The Desires Of The Heart

9/6/2026

## Sermon Info

* **Speaker / Pastor:** Rev. Douglas Dill
* **Church / Location:** Mountain View Lutheran, Phoenix

## Scripture References

* **Exodus 20:17** – read as the commandment **”You shall not covet”**, framing the message.
* **Matthew (chapter read aloud)** – Jesus’s response about the **greatest commandments**: love God with all your heart, soul, mind and love your neighbor as yourself; used to connect coveting with broken relationships.
* **Romans 3** – cited to remind listeners that **all have sinned** and are redeemed by God’s faith and grace in Jesus.

## Central Message

Desire and coveting damage our relationships with God and others; instead we are called to reorient our desires toward a faithful relationship with God and life-giving relationships with one another, trusting in God’s mercy and forgiveness.

## Key Points

1. The commandment **”Do not covet”** means resisting jealousy and unhealthy desires for what others have.
1. Coveting breaks relationships—between neighbors, families, congregations—and even damages our relationship with God because the Holy Spirit dwells with us.
1. Common temptations (gambling, alcohol, pornography, money, social media, possessions) can displace God as the focus of our hearts.
1. True priority is loving God first and loving neighbor as yourself; coveting is contrary to that love.
1. Although desire is powerful and sin affects everyone, **God’s grace through Jesus** saves and restores; boasting is excluded because justification comes by **God’s/Jesus’ faith** and grace, not our works.
1. The speaker encouraged openness to change and relationships (a pastoral appeal about community strategic planning was mentioned), connecting healthy desires to life-giving outcomes where others flourish.

## Notable Quotes

> “Do not covet.”

> “Jesus loves you and forgives you no matter what.”

> “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

> “You are forgiven.”

## Application

* Reorient desires so they draw you closer to God rather than toward envy of others.
* Protect relationships by avoiding jealous thoughts and actions that harm others.
* Be mindful of activities and habits (games, social media, addictions) that can become sinful when pursued for the wrong reasons.
* Embrace life-giving desires that allow others and yourself to flourish.

## Prayer Points

* Prayer asking God to **relieve us of jealousy** so we can have good relationships with family, friends, and strangers.
* Thanksgiving and assurance in God’s faithfulness, mercy, and the redemption offered through Jesus.

## Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever wanted something very badly—how did that desire affect your relationships?
1. What desires of the heart have led to harm or brokenness in your life or in the lives of others?
1. What would it look for your desires to be ordered toward closeness with God and life for others?
1. What past examples (like David/Bathsheba or Jezebel) remind you of the consequences of coveting?
1. How does the truth of God’s forgiveness change how you approach lingering sinful desires?