Envy / Jealousy

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.]

Comments

  1. Michelle Vang says

    i have been praying for a lesson that deals with this topic cause i see it happen in my youth group many times espically between girls and i was very pleased to come on your site and learn and read about this topic. i has help me grow stronger into God words and that this will open a lot of the young peoples heart in my youth group to what God words says about envy and jealousy. Thanks a lot for what you have given me.

  2. I just love my boyfriend sooo much and moreover he is so amazing for me. I absolutely love nearly anything that is related to him. The only problem though, is he is friends with way too many girls and I hate realizing that he is talking to a variety of young ladies instead of myself. I hate being jealous. I’m trying to just ignore the jealousy but I can’t. Please help me out. Thanks.

    • Melissa…
      Im not sure what kind of advice you're looking for, but just from reading your comment I would guess that your jealously may be rooted in an insecurity in yourself, your relationship, or a little of both. This is pretty common so dont think you're crazy or anything. You should start by asking yourself if your jealousy is warranted, that is, based upon facts and actual events that confirm that your bf talks to other young women more than you, etc. It is ok for him to talk to other women, as long as he is making you a priority and not placing himself in potentially compromising situations. You must make your jealousy known, or it could eventually destroy the relationship. By choosing to be in a relationship with you, he is making a committment to be with you and only you romantically, etc. It is not absurd for you to want his undivided attention, but there must be boundaries in place. Ultimately, open, honest conversation and mutual vulnerability are key to solving all relational issues. Seeking wise counsel from God's Word and through sincere prayer are also necessary for a lasting, meaningful relationship.

      Hope this helps.

  3. Melissa God comes first. He ll guide you wwhether you are in the right path . and he would also lead you in the right path. He will give Wisdom and strength to move away of it is wrong.

  4. nice post, thanks for sharing with it us

  5. i know, i like it

Leave a Reply to TJ-01 Cancel reply

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.