Covetousness –

The Church’s Prime

Sermon Focus

2 Timothy 4:3 “For there will be a time when they will not endure sound teaching, but according to the own desires, having an itching ear, they will gather around them teachers to suit themselves,” - Berean Literal Bible ‘Christian’, are you drawn to a pastor who suits YOU , rather than Christ? Are you forever pursuing the ‘make- me-feel-better-societies’ of the world… whether they be the church, or the healthcare sectors alike? Have you ever given it a thought as to WHY mega churches and ‘healthcare’ services are flourishing to the extent they do? These organizations feed on the ‘make-me-feel-better’ desire of their members. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 “ 3  If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4  they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, 5  and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain    .” - New International Version Have you noticed the classic approach of pious pastors in mega churches… the business presentation approach of captivating their audiences with funny joke intros, personal stories and then reeling them in with motivational ‘ you can do that’-, ‘ you are in control’- and ‘ you can change your circumstances’ jargon phrases. Call it the “ You-You ” approach. They put the focus of the audience on itself, rather than on Christ… feeding their listeners’ ‘exclusivity’… and ‘giving’ them ‘control’… but at a dear price. From the “ You-You ” capture to the “ Yo-Yo ” effect. ‘Christian’, do your euphoric experiences in church gatherings have continuous duration… or do they resemble a Yo-Yo effect? It wears off quickly and you have to replenish constantly. Is there perhaps a codependency element at play without you being aware of it? You know of course that codependency is a dangerous situation to be in. The True Jesus Christ is the only One who will give you lasting peace. Not man.

Covetousness – The Church’s Prime Sermon Focus