Coveting is a thought. Is God only sovereign over physical sin, ie murder or theft?
Just a thought
Hi Wittenberg, well Jesus indicated that what is in our hearts - our thoughts, are just as important when it comes to sin.
Mar 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
v. 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
v. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
We have to learn to bring even our thoughts under control, Christ gave several specific examples of how thoughts can lead to sin.
Mat 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Mat 5:22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.
Now things may come to mind and these bad things that cross our minds is not sin in itself, no these are just temptation. But it's when we hold onto these thoughts and are drawn to it and desire the temptation, that's when it becomes a problem for us.
James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
v. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Matt 13:52 Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."
Matt 12:35 A good man out of
the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
Jesus shows us that what is in the heart is of utmost importance to Him, because "For we know that the law is spiritual" (Rom 7:14) and we must learn to think/meditate on the spirit, "but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Rom 6:08).
Pro 4:23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. (GNB)
2Cor 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
v. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
v. 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
v. 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
1Ch 29:17 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness...
v. 18 ...keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You.
mercy, peace and love
Kat