"The Secret of Satisfaction" Rev. Gerald Erffmeyer Orland Park Christian Reformed Church Aug. 30, 1998 Text: Exodus 10:17 - Lord's Day 44 I. "I Want It All" - Coveting is the mother of all sins. Coveting refers to our evil desires (Q113). All of us have a weak spot in our desires. God created us with good desires. When we covet, something becomes the desire of our lives. - Joshua 7 - Achan says: "I saw . . . I coveted . . . I took." - People covet a variety of things - God says: "Don't let goods become your boss/god." - You can admire something without coveting it. - Advertisers give us a bad case of the "wants". - In a survey, 93% of teenage females listed their favorite pastime as shopping. There is a game called "Mall Madness". When you are broke you win! - Col. 3:1-3 reminds us to set our minds on things above where Christ is. Everything else will fail you. II. "I Want What Is Yours" Examples: 1. Your neighbor's spouse. Adultery often happens among friends. David coveted Bathsheba. 2. Your neighbor's position. 3. Your family's inheritance. Coveting like this shows: 1. Dissatisfaction with God's provision for you. "Lord, you gave me something better." 2. A total lack of love for your neighbor. III. The Secret of Satisfaction - The alternative to coveting is contentment. (Hebrews 13:4,5) - Wealthy people can live contented lives. People with only a few things can be content. (Phil. 4:11,12). Are you a contented person? - What has God given to you? Answer: Everything - What do you deserve? Answer: Nothing (Romans 6:23) - What do I have from God? Salvation, adoption, sanctification, gifts, Holy Spirit, eternal life. I deserve nothing. - Note: Recreational shopping is so dumb. Spend time on more important things. (volunteering, time with God, reading) - Covetous people dream of taking. Contented people dream of giving/sharing. - Getting more things will never satisfy. Come to Christ! (Matt. 11:28-30)