Sermon on greed – BAITS OF SATAN

Sermon on greed focused text: Exodus 20:17, 1 Timothy 6 : 6–11

What Is Greed? – A True Definition to Consider

Greed is more than just wanting something—it’s about never being satisfied, even when you have more than enough.

Definitions of Greed:

• Merriam-Webster (11th Collegiate Dictionary):
  A selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed. This could be for food, money, cars, phones, and more.
• Oxford Talking Dictionary:
  Intense or inordinate longing, especially for wealth or food (avarice).
• Encarta Dictionary:
  An overwhelming desire to have more of something, such as money, more than is actually needed.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ll be happy when I get just a little more,” you may already know the silent pull of greed.

Why does a sermon on greed matter?

Because greed makes you do things in excess—things that go beyond God’s boundaries and often lead to destruction.

So. this message is more than a sermon on greed. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a biblical reminder that we were created for contentment, not endless craving.

The Three Centers of Greed – As Seen in 1 John 2 : 15–17

Greed can show up in subtle ways. The Bible reveals that greed often springs from three core desires:

1. The lust of the eye – What we see and want
2. The lust of the flesh – Cravings and self-indulgence : Example: Solomon (1 Kings 11 : 1–9) pursued foreign women despite God’s command, leading his heart astray.
3. The pride of life – Desire to be seen, acknowledged, and elevated. Isaiah 14:12–15 describes Satan’s ambition: “I will ascend… I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.”

This attitude is about naked ambition—no boundaries, no restraint, no cost too high. But unchecked ambition is dangerous.

Competition, Comparison, and Covetousness

The pride of life often gives birth to something even more toxic: rivalry and comparison.

• We begin to measure our lives by others.
• We become obsessed with having what they have.
• We think our worth depends on outdoing others.

Greedy people are not just competitive—they’re also driven by comparison and covetousness.

Covetousness in Action:

• “I will be like the Most High.”
• This is imitation instead of identity.
• It leads to becoming a carbon copy, not the unique person God made you to be.

Real-Life Examples from Scripture

The Bible gives us sobering examples of people destroyed by greed:

• King Ahab – 1 Kings 21:1–25 – Greed led him to murder just to get a vineyard.
• Gehazi – 2 Kings 5:20–27 – He lied and took money after Elisha healed Naaman.
• Judas Iscariot – John 12:3–6, Luke 22:3 – Sold Jesus for silver.
• Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5:1–10 – Lied to God and died because of greed.
• Cain and Balaam – Jude 1:11 – Their greed fueled jealousy and corruption.

Each of them gave in to the same lie: “If I just have more, I’ll be fulfilled.” Instead, they lost everything.

Truths About Greed That Apply to Everyone

Here are some key reminders for us today:

• Greed has no class barrier – Both the rich and the poor can be greedy.
• Greedy people don’t value their blessings – They’re always reaching for more.
• Greed brings shame and loss – Each of the men above died in disgrace.
• Greed passes on generational destruction – It can affect families and legacies.
• It all begins with desire.

As Isaiah 56:11 says, “They are greedy dogs which can never have enough.”

The Way of Greed Leads to Destruction

Make no mistake: the path of greed always ends in pain.
It leads to:

• Sin
• Unfulfillment
• Heartache
• (See Proverbs 15:27; 1:19; Ephesians 4:19)

Recognizing Greedy Behavior

How do you know if greed has crept into your life? Watch for these signs:

• Cynicism – Always assuming others are selfish
• Materialism – Obsession with things over people
• Defiance – Rebelling against God and authority
• Despisers of others – Especially those in need
• Lack of love – For both God and others
• Shallow faith – Like Demas in 2 Timothy 4:10, who left the ministry for worldly pleasures

Scripture Spotlight: The Love of Money (1 Timothy 6 : 9-10 AMP)

• “But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing…”
• “For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs.”

This is one of the most quoted Bible verses about greed, and for good reason. The love of money can ruin relationships, compromise integrity, and even pull people away from faith.

Temptation Begins with Desire – James 1 : 14–15

“But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire…”

Sin doesn’t come out of nowhere. It’s born when desire goes unchecked. Greed is not just a behavior; it’s a heart condition.

Case Study: Achan’s Fall – Joshua 7 : 19–23

Achan’s story is a powerful sermon illustration on greed. Let’s break down his confession:

1. “I SAW”:

• He allowed his eyes to guide him instead of God’s Word.
• He was seduced by treasure.

2. “I COVETED”:

• The more he thought about it, the more he had to have it.
• His desire became an obsession.

3. “I TOOK”:

• He grabbed what wasn’t his—disobeying God.

4. “I HID IT”:

• Greedy people hoard.
• But nothing stays hidden from God.

What a tragic ending.
Achan’s greed didn’t just cost him—it brought judgment on his family.

Lesson on greed – You Cannot Start Wrong and End Right

From Cain and Balaam, we learn more truths:

Greed Produces the Wrong Motivation

Balaam’s story (Jude 1:11):

• He served for profit, not purpose.
• His desire corrupted his calling.
• He wanted God’s blessing, but for selfish gain.
• (See Proverbs 21:26)

Greed Establishes the Wrong Authority

Korah’s rebellion:

• Korah wanted to overthrow Moses’ leadership.
• He rejected God’s authority.
• Like Satan in Ezekiel 22:12, he was driven by pride and ambition.

Sermon on Greed Conclusion: Choose Contentment Over Craving

When we allow greed to take root in us:

• We rob God of worship and generosity.
• We rob others of blessings we’re meant to share.
• We rob our families of our presence and love.

The truth is simple but powerful:

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

In a world that always screams for “more,” God invites us to trust and rest in Him. Money is important, but the love of money is the root of evil, however, a heart rooted in Christ will always bear the fruit of peace, joy, and satisfaction.