Unobvious Idols: Wk 8
Envy creates an idol when we want what others have so much that it breeds resentment and discontentment.
Exodus 20:17 (NLT)
17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
James 3:13-18 (NLT)
13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
HOW TO GUARD AGAINST ENVY CREATING AN IDOL:
1. Check the object of your longing eyes.
1 Timothy 6:9-16 (NLT)
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 15 For,
At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.
2. Trust in a reliable God, not unreliable riches.
1 Timothy 6:17-21 (NLT)
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.
3. Celebrate the success of others.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: Envy creates an idol when we want what others have so much that it breeds resentment and discontentment.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
Read Exodus 20:17. What makes this commandment about our heart condition different and valuable?
Read 1 Timothy 6:6. Share a couple things you are, or want to be, content with.
Read 1 Timothy 6:17. How is money unreliable?
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-21. What are some unobvious ways you can use your resources to serve God and others this next week.
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. This week, intentionally celebrate someone else’s success. Ask God to show you someone you can send a congratulatory message to or find a way to encourage them. Let their success inspire gratitude in your own life.
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Read James 3:17-18. Pray we will be peacemakers sowing seeds of righteousness.