Envy / Jealousy

How would you define envy? Write your definition here.

“a sense of discontentment or jealousy with regard to another’s success or possessions; an inordinate desire to have [something] possessed by another.”

Why do some people envy other people?

Do you ever envy other people? Why? Why not?

Psalm 73 tells us that envy is a process. It is the result of a series of events.

[Break into 3 groups and work on the following. Fill in the blanks first.]

1. Notice how well others are doing in comparison with yourself. List areas of which we could be envious of others from Psalm 73:1-5
   .3 prosperity–wealth, house, car, boat, pool, things
   .4 strong–do what they want, power, control, respected
   .5 no trouble, no plague–everything going fine, easy, no problems
   [.12 carefree, wealthy]
2. Notice that other people are ungodly and it does not seem to affect them. What are some characteristics of the ungodly listed in Ps. 73:6-12
   .6 pride, violence
   .7 evil thoughts, callous (hard) hearts
   .8 speak wickedly (bad language, cursing), scoff, arrogant, make threats
   .9 boastful about their attitude.
   .11 question if God exists, live as though He does not
3. Complain about the requirements of your faith. Paraphrase what the psalmist says in verses 13-16.
   .13 I have lived a godly life for nothing. It is useless to be a Christian.
   .14 I am always punished for my sin
   .15 If I talk about this to others, the people will doubt God. I.e., I can’t even talk about this situation.
   .16 I cannot understand why the wicked do what they want and seem to prosper, while I try to do right and am punished for it.

Envy is a process. So is the cure to envy.

1. Change your point of view. .17a

Instead of looking at others from your viewpoint, try seeing people as God does. He is not interested or impressed by their wealth or prosperity. He sees the wicked as sinners on their way to Hell.

2. Understand the truth of the situation. .17b-20 List the future for ungodly people.

.18a slippery places

.18b destruction, ruin

.19 desolation, swept away by terrors

.20 despised by God. [“God is angry with the wicked every day.” Cf John 3.36]

3. Realize that it is stupid to envy the wicked. .21-22 [There are lots of bad things that will happen to the wicked. They are in deep trouble. cf Prov 3:33]

4. Find contentment in God and what He provides. .23-28 List the blessings God has for those who trust Him. Can the ungodly count on these blessings?

.23 God is always with me and holds me up.

.24 God will guide me and receive me to glory.

.25 The only One who matters is God, and He is the One who takes care of me.

.26 God is my strength and portion forever even tho I may be weak.

.28 Good to draw near to God. Tell others what you found out so they won’t repeat your mistake.

Conclusion about envy:

1. It is unwise to compare yourself and your situation to others and their situations. 2 Cor. 10:12
2. Envy is sin. 1 Cor. 3:3, James 3:16
3. Be content with what you have. Heb. 13:5-6
4. Psalm 73:25-28 [try to view things from God’s perspective.]

This entry was posted on Friday, July 11th, 2008 at 7:32 pm and is filed under Counseling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.