The Seven Deadly Sins - Envy

Devotional

Day 1: Envy Hides Beneath the Surface

Envy is a subtle sin that often goes unnoticed, quietly taking root in our hearts and growing beneath the surface until it begins to poison our relationships and our sense of peace. Unlike anger, which is usually visible and obvious, envy can be hidden, masked by polite words or even by our own denial. It often starts with comparison—looking at what others have and feeling that we deserve the same or more. This hidden struggle can lead us to question God’s goodness and forget the many blessings we have already received. Recognizing envy’s quiet presence is the first step toward uprooting it and seeking God’s healing. [44:34]

Proverbs 14:30 (ESV)
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you find yourself quietly comparing yourself to others? Ask God to reveal any hidden envy in your heart today and bring it into the light.

Day 2: Envy Is Destructive

Envy, if left unchecked, can lead to devastating consequences—not just for ourselves, but for those around us. The story of Cain and Abel is a sobering reminder of how envy can escalate from a feeling of resentment to destructive actions. When we allow envy to fester, it can drive us to tear others down, whether through words, actions, or even just in our hearts. Envy is like an ax, chopping down those we perceive as ahead of us, and it can destroy relationships, communities, and our own souls. God warns us that sin is crouching at the door, but we must rule over it before it rules us. [51:16]

Genesis 4:3-10 (ESV)
In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.”

Reflection: Can you recall a time when envy led you to act or speak in a way that hurt someone else? What would it look like to confess and seek restoration today?

Day 3: Envy Blinds Us to God’s Grace

When envy takes hold, it blinds us to the abundant grace and blessings God has already given us. Instead of seeing God’s goodness, we focus on what we lack, and our hearts become restless and dissatisfied. This blindness can lead us to question God’s love and fairness, making us forget that everything we have is a gift of grace, not something we are entitled to. The apostle Paul warns that envy is a work of the flesh, and James calls it earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. Envy not only disrupts our peace but also leads to disorder and every vile practice, robbing us of the joy that comes from gratitude and trust in God. [54:49]

James 3:14-16 (ESV)
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Reflection: In what ways has envy blinded you to the blessings God has already given you? Take time today to list out specific things you are grateful for and thank God for them.

Day 4: The Cure for Envy—Look Up, In, and Out

The cure for envy begins by looking up to Jesus, who not only forgives our envy but also sets the example of humility and self-giving love. True peace is found in Christ alone, not in the things of this world. We are called to look in and cultivate gratitude, intentionally noticing and giving thanks for the small and large blessings in our lives. Finally, we look out by celebrating others’ victories, rejoicing with those who rejoice rather than resenting their blessings. This threefold practice—looking up to Jesus, looking in with gratitude, and looking out with celebration—breaks envy’s grip and fills our hearts with peace and joy. [01:03:33]

Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally celebrate today—perhaps someone whose success or blessing has stirred envy in you before? Reach out and offer them genuine congratulations or encouragement.

Day 5: Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice

God calls us to be a people who not only weep with those who weep but also rejoice with those who rejoice. This command challenges us to move beyond envy and into a posture of genuine love and community. When we celebrate others’ blessings, we reflect the heart of Christ and build up the body of believers. Sometimes this means confessing our envy, seeking forgiveness, and choosing to bless others with our words and actions. As we practice rejoicing with others, we find freedom from envy and experience the fullness of God’s grace together. [01:04:42]

Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Reflection: Is there someone you’ve been avoiding or giving the cold shoulder because of envy? What step can you take today to move toward them in love and celebrate what God is doing in their life?

Sermon Summary

Envy is a subtle but powerful force that can quietly take root in our hearts, often without us even realizing it. Unlike anger, which is usually visible and explosive, envy hides beneath the surface, quietly eroding our peace and contentment. It often begins with comparison—looking at what others have and feeling dissatisfied with our own lives. This dissatisfaction can quickly turn into insecurity, as we start to believe our worth is tied to what we possess or achieve, rather than our identity as beloved children of God.

The story of the Berenstain Bears and the Green-Eyed Monster illustrates how envy can start small, even in childhood, but if left unchecked, it grows and poisons our relationships and our souls. The Bible is clear that envy is not just a minor flaw; it is a root sin that leads to many others. The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 shows how envy, when allowed to fester, can lead to destruction—even murder. Envy is like an axe, chopping down others to make ourselves feel better, whether through gossip, slander, or worse.

Scripture uses strong language to describe envy. James calls it “earthly, unspiritual, and demonic,” warning that it leads to disorder and every vile practice. Envy blinds us to God’s grace, making us forget the blessings we already have and causing us to question God’s goodness. In our modern world, social media amplifies this struggle, exposing us to the highlight reels of hundreds or thousands of people and tempting us to compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s best moments.

