THE OBSTACLE OF ENVY

                                                                    Ephesians 4:31

  Introduction:

        A.  I want us to address a detrimental attitude that affects many people.

             1.  This attitude commences with innocent thoughts and develops into a                                   devastating attitude

                  that controls our lives.  Example

             2.  Definition of envy:  "that discontended and mortified feeling which arises in                       the selfish

                  heart in view of the superiority of another, nearly tantamount to jealousy."                           Unger's  Bible Dictionary.  "a feeling of discontent and ill will because of                               another's advantages, possessions, etc."  Webster's New World Dictionary

        B.  The Apostle Paul teaches us in Ephesians 4:31 .........

   I.  The earmarks of envy:

        A.  Comparison

        B.  Fear

  II.  The consequences of envy:

        A.  A critical attitude.  Genesis 37:3-4

        B.  Resentment.  Genesis 37:5,8

        C.  The wrong focus.  Genesis 37:14-19

        D.  A broken fellowship.  Genesis 37:23-28

        E.  Disorder in the church caused by envious people.  James 3:14-16

   III.  How to deal with envy:

        A. Admit to God that we are envious, if that is the case, and ask His forgiveness.  I John 1:9

        B.  Be  grateful to God for what He has given us.  I Corinthians 12:12-20

        C.  Ask God to help us overcome our envy.  Ephesians 4:29-32

        D. Listen for and be open to the instructions of God from His teachers, His children, and His Word.  Matthew 13:13-15

  Conclusion:

        A.  Review

        B.  Invitation