You’re Not The Boss Of Me, Part 3: “Envy”
October 15, 2023

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Message Review

Envy is a negative emotion that makes us compare ourselves with others in an unhealthy manner. It often results in arrogance when we're doing well and discouragement when we are not. Envy takes away our ability to be content and makes us feel like we're chasing after something that's impossible to catch. However, it doesn't have to control us. Envy does not have to be the boss of us.   

Main Point: You can’t win chasing the wind.

Scripture References: Matthew 15:17-20; Proverbs 14:30 

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Ecclesiastes 4:4-8. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was Jesus’s original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?  

  • What currently triggers the strongest feelings of envy for you? Is it social media, work, family, or something else? Explain.  

  • Have you ever experienced the negative effects of envy in your life or relationships? If so, can you share your experience? 

  • Pastor Matt said “Envy is not a problem to solve. It’s a tension to manage.” Why do you believe that it is impossible for us to eliminate it? 

  • Read Ecclesiastes 4:4 as a group again. King Solomon writes that envy is like chasing after the wind. What are some ways this comparison is true?  

  • Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 as a group again. When you feel envious, what questions should you work through?  

  • Read Proverbs 14:30 as a group. Why does envy rob you of the life that a heart at peace gives?  

  • How could spending time celebrating, congratulating, or thanking others decrease your emotion of envy?  

  • Pastor Matt said, “You’ll never be who you have the potential to be as long as you’re looking over your shoulder, looking around at what everyone else is.” How can you shift your focus towards realizing your full potential instead of wasting time in chasing the wind?  

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.