Sermon Questions

Help! I am Jealous.

We all face internal battles that are hard to talk about. We deal with emotions that make us feel stuck, isolated, or ashamed. In this four-week series, we’re naming the struggles and leaning into truth. Each week, we’ll look at one powerful emotion: anxiety, jealousy, discouragement, and shame. Whatever your problem is, God’s Word has the prescription.

Icebreaker:
  • Have you ever wanted something someone else had, but didn’t realize it was jealousy until later? Could be a childhood story (toys, siblings, grades) or adult life (career, home, relationships). Keep it light but honest!
Tension: Proverbs 14:30 NLT “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
  1. Why do you think jealousy is so hard to admit, even to ourselves?
  2. How do we usually disguise jealousy in our lives (sarcasm, distancing, gossip, fake support)?
  3. In your opinion, what’s the difference between jealousy and admiration?
  4. When have you seen jealousy damage a relationship (yours or someone else’s)?
Truth: Read James 3:14-16.
  1. What words stand out to you in this passage? Why?
  2. James says jealousy is “unspiritual” and “demonic.” That’s strong language. Why do you think God takes jealousy so seriously?
  3. According to verse 16, what are the consequences of unchecked jealousy?
  4. Do you see any of those consequences (disorder, evil) in your world, workplace, or relationships?
Takeaway: FIVE C’S TO DEFEAT JEALOUSY

1: CONFESS it.

  • What area of your life is hardest to admit you feel jealousy in?
  • How does hiding jealousy give it more power?
  • Read Proverbs 28:13.


2: CONTROL what you consume.

  • Social media, conversations, shows—what are you consuming that feeds jealousy?
  • How could boundaries help guard your heart?
  • Read Proverbs 4:23.


3: CANCEL comparison.

  • Who do you catch yourself comparing your life to?
  • How has comparison impacted your contentment or identity?
  • What would it look like to “celebrate without imitating”?
  • Read Galatians 6:4.


4: COMMIT to the gift(s) God gave you.

  • What is one unique gift or talent God has given you?
  • How are you currently using it—or how could you start?
  • Why is it sometimes easier to focus on others’ gifts than our own?
  • Read Romans 12:6-8.


5: COUNT your blessings.

  • List 3 things you’re grateful for this week.
  • How does gratitude shift your perspective when jealousy tries to sneak in?
  • Read Psalms 103:2.
Talk About It: “I’m Not Jealous… I’m Just Empty?”
  • Can jealousy sometimes point to a deeper emptiness or lack of purpose?
  • What are you chasing that might be “full” on the outside but empty on the inside?
  • Where do you need to exchange your life for the abundant life Jesus offers?
  • Read: Matthew 10:39 and John 10:10.
Remember:

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

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