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How to Have the Life Everyone Wants

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. In as much as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. Romans 11:11-14 ESV

Jealous-adjective: feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.

We can be jealous of someone’s…

Looks

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT

Wealth

Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15 NLT

Relationships

“You must not covet your neighbor’s wife. Deuteronomy 5:21 NLT

Opportunities

Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. Luke 23:8 NLT

Talents

“I am sending you a master craftsman named Huram-abi, who is extremely talented. 2 Chronicles 2:13 NLT

Attention

But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said. Acts 13:45 ESV

He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy. Matthew 27:18 NLT

The life I want is a life that magnifies my ministry

I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous. Romans 11:13-14 ESV 

When I magnify my ministry, God will…

Reveal my true beauty

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3 NLT

Open doors to new opportunities

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. Romans 1:10 NLT

Unleash my full potential

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:19-20 NLT

Multiply my financial capacity

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9 NLT

Surround me with a loving and supportive family

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 NLT

Draw others to himself, by blessing me

I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. Romans 11:11-14 ESV

What’s my ministry?

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place to have a quiet moment with God as you reflect further on the message. As you settle in, ask God to help you use this time to uncover things deep within your heart that you need to see. Recall a time when you struggled with jealousy. Ask yourself, “Why was I jealous? Is that jealousy still there or has it been resolved?” Ask God to help you uncover the things in your heart that trigger jealousy within you. Ask him, “Do I believe that talents in others or their status make them happier or just better than me? If I do believe this, help me to understand why this is false.” We can grow in experiencing freedom from jealousy by confessing our struggle with someone. Talk with God about who you can go to this week with your jealousy to find greater freedom from its hold. When you have met with this person, thank God for what he will do to help you overcome this struggle.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Romans 11:11-14. What parts of your Jesus-changed life do you find most often makes people jealous of you, and if no one is jealous of what you have in Jesus, what might need to change as a result?
  3. Read Matthew 27:18. Of the six categories listed (looks, wealth, relationships, opportunities, talents and attention), which are you the most jealous of in others? Why do you think this particular area has such a hold on you?
  4. Read Galatians 6:10. In what specific ways has God made your life more beautiful and fulfilling as you have served those around you?
  5. Read 1 Timothy 6:9. When have you been trapped or ruined by something because you have longed for money and what it brings? In what ways have you experienced victory over that temptation by giving to God first?
  6. When you look at your personal Growth Path (in the Sandals Church app under the “me” tab), where do you need to take the next step and how can we help?