Struggling with Jealousy? It rots your bones, according to Proverbs, but there's hope...

Main Point:
Your faith in Jesus saves you from the destructive effects of jealousy and envy

Main Text:
Proverbs 14:30 - [30] A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. (ESV)

Introduction:

• The destructiveness of envy
• A top 10 list
  • Jonathan Akin - “in our own lives our jealousy of others can lead to [1] depression, [2] low self-esteem, [3] anger, [4] bitterness, and other issues.”
  • I would add to his list the following destructive attitudes and behaviors
  • 5. Jealousy steals joy and peace (tranquility)
  • 6. Jealousy keeps you from obeying the command to rejoice with others (Romans 12:15 - “Rejoice with those rejoice, weep with those who weep.”)
  • 7. Jealousy fosters an environment of resentment
  • 8. Jealousy breeds discontentment and prevents gratitude
  • 9. Jealousy causes a negative spirit by devouring positive pure thinking
  • 10. Jealousy robs you of productivity with every moment you are mentally tied up dwelling on what or who you don’t have

• How have you seen jealousy ruin you?
• What have you found helps in minimizing the destructive effects of envy/jealousy?

1. Main Points (Outline adapted from "Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Proverbs" by Danile L. Akin and Jonathin Akin):
   1. Envy is deadly because it hurts you
   2. Envy is deadly because it hurts the people around you
   3. Envy is deadly because it will be judged by God
      1. Think about what led the religious leaders to crucify Jesus, it was envy
         1. Matthew 27:18 - For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.
         2. Mark 7:22 - coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
         3. Mark 15:10 - For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.
   4. Faith in Jesus will save you from envy

Application

• This battle begins with your heart and is fought in your mind
• Envy is a sin to be confessed and repented of
• Limit your interaction with things that provoke envy
• Help your children recognize envy and give them tools to counter jealous thoughts