1674 - Sabbath School - 26.Feb Sun

The Ultimate Original Sin?

The question often arises, and understandably so, about how sin

arose in God’s universe. We understand how, at least somewhat. And at

its heart, it was because of covetousness. Perhaps covetousness, then,

is the ultimate original sin.

Read Isaiah 14:12–14. What hints are given there about the fall of

Lucifer? How did covetousness play a crucial role in that fall?

“Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly

host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead

of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of

all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loy-

alty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father

had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was

the prerogative of Christ alone.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and

Prophets, p. 35.

Read Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5. With what does Paul equate

covetousness, and why?

How fascinating that twice Paul would equate covetousness with

idolatry. People practice idolatry when they worship—that is, dedicate

their lives to—something other than God, something created rather than

the Creator (Rom. 1:25). Could covetousness be, then, wanting some-

thing that we shouldn’t have, and wanting it so badly that our desire for

it, rather than the Lord, becomes the focus of our heart?

No doubt, Lucifer at first didn’t know where his wrong desires were

to lead him. It can be the same with us. The commandment against

covetousness, the one commandment that deals only with thoughts,

can stop us from acts that will lead to the violation of other command-

ments, as well. (See, for instance, 2 Samuel 11.)

Read 1 Timothy 6:6, 7. How can focusing on what Paul writes

here help protect us from covetousness?