The modern day idol of envy tricks us into thinking that what others have is better than what God has given us.

Talking Points:

  • When we long for a different life we are saying that what God has given us, or the life that we have, is not good enough. When we doubt the goodness of God and His control over our lives we only need to look at the cross. Romans 8:32
  • If we do not have something it is because God who is good and knows all has decided that it is not best for us at that time. If we become envious of what another has, we can not really love them. Romans 12:15
  • Envy blinds us from recognizing our blessings and leads to a life of discontent. We need to desire the things of God rather than the things of this world. Proverbs 14:30, Colossians 3:1-2
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How does our world today keep us always wanting more?                                                                                 
  3. Discuss how envy has affected your life and relationships.
  4. Read Ecclesiastes 2:10-11. The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon, probably the richest man who ever lived. What does Solomon observe about life?
  5. Read Isaiah 55:1-3. According to this passage, what does God want us to do?
  6. Can you think of times in your life when you have been so focused on what you did not have that it prevented you from enjoying what you do have?
  7. How is envy a denial of the goodness of God?
  8. Read Romans 8:32. What are your thoughts about God when you read this verse? How can this verse impact your struggle with envy?
  9. Mellissa Kruger wrote The Envy of Eve. In it she states, “Our belief that all our days are ordained by His loving and providential plan is a powerful weapon in our battle with discontentment and coveting(envy).” What do you think she meant by this? How can you use this insight as a weapon in your life?
  10. Read Matthew 22:36-40 How does envy lead us to break both the command to love God and to love our neighbor?
  11. Can you think of a time when not getting what you longed for at a particular time was actually better for you later?
  12. Read Colossians 3:1-2. What are some specific ways you can set your heart on things above rather than on earthly things?
  13. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

This is Lesson 4 of 6 in the Cleanse women’s series.

Want More? (for further study on this topic)

Watch the video and read the passages. Journal your thoughts and insights as you learn who God is and evaluate if he’s the only one you worship.

Day 1: More about envy

Read Genesis 29:14-30:24 What did Leah want most? What did Rachel want most?

  1. As you read, take note of all the many ways their envy impacted their lives with each other, with their husband and with their children.
  2. Notice the meaning of the name that Rachel chose for her son in 30:24. Do you think receiving what she had been longing for brought satisfaction to her? Can you relate to this in your own life?

Memorize this verse – Romans 8:32

Day 2: More about contentment

Watch – “How Greed Works”

Read Philippians 4:11-12. Paul says that contentment is something that he has learned. What do you see about Paul’s life in these verses that may have contributed to his learning?

Read 2 Corinthians 12:10. What do you think Paul means that when we are weak, then we are strong? Do you think that this is something you have learned in your life? Why or why not?

Read Hebrews 13:5. How does knowing that God will never fail or abandon you help you to be content in this life? How can loving money put you in bondage?

Memorize this verse –  2 Peter 1:3

Day 3: Do the Cleanse

Journal – Make a list of things that cause you to be envious of others. Why do you care so much about those things?

  1. Fix your eyes of Jesus. We need to remember who is really in charge of our lives. We need to start by trusting that God will walk with us and will provide for us along the way. (Colossians 3:1-2, Matthew 6:33, 1 Peter 5:6-8)
  2. Go to the Bible. Find verses that speak to your situation or to the character of God. Choose some key verses and memorize them. When you find yourself envious, speak those verses over the situation and quiet the envious thoughts that creep in. (Philippians 4:19, Romans 8:32, Isaiah 30:15, Romans 13:14, Philippians 4:8)
  3. Commit to prayer before action. Start the journey by surrendering to God and laying your desires before him. Confess your sin of envy and ask him to show you the way he wants you to think about your situation and how he’s leading you to respond. (Jeremiah 29:12, Psalm 17:6,Romans 12:12)
  4. Seek wisdom and accountability. Talk to trusted people in your life to find encouragement. Confess your idol of envy to others and ask them to hold you accountable. Ask them to pray for you to battle against this idol and instead cling to God. (Hebrews 10:25 Romans 12:9-13)

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