2015 JULY WEEK THREE HOME CELL STUDY / ACTIVITY

SUNDAY EVENING, JULY 19, 2015.

WEEK 29

DEALING WITH ENVY

Smile awhile: (focus on fellowship – 10 mins)

Lead cell members to mention their favourite food.

Into His Presence: (focus on worship – 10 mins)

Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to God as led by the Holy Spirit.

Digging deeper: (focus on the Word- 40 mins.)

Topic: DEALING WITH ENVY

Memory Verse: Galatians 5:26 – Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Main Text: 1 Kings 21:1-7

Introduction

Envy has been described as the resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting somebody else’s success, good fortune or possessions. Simply put, it is wanting what someone else has. Envy is a destructive feeling. It takes our eyes off the many blessings God has bestowed on us and focuses our attention on other peoples’ talents and possessions. Envy can plague the best of men, and it can be directed against a man’s wealth, good looks, athletic prowess, spouse, children or skills. In today’s reading, the rich and prosperous King Ahab envied the vineyard of Naboth and wanted it for himself. Finally, he got Naboth killed and took the vineyard for himself. God’s judgment on the matter was serious on Ahab and his family. Let’s study together.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did Ahab demand Naboth’s vineyard? verse 2

2. What makes Ahab’s request look envious? verse 4,16.

3. From the passage, why did Naboth refuse to give out his vineyard? verse 3

4. What happened to Ahab when Naboth refused to give him the vineyard? verse 4

5. What did Jezebel say when she heard about Naboth’s refusal? 1Kings 21: 7

6. How did the Lord react to the acts of Ahab and Jezebel? verse 17-19, 23

7. How can you free yourself from the spirit of envy?

Conclusion

We all at one time or the other have been angered at someone else’s good fortune. When you are tempted to envy others, try to focus on the good things about yourself and the things you excel in and thank God for them. Strive to excel in your strengths. As a Christian, when you think others envy you, don’t flaunt your strengths and abilities before them. Instead, use your talents to help others. Make an effort to help and encourage those you think could envy you. Envy is rottenness to the bone; it can make you sick and lead to disastrous results as in the case of Ahab and Naboth.

Stand with me (focus on praying for members’ needs – 10 mins).

Members to pray for one another in turns for specific needs. Also pray for members not to be envious.

Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins)

Lead members to pray for the community, nation and also all mission fields that the glory of God would be seen.

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