This week, in our Bible study together, we are taking a deep dive into the command that God gave His people in Exodus 20, “You must not covet…” (verse 17). Before we begin our study, let’s make sure we have a good definition for the word “covet.” After all, covet is not a word that is often used in our vocabulary. The Oxford Dictionary defines covet as “to yearn to possess or have (something)." This definition helps us to see that we all have coveted at some point. We have all looked at something someone else had and desperately wanted it. Living this way does not serve us. In fact, comparing ourselves to others and being envious only makes our lives worse. In our Bible study today, we will be challenged to let go of comparison and envy and learn to practice gratitude and find satisfaction in Christ instead.
What things do people find themselves comparing themselves and their lives to today?
1. Read Exodus 20:17. Summarize this command in your own words.
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
2. Read Proverbs 14:30. How does envy impact us, according to this passage of Scripture?
Proverbs 14:30
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
3. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. How does gratitude counteract comparison and envy?
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
4. Read Hebrews 13:5. What does this passage of Scripture reveal about comparison and how to fight against it?
Hebrews 13:5
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
1. When it comes to comparison, how are you doing on a scale of 1-10? Why?
2. How has comparison negatively impacted your life?
3. How can you fight against the temptation to compare and be envious based on the Scripture we read today?
One of the ways that we can fight against the temptation to compare is to practice gratitude. As a group, take turns now sharing one thing you are grateful for from today. Share this with your group. After everyone has shared, thank God for what He has done in each one of your lives. Commit to carrying a spirit of gratitude over the next week.
Comparison breeds envy, which can destroy our lives if we let it. There is a better way to live than being overcome by envy. For the next few moments, let's turn to Scripture to look at three ways we can respond when comparison tempts us to envy and covet what those around us have.
Although envy encourages us to feel disappointed, jealous, and jaded when others receive what we want, these emotions never serve us. They just leave us feeling sad and empty. Instead of focusing on ourselves and our disappointments, Scripture encourages us to celebrate with others.
1. Read Romans 12:15-16.
Romans 12:15-16
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other…
2. Summarize the message in this passage of Scripture.
3. What is the result of obeying this passage of Scripture?
4. Why is obeying this Scripture critical if we want to live healthy, God-honoring lives?
Envy tempts us to fight for ourselves and what we want, even at the expense of others. Instead of responding to comparison in jealousy, we are called to be people who seek peace in all situations. When we have the attitude of a peacemaker, we are not comparing ourselves to others or upset when others have what we want.
1. Read Romans 12:16-18.
Romans 12:16-18
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
2. How does comparison get in the way of obeying the instruction in this passage of Scripture?
3. How does having the mindset of a peacemaker counteract envy?
4. What does it look like in today’s world to “do all that you can to live at peace with everyone?”
It may seem rather obvious, but if we want to stop being envious, we have to stop looking around us. After all, when we stop looking around us, we will not compare our lives with the lives of others. Instead, we will focus on Christ and His kingdom and how He is working in our lives.
1. Read Hebrews 12:1-2.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…
2. What is the result of “keeping our eyes on Jesus?”
3. How does focusing on Christ counteract envy?
4. What does it look like in our world today to keep our eyes on Jesus?
Which of the three areas that we looked at today do you need to grow in: celebrating with others, seeking to be a peacemaker, or focusing on Christ? Share that area with your group along with one way you can grow in that area. Commit to taking that step to grow beginning this week.
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