Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Do Not Covet - Contentment and Gratitude

Bryan Schneider · December 4, 2021

Exodus 20:17

sharonrpc.org/sermons/do-not-covet-be-content

Summary

The tenth commandment exposes coveting as a heart-level rejection of God's goodness and a failure to love one's neighbor.
A culture of constant advertising intensifies discontent, but covetousness afflicts rich and poor alike because its source is the fallen heart.
Coveting does not remain private: it feeds adultery, theft, destructive comparison, debt, anxiety, bitterness, and harmful pressure upon family or coworkers.
The positive command is full contentment with one's own condition and charitable delight in the neighbor's good.
Christ himself is the believer's supreme treasure, so even the loss of earthly things cannot sever the Christian from the greatest good.
Contentment is learned through changing circumstances by seeking God's kingdom, meditating on what is excellent, laying up heavenly treasure, and trusting God's presence.
Love for one's neighbor, thankful prayer, and habitual gratitude weaken envy and teach believers to receive every gift from God.

Why does the tenth commandment address desires of the heart rather than only observable actions?
How does modern consumer culture cultivate discontent without causing the deeper sinful impulse?
Why can both poverty and wealth coexist with covetousness?
How does coveting a neighbor's possessions, family, or success damage one's own relationships and joy?
What positive disposition toward self and neighbor does the tenth commandment require?
Why is Christ sufficient ground for contentment even when earthly goods are removed?
What does Paul mean when he says that contentment is learned in both abundance and need?
Which habits of prayer, meditation, generosity, and thanksgiving can retrain a covetous heart?

Covetousness: An inordinate desire for what belongs to another, arising from distrust of God's goodness and dissatisfaction with one's portion.
Contentment: A learned and commanded resting in God's provision and presence while maintaining a charitable spirit toward one's neighbor.
Envy: Grief or resentment at another person's prosperity rather than love that seeks and celebrates the neighbor's good.
Gratitude: The deliberate acknowledgment of God's gifts with thankful prayer and thankful living.
Gospel priorities: An ordering of life that seeks God's kingdom and righteousness before possessions, status, comfort, or achievement.
Heavenly treasure: Enduring wealth in God's kingdom that cannot be destroyed or lost with earthly possessions.