The Power of God Breaks the Power of Greed
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
One definition for the word greed is to plunder, spoil, pillage, and rob. Jesus told the Pharisees that they were wicked and full of greed (Matthew 23:25). They made everything look good on the outside, but their hearts were void of the Spirit of Love. He also warned people to be on guard against every form of greed (Luke 12:15).
Understanding Greed
Greed is covetousness; it leads to exploitation, theft, and adultery. It’s not just about wanting more money; it goes much deeper. Greed is a desire to have more of anything. A greedy person does not want anything good for anyone unless they can gain from it. Greed manifests in various ways and often partners with spirits of pride, poverty, envy, jealousy, and gluttony. When a spirit of greed is at work, so is rebellion, which is compared to witchcraft, and stubbornness to idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).
The Story of Ephesus
23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis [Diana]. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: "Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren't really gods at all. And he's done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I'm not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I'm also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis--this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world--will be robbed of her great prestige!" 28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" - Act 19:23-28 NLT
This trouble began with Demetrius, a silversmith who manufactured silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He called the craftsmen together, expressing concern not only for their wealth but also for the influence of their goddess.
Apostle Paul went into Ephesus, a city known for idol worship, and wrecked it! He spent two years conducting deliverance and healing crusades in the name of Jesus Christ. God used him so mightily that unusual miracles occurred through Paul, including healing and deliverance happening when handkerchiefs and aprons were brought to people.
In Acts 19, we see Paul’s journey initiated in Corinth, where he met disciples unfamiliar with the Holy Spirit. They had been baptized into John’s baptism, indicating their sincerity in repentance, yet they lacked knowledge of the Holy Spirit.
The Outpouring of the Spirit
4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all. - Act 19:1-7 NKJV
After hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:6).
Some religious commentaries claim the gifts were only for the original disciples, suggesting that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit ceased. Such statements lead us to a powerless gospel instead of the power of the Spirit of God!
The Power of God vs. Demonic Forces
6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed, and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. - Act 8:6-8 NKJV
Philip preached with power after Stephen was murdered at Saul's feet. In Samaria, unclean spirits came out of many, and those who were paralyzed and lame were healed, causing great joy in the city (Acts 8:6-8).
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." - Acts 8:9
Simon practiced sorcery and amazed the people of Samaria. However, when they believed Philip’s preaching about Jesus, they were baptized. Notice how both God’s power and the devil’s power capture people’s attention.
After Peter and John heard of the revival in Samaria, they came to pray for those who had only been baptized in Jesus’ name. They laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:16-17). The infilling of the Spirit brings power and evidence of salvation.
The Consequences of Greed
When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the apostles' hands, he offered them money, hoping to purchase that power. Peter rebuked him, stating his heart was not right in God’s sight (Acts 8:18-23). This highlights how greed can corrupt even those who seem to believe.
The Fight Against Darkness
Wherever the disciples preached, they faced resistance. The message of Jesus enrages the devil, prompting him to unleash his arsenal. For example, in Acts 13, Paul confronts Elymas the sorcerer, filled with righteous indignation against deceit and fraud.
“O full of all deceit and all fraud, [you] son of the devil…” (Acts 13:10). Paul’s judgment led to the sorcerer becoming temporarily blind, showcasing the power of God over demonic forces.
The Anointing Breaks the Yoke
Demons pursue the anointed but flee the anointing! In Acts 16, a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination interrupted Paul’s prayer group. Paul cast out the spirit, causing chaos in the town because her masters lost profit.
When was the last time we heard of demons being cast out and miracles being demonstrated to the point of causing chaos among leaders? We must return to the simplicity of Jesus Christ, where we preach the full gospel without the concern of offerings or repercussions.
Manifesting the Kingdom of God
“If Jesus said to pray, ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” (Matthew 6:10). We should follow His example to manifest God’s kingdom. He instructed His disciples to heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near (Luke 10:9).
When God’s word is preached with demonstration, people will be convicted and drawn to repentance, just as in Ephesus, where many confessed and renounced their practices (Acts 19:18-20).
Conclusion: Where Are the Warriors?
Every time the kingdom of God is manifested on earth, there is backlash. The devil does not surrender without a fight. So, where are the warriors? Where are those who are tired of being sick and bound, ready to take their lives back using the sword of the Spirit?
Let’s embrace the power of God that breaks the power of greed and transforms lives!
Let's Pray,
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me all I ever need - Jesus. If I focus on Your kingdom will and righteousness I am promised all I need. Forgive me for coveting what others have, for being greedy or fearful that I don't have enough or want more than I need. I choose to know You and that being enough. To live is Christ, to die is gain. Help me live like Jesus. Amen.
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