The Idolatry of Covetousness ~ Colossians 3:1
Pastor John Opferman
6:00 PM
October 13, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Opening the text to Colossians chapter 3
A personal note of celebration: the son’s church had 12 visitors and a baptism
Introduction to the message: focusing on seeking Christ and setting our affections on things above
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-10
Responsibly read the passage together with the congregation
Key Themes from the Text
The Call to Seek Christ (v. 1)
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above”
Encouragement to believers to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ
The significance of Christ seated at the right hand of God
Setting Affections on Heavenly Things (v. 2)
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth”
The importance of redirecting our desires away from earthly possessions and pursuits
Illustration of how people might feel lost without their earthly comforts (phones, games, etc.)
Ultimate focus on eternity with Christ
Mortifying Earthly Desires (v. 5)
Definition of Mortify
To deaden or kill desires that draw us away from Christ
The work of the Holy Spirit in helping us to overcome the flesh (Romans 8:13)
Illustration: Affections in Marriage
Comparing spiritual devotion to Christ with marital devotion
Just as a spouse must forsake other affections, so must Christians forsake earthly desires for God
Specific Sins to Mortify (v. 5-6)
Fornication (Greek: pornea) – encompassing all sexual immorality
Uncleanness – anything impure that corrupts the heart
Inordinate affection – uncontrolled, excessive desires
Evil concupiscence – worthless lusts and desires
Covetousness – desiring what is not ours, holding onto it too tightly
Covetousness is Idolatry
Strong desires for earthly things can lead to idol worship
Idolatry isn’t just bowing to statues, but anything that takes God’s place in our heart
The Dangers of Covetousness (v. 5)
Covetousness as a form of Idolatry
Desiring anything more than God turns that desire into an idol
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 5:27 about lust being equivalent to adultery in the heart
The desires of the heart make us guilty even if no action is taken
Modern Forms of Idolatry
Money: Loving wealth and possessions more than God
Pleasure: Prioritizing entertainment, sports, or leisure over time with God
People: Placing family, friends, or relationships above God
Illustration of a Soul-Winning Encounter
Example of how personal relationships can lead people away from God
God's Desire for Affection and Devotion
God desires not just our words but our hearts and affections (Romans 10:9-10)
The greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength
Our prayer and worship should be a delight, not a chore (Proverbs 15:8)
Illustration: A Love Letter
Example of treasuring God’s Word as a love letter to us
The importance of daily meditation on Scripture (Psalm 1)
The Eternal Perspective
Paul’s Example of Longing for Christ (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
Paul looked forward to his death with excitement because he was ready to see Christ
Crown of righteousness promised to those who love His appearing
Encouragement to set our affections on the eternal rather than the temporal
The Call to Examine Our Hearts
Covetousness Steals Our Affections for God
Anything we desire more than God is an idol
These desires can replace God’s rightful place in our hearts
Practical Questions for Reflection
What do you covet more than God?
Is there something that takes priority over your time with God?
Closing and Invitation
Prayer for God to reveal anything that steals our affections from Him
Invitation to examine our hearts in preparation for the Lord’s Supper
Call for those who don’t know Christ to accept Him today
Reminder: Jesus desires our full affection, not just outward obedience but inward love
Conclusion
Final prayer for the congregation to set their hearts on heavenly things and forsake idols
Invitation to approach the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner
Biblical References
Colossians 3:1-10
"Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
"Mortify therefore your members... fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Romans 8:13
"If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."
Exodus 20:17
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house... wife... or anything that is thy neighbor’s."
Matthew 5:27-28
"Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery... in his heart."
Romans 10:9-10
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus... thou shalt be saved."
Proverbs 15:8
"The prayer of the upright is his delight."
Psalm 1:1-2
"His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
2 Timothy 4:6-8
"I have fought a good fight... henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."
2 Timothy 3:4
"Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God."
Matthew 10:37
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me."
Reflection Questions
Where are your affections truly set?
Reflect on whether your desires and focus are more aligned with earthly things or heavenly things, as Paul instructs in Colossians 3.
What earthly desires or habits might be pulling you away from your relationship with God?
Consider areas in your life where earthly pursuits—such as money, pleasure, or relationships—might be hindering your spiritual growth.
What are you “mortifying” in your life to grow closer to God?
Paul calls believers to "mortify" (put to death) earthly desires. What specific actions or thoughts do you need to let go of to deepen your connection with Christ?
Do you find delight in your relationship with God, or has it become a chore?
Reflect on your spiritual practices, such as prayer and reading Scripture. Do they bring you joy, or do they feel like obligations?
Is there anything in your life that has become an idol, taking priority over your devotion to God?
Identify if there is anything you desire or prioritize more than God and how you can re-center your affections on Him.
Daily Activities
1. Daily Affection Shift:
Activity: Set a reminder on your phone for morning and evening to reflect on your affections. Ask yourself, “Are my desires focused on Christ or earthly things today?”
Application: This will help you regularly refocus your thoughts and actions on seeking things above and turning your desires towards God.
2. Affection Audit:
Activity: Write a list of your current desires, priorities, and time investments. Categorize them as either “Earthly” or “Heavenly.”
Application: Identify areas where your focus is more on earthly things and create action steps to shift those desires toward spiritual growth (e.g., more time in prayer or Scripture reading).
3. Fasting from Earthly Distractions:
Activity: Choose one earthly desire that often distracts you from God (such as social media, entertainment, or shopping) and fast from it for one week.
Application: Use the time you would normally spend on that activity to read Scripture, pray, or serve others. This will help you mortify desires that pull your heart away from God.
4. Memorize and Meditate:
Activity: Memorize Colossians 3:2 (“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”) and spend 5 minutes each day meditating on this verse.
Application: As you meditate, think about how you can live this verse out in your daily decisions, helping you set your affections more firmly on heavenly things.
5. Accountability Partner for Mortification:
Activity: Partner with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor to hold each other accountable in “mortifying” specific earthly desires. Check in weekly on progress and share encouragement.
Application: This provides a support system to help you consistently kill desires that pull you away from God, fostering a community that pursues holiness together.
