Seven Deadly Sins

Envy

Before we get screwed up about which of these ‘seven deadly sins’ we have committed, let’s remember that the Bible treats all sin as sin.

We have chosen these overall titles to look at the Biblical perspective on today’s morals. You often hear on the Media, the phrase “We no longer think this way” in connection with some moral issue. But what does the Bible say? Is Biblical interpretation dependant on it’s contemporary relevance?

In some cases it can be; the role of slaves in our society, the role of women. But what about morals? Can we sing with Jiminy Cricket from the film of Pinocchio, “Always let your conscience be your guide”? When the individuals conscience can be a very fickle thing.

Does then the Bible give moral guidance for today? Before the  Weekend Away, we looked  at ‘Pride’

Our second “Deadly Sin” is “Envy”

Dictionary definition: Envy-“A grudging regard for the advantages seen to be enjoyed by others.” In the Hebrew, it literally means “a burning desire to possess”

Socrates said, “Envy is the daughter of pride, the author of murder and revenge, the begetter of secret sedition, the perpetual tormenter of virtue. Envy is the filthy slime of the soul; a venom, a poison, a quicksilver, which consumeth the flesh and drieth up the bones.”

Some versions of the Bible substitute “Jealousy” for “envy”, but they are not synonymous. We’re also not here looking at the everyday use of the word envy, such as “I envy your way with pastry”, but where envy does indeed become a ‘burning desire’, separating us from the love and blessings of God. Certainly in today’s consumer driven society, envy can be a real problem. So much marketing is based on creating envy.

We need to be aware of the dangers of “envy”, because, like all sin, it can lead to greater problems. No sin stays an individual sin, it leads on to others.

Gal 5:19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions  and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Envy is like a cancer which spreads and destroys relationships, lives and churches. Envy appears throughout scripture.

 Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

 Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

1Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

 Envy is dealt with in the ten commandments:

 Ex 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your Neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”

It was the spirit of envy that crucified our Lord.

Mt 27:17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Mt 27:18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.(ex on ‘See, the whole world has gone out to him’)

I want to look at what the Bible has to say today, about envy under three examples.

Envy in the family

Reading: Genesis Ch4 vv1-12

There is envy, right at the beginning. The story of Cain’s sacrifice being rejected and Able’s being accepted, at first sight seems unfair, but take a closer look at the text. The  difference is not between plant or animal sacrifice, but in the motivation and attitude of heart.‘In the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits, but Able brought fat portions from the first born’) The result of this envy? The first recorded murder.

In fact some Brethren Assemblies will not celebrate harvest, because they see the ground as cursed from this envious incident.

How often envy in the family can last a life-time.

Envy at Court

Reading: 1 Kings Ch21 vv1-16

‘Thou shalt not covet’ It’s there in the Ten Commandments, but Ahab, the king envied his neighbours vineyard.
Ahab and his queen Jezebel, became a byword for all that is evil and corrupt.

1 Kings 16:33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him.

 “But you’re the King!” said his wife Jezebel, “If you want it.. take it!” So Jezebel schemes to have Naboth murdered and Ahab takes what he envies. The result of this envy? Ahab and his wife meet a terrible death and his family line is finished.

Envy in the Church

Reading: Philippians Ch1 vv12-18

The Gospel preaching mentioned here, stimulated by Paul’s imprisonment, stems from two opposing motives.  Envy or Love

Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

What then are the positive, Biblical alternatives to ‘Envy’?

Envy (jealousy)                          Kindness (admiration)

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

How then are we to deal with the sin of envy in our lives?

Firstly remember your value in God’s sight. So much envy stems out of a feeling of inferiority.

In the family, in court (or business) and sadly even in the church people feel undervalued and that can lead to envy.
You are of such value that God emptied the whole of heaven, just for you! Mt 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Secondly, tell God about your envy, or ‘confess’ it to Him

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Thirdly, give thanks for all the good things you have from God

1Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Then you will fill your heart with kindness, not envy.

What can be the outcome of envy in the Christian?

James Ch3v14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

Remember, there’s no ‘envy’ in the Cross.

Eph 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Eph 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

How did Paul advise we deal with envy?

Phil 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

 

Mike Read