But there is hope and a cure for envy. First, we must look up to Jesus, who not only forgave our envy but also modeled humility and contentment. Second, we look in and cultivate gratitude, intentionally focusing on the blessings God has given us, both big and small. Finally, we look out and celebrate the victories and blessings of others, rejoicing with those who rejoice. In doing so, we break envy’s power and live in the freedom and peace that Christ offers.

Key Takeaways

1. Envy is a hidden sin that quietly erodes our peace and relationships. Unlike anger, which is often visible, envy works beneath the surface, making it especially dangerous because it can go unnoticed until it has already caused significant harm. Recognizing its subtlety is the first step toward uprooting it from our hearts. [44:01]
2. The root of envy is often comparison and insecurity. When we measure ourselves against others, we lose sight of our unique journey and the grace God has given us. This leads to a distorted sense of worth, where our value is based on possessions or achievements rather than our identity in Christ. [47:19]
3. Envy is destructive, not only to ourselves but to our relationships and communities. The story of Cain and Abel demonstrates how unchecked envy can escalate to devastating consequences, even violence. Envy acts like an axe, seeking to bring others down rather than lifting them up, and it can manifest in gossip, slander, or even more severe actions. [51:16]
4. Envy blinds us to God’s grace and blessings. When we focus on what we lack, we become unable to see the abundance already present in our lives. This spiritual blindness leads us to question God’s goodness and fairness, undermining our trust in Him and robbing us of joy. [54:12]
5. The antidote to envy is threefold: looking up to Jesus for forgiveness and as our example of humility, looking in to cultivate gratitude for what we have, and looking out to celebrate the blessings of others. Practicing these disciplines not only frees us from envy but also deepens our relationship with God and others, allowing us to live with genuine peace and contentment. [62:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:50] - First Time Guests & Announcements
[27:11] - Chili Cook-Off & Baptism Next Week
[30:37] - Pastoral Greeting & Prayer
[31:14] - Introduction to the Seven Deadly Sins
[32:54] - This Week: The Sin of Envy
[33:24] - The Berenstain Bears and the Green-Eyed Monster
[39:52] - Lessons from the Story: Envy in All Ages
[41:03] - Biblical Words for Jealousy and Envy
[44:01] - Envy Hides Beneath the Surface
[45:41] - The Roots: Comparison and Insecurity
[48:43] - The Destructive Power of Envy: Cain and Abel
[51:16] - Envy as an Axe: Cutting Others Down
[53:33] - Envy Blinds Us to God’s Grace
[58:53] - The Cure for Envy: Look Up, In, and Out
[65:07] - Rejoicing with Others and Final Encouragement
[66:10] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 4:3-10 (ESV) — > In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.”

2. Proverbs 14:30 (ESV)
> A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

3. James 3:14-16 (ESV)
> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Observation Questions

In the story of Cain and Abel, what was the difference between their offerings, and how did Cain respond when God accepted Abel’s offering but not his? (Genesis 4:3-7; [48:43])
According to Proverbs 14:30, what effect does envy have on a person’s life? ([41:03])
How does James describe jealousy and selfish ambition, and what are the consequences he lists? (James 3:14-16; [54:49])
The sermon mentioned that envy is often hidden beneath the surface, unlike anger. What are some ways envy can show up in our lives without us realizing it? ([44:01])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God warned Cain that “sin is crouching at the door” after his offering was rejected? What does this say about the connection between envy and other sins? ([48:43])
The sermon said that envy is like an axe, chopping others down to make ourselves feel better. In what ways can envy damage relationships, even if it doesn’t lead to violence like with Cain and Abel? ([51:16])
James uses strong language, calling envy “earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” Why do you think envy is described so harshly? What makes it so spiritually dangerous? ([54:49])
The sermon pointed out that envy blinds us to God’s grace and blessings. How does focusing on what we lack affect our relationship with God and our sense of gratitude? ([54:12])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about how comparison and insecurity are at the root of envy. Can you think of a recent time when you compared yourself to someone else and felt dissatisfied? How did that affect your mood or actions? ([45:41])
Social media was mentioned as a place where we see everyone’s “highlight reels.” How does scrolling through social media impact your contentment or feelings of envy? Are there any changes you want to make in how you use social media? ([56:04])
The “antidote” to envy included looking up to Jesus, looking in to cultivate gratitude, and looking out to celebrate others. Which of these three is hardest for you, and why? ([01:02:59])
The sermon encouraged us to intentionally focus on the blessings God has given us, both big and small. What is one small thing you are grateful for this week that you might have overlooked before? ([01:02:59])
Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” Is there someone in your life who has received a blessing or success recently? How can you genuinely celebrate with them, even if you feel a twinge of envy? ([01:04:13])
The story of the Berenstain Bears showed how envy can start small, even in childhood. Are there areas in your life where you see envy “starting small”? What steps can you take to address it before it grows? ([40:25])
The sermon suggested confessing envy to God and, if needed, to the person you’ve been envious of. Is there someone you need to talk to or a prayer you need to pray this week to break envy’s hold in your heart? ([01:04:42])

