JUST JEALOUSY By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." – Deuteronomy 4:24
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Introduction
God’s jealousy is a concept that can be difficult to understand, but it is central to His love and commitment to His people. Unlike human jealousy, which is often rooted in insecurity, envy, or pride, God's jealousy is just, righteous, and pure. He is jealous for the loyalty and devotion of His people because He desires a relationship that is exclusive and grounded in truth. This lesson explores the nature of God's jealousy, contrasting it with sinful jealousy, and emphasizes the importance of keeping our hearts aligned with His will.
The purpose of this teaching is to help believers understand the difference between godly jealousy and the destructive nature of fleshly jealousy. We will examine how yielding to envy and jealousy can harm our relationships and hinder our spiritual growth, while embracing God’s righteous jealousy can strengthen our faith and devotion to Him.
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God’s Jealousy: A Righteous Desire for His People
God’s jealousy is not rooted in selfishness, but in His desire to protect His people from spiritual harm and to keep them devoted to Him. It is an expression of His love, a desire to have His people choose Him above all else.
"You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God." – Exodus 20:5
When God is jealous, it is because He desires what is best for us. He longs for our hearts to be fully His, free from the distractions and idols of the world. This jealousy is just and holy because it stems from God’s perfect love for His creation and His commitment to their well-being.
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The Dangers of Fleshly Jealousy
Fleshly jealousy, unlike God's holy jealousy, is often driven by selfishness, insecurity, and malice. It can lead to destructive behaviors such as anger, hatred, violence, and even murder.
"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." – James 3:16
This type of jealousy is a tool of the enemy, designed to divide and destroy relationships. It stems from a carnal nature that seeks to satisfy its own desires at the expense of others. Yielding to fleshly jealousy leads to chaos, confusion, and spiritual separation from God.
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God’s Warning Against Unholy Jealousy
God warns against allowing jealousy to consume us, as it can lead to a hardened heart and separation from Him. He desires that His people be free from the traps of envy and strife, and that they walk in peace and unity.
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." – Ephesians 4:31
When jealousy takes root in our hearts, it distorts our perception and causes us to act in ways that are contrary to God's will. God calls us to put away such emotions and to walk in the fruit of the Spirit, which brings peace, love, and unity.
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Overcoming Fleshly Jealousy Through the Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist the temptation of fleshly jealousy and to live according to God's will. By surrendering our hearts to the Spirit, we can walk in the freedom that Christ offers, free from the bondage of jealousy and envy.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." – Galatians 5:22-23
As we yield to the Spirit, we grow in maturity and reflect God’s character more clearly. The Spirit produces in us the virtues that counteract jealousy and enable us to live in harmony with one another.
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The Body of Christ and Unity
God has designed the Church to function as one body, with each believer playing a unique and vital role. Jealousy, whether directed at others within the body or against the world, disrupts the unity God desires for His people.
"That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another." – 1 Corinthians 12:25
By supporting and encouraging one another, believers can foster an environment where jealousy is replaced with love and mutual respect. God calls His people to live in unity, not in rivalry or competition.
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Summary
God’s jealousy is a holy and righteous response to our devotion and loyalty to Him. It is different from the destructive jealousy that comes from the flesh, which is driven by envy, anger, and pride. Believers are called to reject fleshly jealousy and to walk in the peace and unity that the Holy Spirit provides. By yielding to God’s will, we can overcome the temptations of jealousy and live in harmony with one another.
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Conclusion
God’s jealousy for His people is a reflection of His love and desire to keep His people faithful to Him. It is a call to remain devoted to God and to avoid the snares of envy and rivalry that the enemy uses to divide and destroy. When we walk in the Spirit, we can overcome the fleshly jealousy that hinders our relationships and our spiritual growth.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart today and bring any jealousy or envy before God. Surrender these emotions to the Holy Spirit and ask for His help in overcoming them. Commit to walking in unity with the body of Christ and to reflecting God’s love in your relationships.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Remember that God’s jealousy is a sign of His deep love for you. He desires the best for your life and calls you to live in purity and devotion to Him. As you surrender to His will, you will experience the fullness of His peace and the unity that comes from being part of His body.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." – Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in His guidance, walk in His love, and allow His Spirit to lead you into all truth.
