1 Samuel 18:1-16
The self-sacrificial love of Christ is the only remedy for the jealousy that plagues our hearts.
Jealousy is not limited to high school dramas about boyfriends and girlfriends; it is rampant in our society as people want what others have. At the heart of the issue is a sense of entitlement; jealousy is motivated by a belief that we deserve something better than what we have. This attitude not only displays a lack of gratitude, it also is a challenge to the wisdom and provision of God.
Starting Out:
- How would you define the words “jealousy” and “envy”?
- What do you think prompts us to jealousy?
Read 1 Samuel 18:1-7:
- Given that Jonathan was first in line to the throne, how would you expect him to feel toward David?
- How were David and Saul received when they returned home from the war with the Philistines?
- Put yourself in Saul’s place. How would you have felt during this celebration?
Read 1 Samuel 18:8-16:
- Why do you think Saul became so fixated on David from this point forward?
- Have you ever found yourself jealously fixated on the success of others?
- When we are jealous of another, what does that jealousy reveal about what we believe about God?
Taking it Home:
- What are the areas in your life in which you can easily become jealous? How can you guard against jealousy in those areas?
- What are some practical ways we might grow to love seeing other people “get more and better” than they deserve?
Ways to Pray:
- Adoration: Praise God for His sovereignty and wisdom, recognizing that He is in control of all situations.
- Contrition: Confess any feelings of envy or jealousy that you might be struggling with.
- Thankfulness: Thank God for His provision and blessings in your life, including the relationships and friendships that He has given you.
- Supplication: Ask for the wisdom to discern the difference between healthy ambition and harmful jealousy.
Additional Scriptures to Engage with this week:
- Psalm 49
- James 3:13-18
- Ecclesiastes 4
- Proverbs 14:26-35
- 1 Timothy 6:2-19
- Philippians 1:12-26