Thou Shalt Not Covet or Lust
John Weaver | YouTube
| Lecture Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | John Weaver |
| Source | YouTube |
| Media ID | n4beeGssHL4 |
| Subject | Biblical Law |
| Course | The Ten Commandments |
| Genre | Sermon |
| Date | 2024-04-27 |
| Dictation Name | |
| Book | Book 001: The Ten Commandments — Chapter 8 |
| Source Timed Segments | 5 |
Synopsis: Pastor John Weaver expounds the tenth commandment, explaining that coveting is an invisible sin of desire that inevitably leads to outward action. He demonstrates from Romans 7:7 that coveting and lusting are synonymous, both involving a forbidden longing. The message warns that while covetousness begins in the heart, it does not remain hidden but manifests in conduct.
Formatted Transcript
Introduction and Scripture Reading
The message is introduced with the reading of Exodus 20:17, the tenth commandment, and the speaker shares his prayerful preparation.
Exodus chapter 20 and verse 17. The title of the message is
"Thou Shalt Not Covet or Lust."
I finished, I think, about four messages this week, and I've been really praying the Lord would give me the messages that His people need, and I think this is one of them, and I'm looking forward to the next three already. But if you look in Exodus chapter 20 and verse 17, the Word of God says,
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's."
The Prevalence and Nature of Coveting
Coveting is a frequently violated commandment, distinct from outward acts like stealing or adultery, yet it is a sin of desire that can intensify.
I would imagine that this commandment, this prohibition, has been violated, transgressed, and disobeyed quite frequently. While many people would not actually steal, they would covet. While many would not actually commit adultery, they will covet. The Hebrew word for covet is the word "chamad," and it literally means to desire, to covet, to take pleasure in, to delight in, and to greatly desire. Covetousness appears to be a sin that can be increased by degrees, simply because there is what you and I would call a simple lust or a simple coveting, and then there is a burning with desire type of lust and coveting as well. Interestingly enough, covetousness is an invisible sin to begin with. It does not remain invisible.
Coveting as an Invisible Sin Leading to Action
Though initially invisible, coveting is more than a thought; it involves an unlawful taking and always results in conduct.
I could not look in your mind and see whether or not you're coveting. Neither could you look in my mind. But coveting, while it is invisible, is more than a thought. It's more than an emotion, because it involves an illegal or an unlawful taking. That is, something is totally and absolutely forbidden. And what we're trying to do when we covet is to attach something or someone to ourselves that is forbidden. So at the beginning, covetousness may be simply a thought or a desire. But in the end, it always involves conduct in action.
Coveting and Lusting Are Synonymous
Using Romans 7:7, the speaker shows that the Greek word for covet is 'epithumeo,' meaning to lust after, proving coveting and lusting are the same.
Now, I made this statement,
"Thou shalt not covet"
or "Thou shalt not lust." Let me explain why I said that. I want you to turn, holding Exodus chapter 20, but turn in your Bibles to the book of Romans chapter 7 and verse 7. Romans 7 and verse 7. Look what the Apostle Paul says. Romans 7 and verse 7:
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
Now, the interesting thing is the Greek word for covet in Romans 7 and verse 7 is "epithumeo." And it literally means to have a desire for, to long after, to desire, to lust after, and to covet. So coveting is a desire and seeking after that which is forbidden. Now, listen to me. Coveting and lusting are synonymous.
Reiteration of the Synonymity
The speaker reiterates that coveting and lusting are synonymous based on Romans 7:7.
How do we know that? Well, look back at verse 7 of Romans 7 again. He says, "What shall we say then?"
Study Guide
Major Themes
The Inward Nature of Sin
Summary: Coveting begins as an invisible desire or thought, highlighting that sin is not only in outward actions but in the heart.
Evidence: Covetousness is an invisible sin to begin with. It does not remain invisible. (132.6-176.9s)
The Progression from Desire to Action
Summary: Coveting, though starting internally, inevitably leads to outward conduct and action.
Evidence: So at the beginning, covetousness may be simply a thought or a desire. But in the end, it always involves conduct in action. (132.6-176.9s)
The Synonymity of Coveting and Lusting
Summary: The Bible equates coveting and lusting, as shown by Paul's use of 'epithumeo' in Romans 7:7.
Evidence: Coveting and lusting are synonymous. How do we know that? Well, look back at verse 7 of Romans 7 again. (248.5-254.8s)
Key Arguments
Coveting is a widespread, often hidden sin
Summary: Many who refrain from outward sins like stealing or adultery still commit coveting, which is a sin of desire.
Evidence: While many people would not actually steal, they would covet. While many would not actually commit adultery, they will covet. (61.0-131.6s)
Coveting involves an unlawful taking in the heart
Summary: Coveting is more than a thought; it is an attempt to attach something forbidden to oneself.
Evidence: Coveting, while it is invisible, is more than a thought. It's more than an emotion, because it involves an illegal or an unlawful taking. (132.6-176.9s)
Paul equates coveting with lust in Romans 7:7
Summary: The Greek word 'epithumeo' means both to covet and to lust, proving the terms are interchangeable.
Evidence: The Greek word for covet in Romans 7 and verse 7 is 'epithumeo.' And it literally means to have a desire for, to long after, to desire, to lust after, and to covet. (178.3-247.7s)
Scripture References
Exodus 20:17
Context: The tenth commandment is read as the foundational text for the message.
Romans 7:7
Context: Paul states that he would not have known lust except the law said 'Thou shalt not covet,' linking coveting and lusting.
Important Quotes
Covetousness is an invisible sin to begin with. It does not remain invisible.
Significance: Highlights the deceptive nature of coveting as an internal sin that eventually manifests outwardly.
Coveting and lusting are synonymous.
Significance: Summarizes the key doctrinal point that the tenth commandment addresses both coveting and lust.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think coveting is often considered less serious than outward sins like stealing or adultery?
Context: The speaker notes that many who would not steal or commit adultery still covet.
How does understanding that coveting always leads to action change the way you view your desires?
Context: The message teaches that coveting begins as a thought but ends in conduct.
In what ways does Romans 7:7 deepen your understanding of the relationship between the law and sin?
Context: Paul says he would not have known lust except the law said 'Thou shalt not covet.'
Applications
Guard your heart against covetous desires
Summary: Since coveting begins invisibly, believers must be vigilant over their thoughts and desires before they lead to sinful actions.
Evidence: Covetousness is an invisible sin to begin with. It does not remain invisible. (132.6-176.9s)
Recognize lust as a form of coveting
Summary: Understanding that lust and coveting are synonymous helps believers identify and repent of sinful desires.
Evidence: Coveting and lusting are synonymous. (248.5-254.8s)
deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-04T13:44:22Z
deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-05T18:03:48Z