The Danger of Greed

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I Timothy 6:6-10 (KJV)

6. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1. The Problem Defined . . . "they that will be rich" (v.9).
   The problem is not those that are rich, but those that "covet" riches or grasp after wealth. John Gill says of this verse, "Some rich men are good men, and do much good with their riches; and are as free from temptations and snares, and foolish and hurtful lusts as other persons as Abraham, Joseph of Arimathea, Gaus, and others.
   1. The desire to be rich leads to powerful temptations . . . (v.9).
      To "fall" into temptation is different from "jumping" into it. Coveting compromises character and conduct.
   2. The desire to be rich leads to personal traps . . . (v.9).
      The Bible calls it a "snare" and it is the same word used for "the snare of the devil" in I Timothy 3:7. The devil sets a trap in order to catch you. It may be a trap where you have to choose between family and riches.
   3. The desire to be rich leads to painful troubles . . . (v.9).
      You can't blame all your problems on the devil. If you seek to be wealthy, there are "many foolish and hurtful lusts" which will sink you. In other words, the desire for wealth is never fully satisfied within you.
      1. Greed, if not corrected will ruin you, and
      2. it will destroy you ("perdition" speaks of judgment).
2. The Pain Described . . . "they pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (v.10).
   Paul gives to Timothy a warning using graphic language of an arrow or a spear piercing the body. In our day, the words of Paul might have been, "Timothy, those who love money shoot themselves in the foot." What are some of the arrows of sorrows that bring pain to the person who is constantly craving after riches or money? In his excellent book The Upside Down Kingdom, Donald Kraybill, offers some insight into the hurts we bring.
   1. The arrow called "STRANGLER" . . . (Luke 8:14).
      In the parable of the sower, Jesus says people who hear the word of God, but are caught up in a desire for riches are like seeds thrown onto thorny ground -- "they are choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of life." Do you want your spiritual life strangled? The love of money chokes out the vitality of your spiritual life. Greed is a silent killer, and will destroy you.
   2. The arrow called "WORRIER" . . . (Luke 12:29-34).
      Jesus said, "Do not be of anxious mind (about material things) . . . but provide for yourselves treasure in the heavens (relationships) where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Jesus understood that wealth brings anxiety. Yesterday brings guilt, but tomorrow brings worry.
   3. The arrow called "BLINDER" . . . (Luke 16:19-23).
      In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we see "There was a certain rich man who fared well . . . but died and was buried. And in hell he lifted up his eyes . . ." Riches have a way of blinding a person to the really important things of life. Greed will blind you like the rich man was blinded. The love of money will cause you to miss what should truly be loved in life.
   4. The arrow called "CONSOLER" . . . (Luke 6:24).
      Jesus said, "Woe to you who are rich (spent your loved with the craving to accumulate riches), you have received your consolation" Whereas the righteous will receive their comfort after death, the only comfort the greedy obtain is that which they have in life.
3. The Principle Delivered . . . "godliness with contentment is great gain" (v.6).
   The word contentment is the word "self-sufficiency." It implies by Paul that "the person in relationship with Christ is a person that should be independent of outward circumstances, enabling him to maintain a spiritual equilibrium in the midst of both favorable circumstances and those which are adverse" Kenneth Wuest. How is this possible? How is it possible to not crave after riches? It is possible when you understand v.7.

   "For we brought nothing into thise world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (v.7).

   The phrase "it is certain" (hoti) is better translated "because." So that what Paul is saying is "we brought nothing into this world, because we can carry nothing out." Nothing this world gives is any addition to who you are as a person. You are a complete man. All that you leave with is a relationship with your Creator and those whom He has chosen to allow you to be in relationship with on this earth.

   The message of Easter is clear: Your relationship with Christ and those around you is all that matters.