Sermon Clips

You know, the thing about that story I think is great is we always try to teach our kids about things like envy and how to avoid things like that, but the reality is we struggle with it too, don't we? The thing is our toys are just bigger and more expensive. Envy starts small. It can be a little comparison. It can be a little discontent, but if we're not careful, it can grow into something really big that really poisons our relationships and can point us down a really dark path, and it can creep into our lives, and sometimes we don't even notice what's happening, and then we begin to notice somebody has something that we don't, and we forget how much that we have already been given, and the Berenstain Bears, they might call it the green-eyed monster. The Bible calls it envy, but in the reality, it's just plain old sin, isn't it? And every time we allow sin in our lives, what can happen? Bad things happen. Death. Yeah, ultimately, and as Proverbs says, it can rot you from the inside out. [00:40:00] (69 seconds) #EnvyStartsSmall

Envy hides beneath the surface. You know, last week we talked about anger. And anger is visible, isn't it? More times than not. Like we give vent to our anger. Envy comes out. We go off on somebody. We say something we shouldn't. And even if just kind of bubbling beneath the surface, if you really know somebody, you know when they're angry. It's very obvious because of the way that they talk, the tone that they use, their body language. You can sense anger very readily. But envy is different. Envy just is subtly hiding below the surface where maybe nobody else knows about it. It's quiet. [00:43:54] (40 seconds) #HiddenGreenEyedMonster

Comparison. When we get focused and we get out of our lane and we start focusing on other people, we begin to look at what other people have. And then we ask that question, why not me? Why don't I have that? Why don't I have that body? Why don't I have that car? Why don't I have that house? Why don't I have that bank account? And we begin to compare ourselves. And we think, you know, I really deserve something like that. If somebody said that to me a couple of weeks ago about something, yeah, you guys really deserve this. We don't deserve anything. Like, according to the Bible, what we deserve is death. And everything else we have on top of that is gravy. It's grace. [00:45:45] (40 seconds) #GraceOverComparison

Because when I see that somebody has something that I don't have, for whatever reason, something inside us says, well, I'm not good enough. And it reveals that we are basing our worth off of material things rather than our relationship with Christ. And I think that's kind of a hard pill to swallow because so often we tie ourselves to our job or where we live or the paycheck that comes in. And our worth is not tied to any of that. It's tied to being a child of the most high God and being secure in his love for us and what he did for us on the cross. [00:47:18] (49 seconds) #FaithOverEnvy

So ultimately, we see that envy is a heart problem. James writes in his book, James 3.14, he says, If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. So we see that envy didn't start in your house, didn't start in your wallet. It starts in your heart. [00:54:28] (31 seconds) #DemonicRoots

And here's the thing about envy. We're so subject to it in our day, in our time, because of what you hold in your hand. Like you rewind 50 years. Who are the people you knew? Your neighbors, the six or eight people around you, the people that you went to church with, maybe your coworker. Like you're talking about a couple of dozen, maybe 50 people. And so when somebody gets a new car, it's like, oh, well, Chris got a new car, you know? And then, oh, you know what? I heard David and Terry. I heard they got a new house. I'm not quite sure. They live over in Taylor. So I don't, like, I don't really know about that. And then, oh, my neighbor. Yeah. Luke, he got a new bike. Yeah, it's really cool. But now what? We're friends with our closest 1,558 people. And we see what all 1,558 people are doing and getting. And what do we post about? Only the best stuff. Only the best stuff, right? [00:56:11] (67 seconds) #JesusCrushedEnvy

So we look up to Jesus. Secondly, we look in, meaning I want you to cultivate gratitude this week. I told you last week, gratitude is going to come up a lot in this series. It's going to come up over and over again, but we've got to be a people who are grateful for what God has done for us. And we look to the blessings that he has given us instead of thinking about, the things that he hasn't. And the, the reality is that gratitude, it simply squashes envy. Like it kills it. [01:02:39] (32 seconds) #LookUpLookInLookOut

Envy wants to despise others say, why not me? But we want to be a people who celebrate others. Why? Because it's biblical. Romans 12, 15 says, rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. And the church, I think a lot of times we do really good at weeping with those who weep. When people are down, when they're hurting, when they're in despair, man, we're really good at being right there for them. But how often do we talk about, man, I got the promotion this week that I've been waiting for, or I, you know, we were able to buy a new car. I mean, how often do we celebrate those things? [01:03:57] (38 seconds)

We've got to be a people who rejoice with those who rejoice, celebrate others' victory. So we're going to look up. We're going to look to Jesus. Look what he did for us on the cross. Look to his example of humility. We're going to look in, cultivate gratitude in our hearts and our lives. We're going to look out and celebrate others' blessings. Envy nailed Jesus to the cross, but Jesus nailed envy to the cross. [01:05:09] (26 seconds)

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