Envy's Deep Roots
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 4 (ESV)
1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Sermon Outline
Envy’s influence is more pervasive in our lives than we are aware (v4) but God can help remove it.
1. Envy Expressed
vv1-2 “the tears of the oppressed… on the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was none to comfort them”
v8 “there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches”
v3 “better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen”
2. Envy Reduced
v9 “two are better than one… they have a good reward for their toil”
vv10-12 “one will lift up his fellow… they keep warm… two will withstand”
3. Envy Removed
v5-6 “the fool folds his hands… Better is a handful of quietness…”
comfort (v1), being lifted up (v10), reward (v9), prevailing (v12)
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we are discouraged, distracted and dissatisfied. We make excuses and blame others, but we admit there is a problem in us. We have not looked to you; we have not sought satisfaction in your goodness. Instead we have desired what others have desired or attained, and we let envy have influence over our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Forgive our greedy and unjust actions. Forgive our bitter complaints. Forgive our misplaced devotion. Grant us freedom from sin’s power and influence, and fill us with love for you and our neighbors. We thank you for Jesus who offers rest in the work he has done on our behalf. We pray this by faith in his name. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
When does envy arise in your life?
What does the things you envy in others reveal about what you want, expect, or hope for? What are you devoted to?
Why do you want what you want? What shapes what you value or desire?
How does envy lead to isolation?
Do you believe cooperation and investing in the well being of others will actually be better for you? Where do you see this in your life?
Do you have any relationships that are sources of encouragement and help for you? How can you deepen that relationship, or what steps can you make towards forming such a relationship?
Have you joined your life with Jesus? Do you have a commitment to walking with him? How does that promise to be your comfort, strength, satisfaction? Where are you still struggling and what is the next step in seeking these things in God?
What in the gospel message can you reflect on when you catch yourself being envious? What components of prayer will help you process your envy with God (how do you pray)?
How can Christians be ambitious, competitive, hard working, goal focused, etc. in healthy ways? Is it possible? What can motivate or energize you if you don’t let envy, greed, or any other form of neediness drive you?