9. Beware of Greed

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Hymns: 387 I Need Thee Every Hour, 388 O for a Closer Walk with God, 389 Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord

Life of Elisha

(Serving Our Faithful God)

– Beware of Greed

2 Kings 5:20-27

 

20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. 21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? 22 And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. 23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. 24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. 25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. 26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? 27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

 

OUTLINE

  • Thoughts of a Greedy Heart (v20)
  • Steps of a Greedy Heart (v21-24)
  • Sorrows of a Greedy Heart (v25-27)

 

INTRODUCTION

The phrase “Grasp all, lose all”[1] is an apt phrase to describe a greedy heart and its sad consequences. Indeed, taking empties a life and not fill it.

Solomon puts it practically, Proverbs 15:27 (KJV) 27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

Denis Gibson in his book “Go for the Life that Wins!” observes well, “The word “greed” and “covetousness” is from the same word-root and bear the same wicked fruit. It is one of the most powerful temptations of which sinful hearts are capable of, and also one of the most destructive morally and spiritually.[2]

The temptation to take a bribe, to grab a little extra, may be great, but let us think where it could lead – it could ruin both you and your family!

During the time of Joshua, the man Achan who coveted after a goodly Babylonian garment when Israel attacked Ai and caused Israel to suffer a humiliating defeat! We recall God said to Joshua, “Israel hath sinned and they also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff” (Joshua 7:11).

Joshua 7:24-26 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Lot, Abraham’s nephew, moved to Sodom to get gain and suffered great loss especially his family was ruined.

The man of God is to hate gifts because of the corruption of bribes, but more so it brings dishonor upon his God. Abraham refused gifts from the king of Sodom.

The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to beware of the sin of covetousness.

1 Timothy 6:6-12 (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. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 In Col. 3:3, the Apostle Paul identified covetousness as the sin of idolatry. Money or riches can blind the heart to displace God as its first place. This is the danger of greed.

Dear friends, true godliness, brings contentment with the material blessings that God has provided. This is the great spiritual gain because it keeps us from the temptations caused by covetousness. After all, material things are only for this life. To be content, we must keep our values in the right order.[3]

Remember our Lord’s wise words:

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

You recalled last week, Elisha sent Naaman the Syrian general plagued with the disease of leprosy to wash seven times in the Jordan River and was totally healed of his leprosy.

When Naaman offered Elisha a gift, he was careful not to accept it.

…But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. (2 Kings 5:19)

He was careful not to give any inkling of thought that the healing came because of Elisha’s power. Elisha knew his place. He wanted to let Naaman know that his healing was divine. It cannot be bought with money!

Elisha conveyed the message that the power of God cannot be bought with money. The Lord’s miracles are not for hire! This was God honouring. When Peter and John were sent by the apostles in Jerusalem to enquire the conversions taking in Samaria in Acts 8, they chided Simon Magus, who offered money to buy God’s power. He was chided by Peter for the power of God, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, cannot be bought with money!

Elisha walked with integrity and received the special favour of God’s power flowing in his life to the blessing of many. May we learn a good lesson to prefer the riches of Christ above all.

However, it was not so for Gehazi, his servant. We want us to see the contrast between Elisha and Gehazi and beware of greed.

Three thoughts as we see how Gehazi fell to the sin of greed.

  • Thoughts of a Greedy Heart (v20)
  • Steps of a Greedy Heart (v21-24)
  • Sorrow of a Greedy Heart (v25-27)

 

(1) Thoughts of a Greedy Heart (v20)

20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

Let us beware of the hidden greed of the heart. Unlike Elisha, Gehazi coveted after these “rich” gifts. He saw with his carnal eyes how they would enrich his life! He was not thinking of God’s honour and God’s name. By going so, he would tarnish the name of God that Naaman’s healing can be bought with money!

 What was going through Gehazi’s mind when he decided to run after Naaman’s chariot to ask for a gift? He was blinded by the glittering gold. What a waste to let all this gold be shipped back to Syria.

