From Envy

Introduction

Recap Sorrow, Anxiety, and Fear

Introduce the concept of envy: When your hearts treasure becomes that which you do not have.

Body

(1) Different Aspects of Envy

Normal Envy- When your hearts treasure becomes that which you do not have

Envy Morphs:

Entitlement- Envy + Pride

Skepticism- Envy + Anxiety

Resentment- Envy + Anger

(2) Biblical Warnings Against Envy

Exodus 20:17 “Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Romans 1:28–32 “And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a corrupt mind so that they do what is not right. They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, senseless, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. Although they know God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.”

Galatians 5:19–21 “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

(3) Biblical Remedies For Envy

Philippians 4:11–13 “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”

Colossians 3:1–4 “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”