1. Confronting Greed 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

2. “Greed, envy, sloth, pride and gluttony: these are not vices anymore. No, these are marketing tools. Lust is our way of life. Envy is just a nudge towards another sale. Even in our relationships we consume each other, each of us looking for what we can get out of the other.” Jon Foreman, lead singer Switchfoot

3. 1 Corinthians 6 Background What type of legal case is this? A civil lawsuit, not a criminal case

4. 1 Corinthians 6 Background Why was it wrong? Civil courts were CORRUPT Dio Chrysostom: In Corinth there were “lawyers innumerable perverting justice” Apuleius: Described Roman judges as “gowned vultures” who “sell their judgments for money”

5. 1 Corinthians 6 Background James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?

6. 1 Corinthians 6 Background Why was it wrong? Civil courts were CORRUPT Civil courts were PUBLIC

9. 1 Corinthians 6 Background Why was it wrong? Civil courts were CORRUPT Civil courts were PUBLIC

10. 1 Corinthians 6 Background Our courts are neither corrupt nor public So it is okay for believers to… become judges & lawyers sue and go to court IF the goal is justice or protection, not greed or revenge

11. How to Protect Grace from Greed 1.Give no preference to the rich & powerful 2.Judge greed in the church

12. How to Protect Yourself from Greed 1.Admit your vulnerability Luke 12:15 “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed…”

13. How to Protect Yourself from Greed 1.Admit your vulnerability 2.Practice the discipline of GRATITUDE “I deserve…

14. How to Protect Yourself from Greed 1.Admit your vulnerability 2.Practice the discipline of GRATITUDE “I deserve… DEATH Everything else is a GIFT!”

15. How to Protect Yourself from Greed 1.Admit your vulnerability 2.Practice the discipline of GRATITUDE 3.Practice the discipline of GENEROSITY

16. How to Protect Yourself from Greed Luke 12:33-34 “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

17. How to Protect Yourself from Greed 1.Admit your vulnerability 2.Practice the discipline of GRATITUDE 3.Practice the discipline of GENEROSITY 4.Practice the discipline of SACRIFICE

18. How to Protect Yourself from Greed 1.Admit your vulnerability 2.Practice the discipline of GRATITUDE 3.Practice the discipline of GENEROSITY 4.Practice the discipline of SACRIFICE Matthew 5:39 “…do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”

19. How to Protect Yourself from Greed 1.Admit your vulnerability 2.Practice the discipline of GRATITUDE 3.Practice the discipline of GENEROSITY 4.Practice the discipline of SACRIFICE

20. @GraceBibleBlake Blake Jennings www.grace-bible.org Grace Bible Texas App Next Week: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20