Concupiscence, an archaic term meaning to yearn or long for, embodies strong desire, often perceived as sexual, though its scope is broader. In scriptural contexts, it signifies all manner of wrong desires, not solely sexual ones, as seen when sin produced in Paul every kind of evil desire. This term, rooted in the Greek word epithymia, translates to earnest desire, frequently a craving for forbidden things. Such desires manifest in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve's longing for prohibited fruit led to sin, driven by a yearning for what God had denied them. Human nature resists denial, directing its desires toward acquiring what is forbidden. These ungodly desires, termed the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, encapsulate worldly cravings that stand in opposition to doing the will of God. God calls for a transformation, urging a shift from longing for carnal, forbidden things to seeking spiritual, godly, and eternal pursuits. This involves jettisoning ungodly desires of every sort and striving to live righteously, growing in God's character. Though tempted by fleshly desires, God desires to see resistance and overcoming, achievable by seeking Him always, strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

God allows His people to partake of things they desire, yet He imposes limits, expecting self-control. He instructs Israel to spend their increase on whatever the heart desires during the Feast of Tabernacles, rejoicing with each other before Him. However, the focus should be off the self, centered on God, and extending outward toward others. Having a right or wrong priority at the Feast can reveal where one's treasure is; if it is on the self only, the heart is in the wrong place, but if it includes the entire body of Christ, the treasure aligns with a godly plane. God wants His people to grow beyond mere physical desires, aspiring to spiritual things, not just for themselves, but also for their fellow believers. This fulfills God's decree to obtain whatever the heart desires.

Covetousness, as addressed in the Tenth Commandment, is an insatiable desire for worldly gain and lies at the heart of where most sin originates. It emphasizes man's relationship to man, protecting the interests of others in several major areas. Desire itself is not wrong; wanting a spouse, a house, or a car is acceptable, but not if it belongs to a neighbor unless acquired fairly and honestly. However, when desire conceives, it may lead to breaking any of the Ten Commandments, as uncontrolled lust for power, land, or wealth can drive men to extreme actions to obtain a coveted prize. Everyone is susceptible to this sin, and it can produce only negative results such as theft, lying, murder, harmful lusts, and apostasy, ultimately bringing sorrow and death if it dominates a person's mind. Covetousness is a spiritual sin, akin to idolatry, where lusting after something contrary to God's will turns it into an idol that one serves. When a man amasses possessions through covetousness, he often deceives himself with a false sense of security, feeling superior to others and believing calamity will not touch him, yet this desire is never satisfied and brings many sorrows. God will exclude any covetous person from His Kingdom, and it is just as wrong for a minister to covet as it is for anyone else, with harsher judgment for failing to set a proper example. Even the elect struggle in resisting covetousness, but God through His Spirit helps in opposing the desires that war within. He expects resistance to the lusts of the flesh and promises aid if obedience is given. It is the responsibility of each individual to present themselves as instruments of righteousness, to hate covetousness, and to be content with what they have. The opposite of coveting is generosity and giving, reflecting the character of God, who is a Giver of good and perfect things. Pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness, along with seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, leads to wonderful blessings and eternal life.