KEY SCRIPTURE: John 18:19 KJV” The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples and of his doctrine”

In our previous study, we realized from our key scripture that. the question that the High Priest asked Jesus, exposed their motives for crucifying Him. They had envied Jesus because He was always thronged by a very large audience. Envy is a very horrible state for one to be Proverb 24:4 says: Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Indeed, who can stand before envy.? Envy first slays its victim and uses him or her to attack the second party.

How does envy kill its victim? It builds hatred in the heart of its victim. Remember the scripture that says he that hates his brother abides in death.1 John 3:14, 15. Many times those under the spell of envy are the very people we call friends, brothers, and even sisters. They smile at us yet deep down in their hearts, they are a ravening wolf. Envy is anti-growth, anti-development and even anti-glory. It would attack anyone or close associates who has an advantage or opportunity to excel.

Many times, envy destroys people who are destined to save, help or bless them. King Saul pursued David to destroy him, yet David was raised by God to save king Saul from death, and demonic bondage. He came into Saul’s life to ease the many difficulties that engulfed him. Envy blinded his eyes to all these.

How can one free himself from the clutches of envy?

1. BE ready to submit to what God’s word says about envy.

2.  See the beauty, glory, and handiwork of God in the life of anyone who is doing great and be ready to give glory to God for their lives.

3. Sincerely rejoice with those who are blessed

4. Understand that it is only those things that you appreciate or celebrate in a man that can also come into your life.

5. Instead of hating great achievers, let their success inspire you to also go higher, not as a competition, but to also glorify God with yours.

THOUGHT: YOU CAN’T BE A CHILD OF GOD AND LIVE IN ENVY, FOR IT TAKES ETERNAL LIFE FROM YOU.

FURTHER STUDIES

1Jn 3:14 KJV” We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

Mark 15:10 KJV” For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”