Part 1: Miriam's Envy
WHEN THE GOOD GO BAD
PART 1
Envy–wanting someone else’s life.
The Backstory: Numbers 11-12
Miriam
Aaron
1. ENVY IS A SPIRITUAL DISEASE.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
“Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.” Proverbs 23:17-18 (NLT)
The Spiritual Cure:
1. Submission
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. Romans 13:1-2 (NLT)
God is in charge of who’s in charge.
2. Contentment
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)
Contentment is learned, not acquired.
2. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DEAL WITH ENVY?
Because you don’t want to believe it’s true of you.
Envy poisons your ability to enjoy the life you’ve got.
If you understand what you envy–you’ll understand your own heart.
Envy or contentment comes from what you choose to focus on.
3. WHERE DO WE TAKE ENVY SO IT DOESN’T DESTROY US?
“Then I went into Your sanctuary, O God…” Psalm 73:17a (NLT)
“Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to You. Yet I still belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth.” Psalm 73:21-25 (NLT)
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
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This week’s Reading Plan and blog/podcast:
YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
“Break Free From Envy” (6 days)
Blog and Podcast: “The Comparison Game”