Works of the Flesh - Emulation

Subject: Works of the Flesh - Emulation

Scripture Reading: James 3: 13 - 4: 8

Memory Verse: Proverbs 14: 30

Objective: To examine the sin of emulation (jealousy and bitter envy) and how it rots the spiritual life from inside out.

Introduction: In modern English, ‘emulating’ someone often means admiring and copying their good traits. However, in Galatians 5:20, ‘emulations’ (Greek zelos) carries an intensely negative meaning. It refers to bitter, resentful jealousy. It is an intense, selfish ambition that cannot stand to see another person succeed, be commended, or blessed by God. It is a silent, internal rotting of the soul which eventually manifests in outward hatred.

1.     What was the first recorded sin committed after the Fall, and which carnal behaviour motivated it? Genesis 4: 4 - 8, 1 John 3: 12

2.     How did the religious leaders’ emulation (envy) influence their treatment of Jesus? Matthew 27: 15 - 18

Note: Emulation blinds a person to the truth. The Pharisees could not celebrate the blind receiving sight or the lame walking because they were consumed by bitter jealousy over Christ’s popularity.

3.     What attitude did John the Baptist display when his followers pointed out Jesus' growing popularity? John 3: 26 - 30 

4.     What effect does deep-seated envy have on a person’s physical and emotional well-being? Proverbs 14: 30, Job 5: 2

5.     How does James contrast the wisdom which produces bitter envying with the wisdom which comes from above? James 3: 14 - 17

6.     Instead of envying the blessings or spiritual gifts of others, how are believers instructed to interact? Romans 12: 15 - 16, 1 Corinthians 12: 24 - 26

Conclusion: Emulation is a denial of God's sovereign goodness. When we are jealous of what God has given to someone else, we are essentially accusing God of being unfair to us. The cure for emulation is profound gratitude for what God has provided and a genuine love that rejoices in another’s success.