Deadly: Greed / Envy

by Rev. Grant Armstrong
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Luke 19:45-48
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SERMON NOTES

I. Greed cheapens what’s most precious to God.

II. Envy wants what it doesn’t have, and nobody else can have it.

III. Gratitude and contentedness are the death of greed and envy.

 

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

- Describe a time when you really wanted what someone else had.

- In Luke’s version, Jesus responds to the people selling sacrifices by quoting scripture. In other Gospels, He’s flipping tables and driving them out with a whip. How is it helpful for Jesus to show anger in this situation? How is it unhelpful?

- Jesus often quoted part of a scripture, and those who knew the rest would catch on to what He was saying. How has your knowledge of scripture helped you better understand Jesus?

- The religious elite were jealous that Jesus was stealing their thunder. How do we experience that kind of envy today?

- In conversation with someone else, spend some time listing your reasons to be grateful to God. Start with basics like life, breath, clothing and shelter, then get more specific.

- What is God saying to you through today's scripture?