Topical Bible: Envy: A Work of the Flesh

◄ Envy: A Work of the Flesh ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Envy is a significant theme in the Bible, often depicted as a destructive force that leads individuals away from righteousness and towards sin. It is considered a "work of the flesh," a term used by the Apostle Paul to describe behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the Spirit of God.

Biblical Definition and Context

Envy is defined as a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. It is a deep-seated resentment that can lead to further sinful actions. The Bible frequently warns against envy, highlighting its potential to cause harm both to the individual harboring it and to those around them.

Scriptural References

In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists envy among the "acts of the flesh," stating, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" . Here, envy is grouped with other serious sins, emphasizing its severity and the spiritual danger it poses.

James 3:14-16 further elaborates on the destructive nature of envy: "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice" . This passage underscores the chaos and moral decay that envy can introduce into a community or individual life.

Historical and Theological Insights

Throughout biblical history, envy has been a catalyst for significant events and conflicts. In Genesis 4:3-8, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates the destructive power of envy. Cain's envy of Abel's favor with God leads to the first murder, highlighting how unchecked envy can escalate to violence and tragedy.

Theologically, envy is seen as a violation of the Tenth Commandment, which instructs believers not to covet (Exodus 20:17). It is a sin that originates in the heart, often leading to other sinful actions. Envy is contrary to the love and contentment that God desires for His people, as it focuses on what one lacks rather than the blessings one has received.

Practical Implications for Believers

For Christians, overcoming envy involves cultivating a spirit of gratitude and contentment. Philippians 4:11-13 provides guidance, as Paul writes, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . This passage encourages believers to rely on Christ for strength in overcoming envy and finding satisfaction in God's provision.

Additionally, believers are called to love one another and rejoice in each other's successes. Romans 12:15 advises, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep" . By fostering a community of mutual support and empathy, Christians can combat the divisive nature of envy and promote unity within the body of Christ.

Conclusion

Envy, as a work of the flesh, is a significant spiritual issue addressed throughout Scripture. It is a sin that not only harms the individual but also disrupts relationships and communities. By understanding its dangers and seeking to cultivate contentment and love, believers can resist the temptation of envy and live in accordance with the Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:21
Contentions, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 4:5
Do you think that the scripture said in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Having Begun in the Spirit"
... of churches, and how much there is of envy and jealousy ... Spirit, and He has not been
able to do His work. ... the Spirit, are ye perfecting in the flesh that which ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/having begun in the spirit.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... If drunkenness, railing, contention, wrath, envy, covetousness, and such ... the manifest
works of the flesh, and manifestly your way and work, then why ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv who walk not.htm

On Human Temptations.
... the spirit struggles, such as ambition, avarice, emulation, envy, pride, and ... of the
spirit, and everything that is called a work of the flesh (proceeds from ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iv on human temptations.htm

Christ's Work of Destruction and Deliverance. Rev. John H. James.
... then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood ... an image of his own eternity;
nevertheless, through envy of the ... (iii.) Moreover, it is the work of Satan ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/christs work of destruction and.htm

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
... it is seen as pride, ambition, or envy, the disposition ... no less than of the sins
of the flesh, the believer ... cleansing is sometimes spoken of as the work of God ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-fourth day holiness and cleansing.htm

Psalm XVIII.
... 5. "The pains of death," that is, of the flesh, have "compassed Me about ... that compassed
Me about to destroy Me, were pains of envy, which work death, and ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xviii.htm

Would You Know the True Nature of Angelic Goodness...
... Flesh and blood, or that life which is only from ... only work as the stars and elements
work, only for ... goodness, than its own pride or covetousness, envy or wrath ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-1-34 would you know the.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... Deity; and thither hath he also brought his glorified flesh. It was his work to
purchase it; it is his to ... able to conquer and destroy me; though it envy all my ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm

The Two Covenants --In Christian Experience
... their daily life was full of bitterness and envy and hatred ... and the entrance to the
Christian life, the flesh is the only power in which to serve and work. ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter v the two covenantsin.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... Is not hypocrisy a work of the flesh, which our adversaries confess the magistrates
ought not to punish? Yea, are not hatred and envy there mentioned as works ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm