Preaching on Jealousy: Good and Bad

Today we examine a powerful and often destructive emotion: Jealousy. Our study will explore the nuances of this feeling, recognizing that, as our introduction suggests, there is both a good and a bad form of jealousy. By understanding these distinctions, we can cultivate the godly zeal that honors God and reject the envious spirit that breeds strife.

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INTRODUCTION:

A. Jealousy is good jealousy and bad jealousy. It is crucial to discern between a righteous zeal and a sinful envy.

B. Many are jealous for the truth, but others are very jealous of error, of their opinions, of their tastes, of their wives and husbands. This highlights the diverse objects of jealousy, ranging from noble convictions to selfish possessiveness.

C. In this study, we will see good jealousy so that we can imitate it and bad jealousy so that we can reject it. Our aim is to learn from the examples in Scripture to cultivate godly zeal and eradicate harmful envy from our hearts.

I. GOOD JEALOUSY.

This form of jealousy is rooted in a righteous desire to protect what is sacred and to see God honored.

A. God is jealous; He does not want people to worship other gods (Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24). God's jealousy is not born of insecurity but of His unique and rightful claim to our worship and devotion. But it is a good, holy, perfect jealousy for His honor.

B. God was jealous for Jerusalem (Zechariah 1:14). His deep love and concern for His chosen city fueled a divine jealousy for its well-being and restoration.

C. Elijah was jealous for Jehovah (1 Kings 19:10, 14; 2 Kings 10:16). Elijah's passionate defense of God's honor against idolatry demonstrated a righteous zeal. His cry, "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts," reflects this godly jealousy. Jehu's declaration, "Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord," also illustrates this (though his motives were not always pure).

D. Paul was jealous for the Corinthians with a godly jealousy (2 Corinthians 11:2-3). His concern was that they would remain pure and devoted to Christ, not led astray by false teachings, just as Eve was deceived by Satan.

E. The Corinthians were very zealous (2 Corinthians 7:11). Their repentance and earnestness in response to Paul's correction showed a positive and commendable zeal.

F. This zeal stimulated others (2 Corinthians 9:2). The Corinthians' eagerness to help the needy inspired other churches to participate in the offering.

II. THERE ARE EVIL JEALOUSIES.

This form of jealousy is characterized by envy, resentment, and a selfish desire for what others possess.

A. Like Rachel's jealousy of Leah (Genesis 30:1). Rachel's envy over Leah's ability to bear children created strife within their family. How many wives are jealous of their husbands with their sisters, or vice versa? This type of jealousy is mistrust, even among the couple, eroding the foundation of their relationship.

B. The Philistines were jealous of Isaac (Genesis 26:14). Isaac's prosperity and God's blessing stirred envy in the Philistines, leading to their hostility.

C. Joseph's brothers were jealous of him (Genesis 37:11). Their resentment over their father's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams fueled their cruel actions.

D. We should not be envious (jealous) of the wicked (Proverbs 24:19). Their temporary success should not cause us to resent our commitment to righteousness.

E. We should not be envious (jealous) of the arrogant (Psalm 73:3). The seeming ease of the proud should not lead us to question God's justice or desire their ways.

F. We should not be envious (jealous) of sinners (Proverbs 23:17; 24:1). Their fleeting pleasures should not tempt us to abandon the path of righteousness.

G. Many are jealous, but not for good (Galatians 4:17). Paul notes that the false teachers in Galatia were zealous for the believers, but their motives were to alienate them from Paul and control them.

H. If jealousy is in your heart, we lie against the truth (James 3:14). Bitter envy and selfish ambition contradict the wisdom that comes from above and are rooted in earthly, unspiritual desires.

I. We must be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Our passion should be directed towards serving God and others, not towards selfish gain or the detriment of others.

CONCLUSION:

A. There are good jealousies that we must pursue, such as:

1. Zeal for God. A fervent desire for His honor, His truth, and His kingdom to be advanced.

2. Zeal to do good works. An earnest passion to serve others, to live righteously, and to glorify God through our actions.

B. There are evil jealousies that we must cast out of our lives. These are rooted in envy, resentment, selfishness, and a desire for what belongs to others. Let us examine our hearts, asking God to reveal any trace of harmful jealousy and to fill us instead with a righteous zeal that honors Him and blesses others. Amen.

Preaching on Jealousy: Good and Bad