Envy and Jealousy

Monday, June 22, 2009: Romans 1:28–32

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
What happens in the secret lives of those who reject God? God gives them over to evil passions including envy and jealousy.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009: Philippians 1:15–17

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: the former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Can the good news (Gospel) of Christ be spoken with only pure motives? No, it is sometimes told using envy and jealousy against another who is doing the same.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009: 1 Timothy 6:3–5

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
How can you identify a charismatic speaker who is speaking for personal gain instead of pure motives? Look for one who does not open the Bible, quotes a verse out of context, talks incessantly about sending money, and just makes you feel good about the future without the words of Christ.

Thursday, June 25, 2009: Titus 3:3

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
Were you really like this before you met Jesus Christ? Yes, but in the past tense.

Friday, June 26, 2009: 1 Peter 2:1–3

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
What does laying aside mean? Letting go in a conscious way. Don’t be jealous anymore.