The Cold Shadow of Envy

Sermon Notes: May 19 , 2019 Psalm 73 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Focus on: What are the signs, symptoms and effects of envy in our hearts? Some Questions: 1. Begin by asking: a. Any ideas you want to talk about, questions you have? b. Is there something which the Lord applied to your life this morning which you’d be willing to share? 2. How common, do you think, is it for people (even Christians) to feel envy? 3. Is it hard to admit being envious of someone? Why or why not? 4. Whom do we envy? a. The Psalmist speaks of being envious of the wicked? What are some reasons why Christians might envy non-believers? b. Do Christians envy other Christians? [Do we denigrate those we envy, see them – perhaps not labeled as ‘wicked’ – as deficient and undeserving? Why?] c. What are the things/situations in church which produce envy? 5. Compare Psalm 73:1 to Job 22:1-11 and compare to Job 21:7f and 23:10f. Think on the proposition that God does good to those who do good (and are good). a. Is it true? Are there pitfalls in believing this? b. How does this Psalm deal with the issue (see 73:1 and then 17-20 and 24). 6. What does N.T. say about envy? Have various members read the following (in context) and explain what they mean: Gal. 5:21, Rom. 1:29; Gal. 5:26, I Peter 2;1; Titus 3:3 7. Discuss the ‘signs of envy’ mentioned on Sunday. Are there other signs which betray the presence of envy in our hearts? 8. What is the ‘cure’ for envy? Discuss 25 -28. What keeps us from seeing the Lord as more to be treasured than anything others may possess? 9. How can we pray for one another in response to the word today?