Experts in Greed!

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.” Jude 1:3-4, 11

“In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:3, 14-15, 18

These passages from the Bible serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of greed, deception, and exploitation within religious contexts. They urge believers to remain vigilant, contend for the faith, and avoid being swayed by false teachings or those who seek to exploit them for selfish gain. These Bible passages discuss how false teachers or individuals exploit others through greed, seeking personal gain at the expense of others. This exploitation may involve manipulating and deceiving people for financial or material gain, using fabricated stories, empty boasting, and persuasive language to deceive and entice others. Jude mentions how these individuals pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ as Lord, twisting the teachings of grace to justify sinful behaviour and lead others away from the true faith.

Moreover, both passages reference historical examples of individuals who fell into greed and rebellion against God, such as Cain, Balaam, and Korah. They pursued their own desires at the expense of righteousness and suffered severe consequences as a result. The warnings in these passages emphasise the imminent judgement and destruction awaiting those who engage in such sinful behaviour, portraying their condemnation as long overdue and inevitable.

We should exercise discernment in identifying and avoiding false teachers or individuals who exploit others for personal gain. It’s essential to critically evaluate teachings and practices in light of biblical truth, uphold personal integrity and moral principles, and resist the temptation to pursue greed or selfish desires at the expense of others. These passages serve as a reminder of the importance of responsibly stewarding resources and blessings, cautioning against the dangers of materialism and the love of money, which can lead to exploitation and spiritual corruption. Believers are encouraged to prioritise spiritual values over material possessions and to guard their hearts against the allure of wealth. We are called to hold one another accountable for ethical conduct and to confront instances of greed, exploitation, or deception within the church or community. This should be done not through gossip, slander, and destructive behaviours but through one-to-one counselling by leaders and church awareness. We should pray for wisdom, discernment, and protection, relying on God’s guidance and provision, trusting in His faithfulness to expose falsehood and bring justice.

As we journey forward, may we heed these admonitions, walking in the light of truth and righteousness, and may we find strength and courage in our collective pursuit of faithfulness. Amen.