Theme:
Envy and jealousy are sinful distortions of desire that destroy love, distort God’s providence, and must be mortified through the Gospel.
Doctrine:
Sin originates in the heart (Mark 7:21–23); envy is a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:19–21); Christ’s righteousness frees us from comparing ourselves to others.
Focus:
We must recognize envy and jealousy as deadly sins, confess them, and fight them with the truth of the gospel and trust in God’s wise providence.
Introduction:
- Envy Disguised as Drive or Ambition.
- Jealousy Disguised as Loyalty or Fighting for What’s Fair.
- Media Makes it all Seem Normal.
- Capitalism Encourages it.
- Hiding it Behind “What’s Fair”.
A few powerful examples:
- Othello – Jealousy Dressed as Love and Honor.
- The House of Mirth – Envy in Fancy Clothes.
- The Great Gatsby – Envy as the American Dream.
- Nietzsche – When Envy Pretends to Be Righteousness.
- René Girard – Copycat Desire.
- Aristotle – Envy vs. Healthy Imitation.
- Adam Smith – Envy in Capitalism.
1. Definitions: What Are Envy and Jealousy?
- Envy is the resentment of another’s good. You’re bitter that they have something you don’t.
- Jealousy can be protective or possessive, but in its sinful form, it means being angry when someone else threatens what you believe is yours—or when someone else has what you desire.
- Proverbs 14:30 – “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”
- Galatians 5:21 – Envy is listed among the “works of the flesh” that are opposed to the Spirit.
2. The Destructive Power of Envy in Scripture
Biblical examples:
- Cain and Abel – Genesis 4:3–8.
- Joseph’s Brothers – Genesis 37:11.
- King Saul and David – 1 Samuel 18:6–9.
- The Pharisees and Christ – Matthew 27:18.
“For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.”
3. The Root of Envy: Pride and Discontentment
James 3:14–16 “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. … For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
Romans 1:29. Envy is listed among the vile expressions of a depraved mind.
Mark 7:21–23
4. The Gospel Cure for Envy
- Christ Shows us God’s Generosity.
- Christ Frees us from Comparison.
- Christ Teaches us to Trust Providence
5. Practical Steps to Mortify Envy
- Confess it Honestly.
- Replace Envy with Thankfulness.
- Pray for the Person You Envy.
- Renew Your Mind in the Word.
- Fix Your Eyes on Christ.
Conclusion:
Titus 3:3–5. “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us…”