It behooves us to consider carefully and search our motives for accepting any of Naaman’s tangible gifts of gratitude (there are occasions when such is perfectly acceptable) and probe into your reason for doing so. As one pastor said well, “Check your motive, fellow servant!”[4] Indeed, all motives must be honestly searched.

Why are you doing this? What is the reason behind your doing this? What is your motive, brother and sister in Christ?

You notice greed begins in the heart. If it is not checked, it will manifest itself in covetous actions.

Jesus warned his disciples to beware and watch for the hidden sins of the heart this is the beginning of evil.

Mark 7:20-23 (KJV) 20  And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22  Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

It had to be dealt with at the root and repented of otherwise…

 

(2) Steps of a Greed Heart (v21-24)

21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? 22 And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. 23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. 24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.

Gehezi invented a lie to get gain – Two young men, the sons of prophets, are in need, I ask these for them! How sad to see one in the cover of God’s name lying with a straight face to get gain. And so Naaman was more than ready as a gesture of his sincere gratitude to do anything for the good that he received of God. Gehezi was not representing the mind of God but his own depraved mind.

“Years ago, the story goes, a San Diego bank hired a private investigator to track down a bank robber and retrieve stolen funds. The search led to Mexico. The investigator crossed the border and then, realizing he would need a Spanish interpreter, opened up the telephone book and hired the first interpreter listed in the Yellow Pages.

After many days, he finally captured the bandit and, through the interpreter, asked him, “Where did you hide the money?” In Spanish, the thief replied, “What money? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

With that, the investigator drew his pistol, pointed it at the suspect, and said to the interpreter, “Tell him that if he doesn’t tell me where the money is, I will shoot him where he stands.”

Upon receiving this message, the bank robber said to the interpreter, “Senor, I have hidden the money in a coffee can, under the fourth floorboard, in the second-floor men’s room of the Palacio Hotel on Via Del Rio in La Paz.”

“What did he say?” the investigator asked the interpreter. “Senor,” said the interpreter as he thought for a moment, “he says he is prepared to die like a man!””[5]

Who can resist a gain? The true man of God! The false will be exposed when he is tempted.

Gehazi concocted a story skillfully delivered it to Naaman. How sad it is that he uses his God-given intellect in such a depraved way.

 

(3) Sorrows of a Greedy Heart (v25-27)

25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. 26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? 27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

 We see here how Gehazi tried to cover his tracks when Elisha confronted him! Where did you go? I did not go anywhere! What a lie!

 He was exposed and sternly judged, he received a terrible punishment. He had not only disobeyed Elisha’s clear instruction not to take any gifts from Naaman, but he lied to him when he was confronted for his deeds. The curse was not only upon him but also upon his descendants. What great judgment.

 The servant is accountable to his master. Accountability is important for any servant to remain pure.[6]

There is a poem that provides a challenge to everyone who desires to serve:

 

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired of waiting,

Or being lied about, and don’t deal with lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:…

 

Gehazi was plagued with the curse of leprosy from which Naaman was healed. He lost his health and became a leper, a judgment that cleaved to him and his descendants.

 

CONCLUSION

The Apostle Paul’s words serve as a good concluding thought for us:

1 Timothy 6:6-12 (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. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

  • Thoughts of a Greedy Heart (v20)
  • Steps of a Greedy Heart (v21-24)
  • Sorrows of a Greedy Heart (v25-27)

May God’s servants trust God to take care of them when they serve Him to the honour and glory of His blessed name! Amen.

 

[1] Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World.

[2] Denis Gibson, Go for the Life that Wins!, D. & E. I. Gibson, October 3.

[3] Children’s Ministry Resource Bible, Thomas Nelson, 1993, 1518.

[4] Charles Swindoll, The Inspirational Writings of Charles R. Swindoll, Inspirational Press, 1988, 113.

[5] Illustrations for Every Topic and Occasion – – Perfect Illustrations: For Every Topic and Occasion.

[6] Charles Swindoll, The Inspirational Writings of Charles R. Swindoll, Inspirational Press, 1988, 111.