Summary:

Satan launches strategies against us each day. His plan is always to destroy us. Therefore, every day we must put on the armor of God’s Word. Without the Word, we can easily be deceived. One of the ways Satan deceives us is through envy that is not dealt with properly. However, when we learn to arm ourselves with the Word of God, we can defeat envy and all of Satan’s attacks.

A. “Put on the whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able to successfully stand up against [all] the strategies and deceits of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, AMP).
1. The armor of God is the Word of God.
2. If we are not diligently reading and studying the Word of God daily, we will be defenseless against Satan’s attacks.
a. Through deception, he can destroy us. We must not remain ignorant of the Word of God.
b. When we are empowered by God’s Word, people will see His blessing upon our lives.
c. However, we must submit to God’s way of doing things when people become envious and hateful toward us.
d. We must also judge ourselves, according to the Word of God, to be sure we have not become envious or jealous of others.

B. Saul saw that God was with David because he prospered in all he did (1 Samuel 18:5-7).
1. God was once with Saul, but He left him and withdrew His blessing from his life.
a. Saul unwisely compared himself to David.
2. When we compare ourselves with one another, we belittle the great things God has done for us.
3. By being envious and jealous of David, Saul invited an evil spirit upon himself (1 Samuel 18:8-29)
a. However, David continued to respect Saul because God had previously anointed Saul as king.
b. By respecting Saul, David demonstrated his respect for spiritual authority.
4. We can break free of envy by being honest with ourselves and turning away from it. Envy invites all types of evil works.
a. If envy is not dealt with properly, Satan can gain control over our lives.
b. We must honestly acknowledge when we have become envious of someone and ask for God’s help concerning the situation.
c. In addition, we must obey His Word and carry out the instructions He gives us in dealing with envy.

Scripture References:

  • Ephesians 6:11, AMP

  • 1 Samuel 18:5-29

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Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org