Envy | A Bible Class on the Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

An envious man

Envy | Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

The apostle next mentions envy as a work of the flesh. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:19–21).

Envy refers to jealousy of another’s success, of his possessions, of his excellence. The Greek term phthonos occurs nine times in the New Testament. This does somewhat allow us to understand the way god inspired the word to be used. However, the word was so common in secular writings, we have a good grasp on the word’s meaning.

The occurrences of phthanos in the New Testament.

  • Pilate “knew it was out of self-interest that [the Jewish leaders] had handed Jesus over to him” (Matt 27:18). What reason(s) did the Jewish hierarchy have for being envious of Jesus? How was their envy “self-interest?” (as the New International Version translates phthanos here).
  • Same context: “‘Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate, knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him” (Mk 15:9–10).
  • About the pagan homosexuals: “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips” (Rom 1:29).
  • Galatians 5:21.
  • “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill” (Phil 1:15). Why would some preach Christ out of envy? What reason(s) would one have to be envious of an apostle who was in a Roman prison?
  • Those who teach what is contrary to sound doctrine: “they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions” (1 Tim 6:4). How do controversies and quarrels about words create envy?
  • “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another” (Tit 3:3).
  • “Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?” (Js 4:5). If envy is a work of the flesh, how can God jealously long for our spirit to be one with his?
  • “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (1 Pet 2:1). How do we rid ourselves of all envy?

What damage does envy do to the body of Christ?

What are some examples of envy in the body of Christ?


This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.

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