Envy

Rodney Goodlett

March 9, 2025

Main Idea

The main idea of the sermon 'Envy' was to confront the often unspoken sin of envy within the church. Pastor explained that envy arises from comparing ourselves to others and desiring what they have. It's a sign that we're not at peace with our identity in Christ and that we're questioning God's sovereignty. We were encouraged to admit to envy, endure the tests it brings, and cultivate gratitude for what God has given us. By doing so, we can prevent envy from hindering the unity and growth of the church.

Scripture References

Galatians 5:19-21, James 3:14-18, Hebrews 12:14-16, Proverbs 14:30, Matthew 6:4, vv. 6,18

1. How can we identify envy in our own lives and what steps can we take to address it?

2. In what ways does envy affect our relationships within the church community?

Discussion Questions:

3. How does recognizing our unique identity in Christ help combat feelings of envy?

4. What role does gratitude play in overcoming envy, and how can we cultivate a more thankful heart?

5. How can we support each other in the church to ensure that envy does not hinder our unity and mission?

Summary

In the sermon 'Envy,' we were reminded of the destructive power envy has within the church. Pastor highlighted how envy not only led to the crucifixion of Jesus but continues to harm the unity of His body today. We explored the nature of envy, its differences from jealousy, and the deep-seated insecurities it reveals in us. We learned that envy can manifest as gossip or bitterness and can even lead to murder. Pastor emphasized the importance of recognizing and owning our envy, enduring testing, and becoming grateful to overcome this sin.