SATAN’S TRAPS: JEALOUSY (1 of 4)

Satan’s trap of “Jealousy” (1 of 4)

All of us would like to have peace and harmony
(in our own lives, and with others around us as well).

Too often, we find a disharmony within ourselves
(a feeling that something is just not right).

It can be the result of something within ourselves,
or it could be triggered by something, or someone else.

As believers, we want to enjoy the peace,
contentment, and joy which the Lord provides.

Question:
Why don’t we enjoy the peace,
contentment and joy He provides?
– James tells us that if we have a form of jealousy (envy)
   in our heart, we should not deny it, or be proud of it.
   (James 3:13-18)
– People who think in a jealous manner (and with selfish ambition)
   are responding naturally and normally:
– They are not using wisdom that comes from above.
– They are using wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic.
   Note:
      Whatever is earthly, fleshly, worldly, natural and demonic
      does not define who we are as followers of Christ.

Jealousy:
– We think of being suspicious or displaced
   (someone else is going to take our place).
– We often have a feeling of possessiveness
   (that often times gets us into trouble).

Envy:
– The displeasure of seeing someone else’s
   good fortune, nice possessions, esteemed position, etc.
– Because we want what they have,
   we experience the turmoil of this displeasure.
– As a result of this envy (or jealousy), we end up with
   disharmony (in our hearts, and possibly with others).

Jealousy and Envy are inter-changeable;
when one is mentioned, the other is assumed as well.
Both are a threat to our peace and happiness.
They prevent love from flourishing, and in essence,
are like a cancer that destroys relationships.

Question:
Do the scriptures say God is a jealous God?
– Yes.
– But God is not possessive;
   He is not anxious over the loss of something.
– It is talking about a passionate commitment
   that He has toward us (who rightly belong to Him).
– He is not jealous “of” us, He is jealous “for” us.
– Because we are His children, He doesn’t want anything
   in our life that would prevent us from being what He wants
   us to be; and achieving what He wants us to achieve in life.

Examples of jealousy:
A. Cain became so jealous of his brother Abel that he killed him.
     Question:
     What was he jealous about?
          – Abel’s offering was a blood offering
             which made it acceptable.
          – Cain’s offering was not a blood offering,
             so it was not acceptable.

B. Sarah became jealous of the handmaiden, Hagar.
     Question:
     Why was she jealous?
         – Sarah and Abraham could not have children.
         – Sarah offered Abraham their handmaiden
            as a surrogate mother.
         – As soon as the child was born,
            jealousy and strife erupted in their family.
        Note:
           This is a good example of what often happens
           whenever we think God has made a mistake
           and we will “fix” it.

C. Saul was jealous of David.
    Question:
     Why was he jealous?
          – He was envious of David
             because the Lord was blessing him.
          – The people were praising David
             for his victories in war.
             Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly.
             “They have credited David with tens of thousands,”
              he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more
              can he get but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:8)
          – Jonathan (Saul’s son) had developed
             a strong friendship with David.
          – Saul became so consumed with jealousy
             that he was determined to kill David.

D. The older brother of the prodigal son
      was jealous of his brother.
      Question:
       Why was he jealous?
            – The younger brother had left them
               and wasted all his father had given him.
            – When he returned, his father greeted him
               and threw a party for him (because it was
               as if he was dead and now lived again).
            – The older brother did not attend the party,
               but stayed out in the field sulking.
            – He was jealous of his brother because:
                  – He had almost destroyed his life.
                  – When he had returned home and was
                     welcomed home by his father, who
                     forgave him, and threw a party for him.
                  Note:
                       Instead of being thankful that he had made wise
                       choices himself, he allowed jealousy to invade
                       his thoughts, which caused him to miss out on
                       being thankful and rejoicing that his brother had
                       realized his mistakes and with humility and remorse
                       repented and had a desire to live a new life (which
                       was the same as his brother had been living).

In our world, think about:
    – How many husbands and wives are jealous of each other.
       Instead of remembering how they became “one” when they
       married, and realize that what one accomplishes is a positive
       reflection on the other as well, they instead allow jealousy to
       raise its ugly head and start competing
       in an effort to “outdo” their spouse.
       It is like a cancer that will kill the joy of marriage
       and could ultimately destroy it completely.
    – How many brothers and sisters are jealous of each other.
       Friendly competitiveness is okay, but when it transforms
       into a form of jealousy, it can destroy a special relationship.
    – How many co-workers are jealous of each other, because:
          – The boss seems to like one more than the other.
          – One makes more money than the other.
          – One is in a more prominent position than the other.
          – One gets promoted faster than the other.
         Note:
             We might feel that we have been treated unfairly,
              but we need to remember that God is the ultimate
              judge of our efforts, so we should strive to be the
              best that we can be in order to receive His approval.

Everywhere we turn, there is jealousy, envy and strife.
And we can witness the effects of these characteristics
(unlike those God expects of His people), when we see
how hatred and selfishness cause turmoil in the lives of others.

Politics is a good example:
    – Too often it centers around who wins or loses
       (and not what’s best for the people).
    – It is saturated with egotism, jealousy, and envy.

Note:
We need to ask ourselves,
is there any jealousy or envy in my life?
Don’t deny it, or embrace it, but admit it and make a resolution
to address it as you would any other life threatening disease.