrifice.  {MYP 303.1} 

Those who claim to be followers of the Master Worker, and who engage in His service as co-laborers with God, are to bring into their work the exactitude and skill, the tact and wisdom, that the God of perfection required in the building of the earthly tabernacle. And now, as in that time and as in the days of Christ's earthly ministry, devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice should be regarded as the first requisites of acceptable service. God designs that not one thread of selfishness shall be woven into His work.--Review and Herald, January 4, 1906. {MYP 303.2} 


Question to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“If we would permit our minds to dwell more upon Christ and the heavenly world, we should find a powerful stimulus and support in fighting the battles of the Lord. Pride and love of the world will lose their power as we contemplate the glories of that better land so soon to be our home. Beside the loveliness of Christ, all earthly attractions will seem of little worth.” E. G. W. (Counsels for the Church, cp. 6, p. 57)


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