“Envy to Goodness”

Introduction:  Envy [jealousy, covetousness] wants what another has (i.e. success, health, stuff, attention).

Envy [judgmental] resents what someone has seeing it as undeserved or unappreciated.

Goodness wants the best for someone, regardless of its impact on me.

Goodness surrenders any claim on [attention, success, health, stuff for another’s benefit.

Goodness embodies the secret of Philippians 4:11-13.  Envy “rots the bones.” [Proverbs 14:30]

I.        1 Samuel 18, The Rot in Saul’s bones

A.     Envy exposes our insecurities

1.      Saul wouldn’t face Goliath; David did.  (v5) David’s many military successes and high rank.

2.      (v6, 7) The song Saul most despised: “Saul has slain his thousands, David his tens of…”

B.     (v11) Twice Saul tries to kill David with a spear.

1.      (v12) “Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.”

2.      (v9) Saul keeps a jealous eye on David and it affects Saul’s judgment and family relations

C.     Jonathan’s goodness exposed:

1.      (v3, 4) Jonathon presents David with his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt

2.      (19:2) Jonathon warns David about Saul’s plot to kill him; (19:4) Jonathon advocates for David before Saul

3.      (20:16) Jonathon makes a covenant of mutual protection and peace with David.

II.       What Does Goodness Look Like?

A.     Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

1.      Cain and Abel

2.      Joseph’s dreams, his brothers’ envy, Joseph’s goodness

B.     1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast.”

1.      Philippians 2:3-5, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves…Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

2.      Bragging, one-upping, dominating conversation, delighting in gossip about competitors, why 3 is often a dangerous number in friendships.

C.     Christ is our sufficiency, our security, our peace

1.      Envy exposes our insecurities; Christ fills the holes

2.      Philippians 2:6, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God…”

Conclusion:   Song “God Is So Good” and communion