The School of the Holy Spirit 50 of 52 – What is the greatest QUEST in the kingdom of God? – Find out what it is and why from The Story of a Young Man Who Apostle John converted after his release from the Isle of Patmos and the Bishop who was to disciple the Young Man + How to counsel self and others on issues of Enemies, Envy and Jealousy
#SchoolOfTheHolySpirit #TheSecretPlace #Experiences #HurtingPeople #TraumaHealing #Ministries #PropheticCounseling #BiblicalCounseling #Crisis #Problems #Troubles #Trauma #Subconscious #Conscious #SubconsciousProgramming #Strongholds #Deliverance #SelfDeliverance #PeopleDeliverance #Bottlenecks #Significance #Selfworth #Security #Counseling #PeopleHelper #Counselor #InnerHealing #MindRenewal #Enemy #Envy #Jealousy #Parables #Discernment #LaserBladeDiscernment #Persecution #Robber #Robbery #LostSoul #Bishop #John #Disciples

The School of the Holy Spirit 50 of 52 – What is the greatest QUEST in the kingdom of God? – Find out what it is and why from The Story of a Young Man Who Apostle John converted after his release from the Isle of Patmos and the Bishop who was to disciple the Young Man + How to counsel self and others on issues of Enemies, Envy and Jealousy
Otakada.org Content Count: 2,220,135
Date: Sunday, July 19th, 2020
Podcast: anchor.fm/otakada.org
Here is the link to Radio Public Podcast link : https://radiopublic.com/otakadaorg-podcast-WP9pPQ
Quotes: Discernment, The kingdom of God
“The GREATEST QUEST in the Kingdom of God Is not for material riches, comfort and wellbeing, praise and worship, protection from passive enemies (North, South, East and West), prayer and fasting, attending Church or Fellowships, serving in one’s area of call and accomplishing it – Although all those are important! The GREATEST QUEST in the kingdom of God is the QUEST for SOULS by seeking and saving, by calling souls – sinners to repentance and ensuring they remain steadfast to the very end – Everything else we do in the kingdom pales in comparison to the significance of a “soul which was lost in the garden of Eden but now is found”. Everything we do in the kingdom must of necessity dovetail into this singular QUEST. Interestingly, that is exactly what Satan is after also and he will use Churches, Cults, Religions, Governments, Markets, etc to achieve this singular aim of securing disciples. Hence, our need to prayerfully develop heightened, LASER BLADE DISCERNMENT in all our SPIRITUAL ENGAGEMENTS in these end times. Luke 5:32; Luke 19:10; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 13:24-30; 1 Peter 5:8” – Monday Ogwuojo Ogbe Otakada.org
“If the Kingdom of God is in you, you should leave a little bit of heaven wherever you go.”
- Cornel West
“The only way the kingdom of God is going to be manifest in this world before Christ comes is if we manifest it by the way we live as citizens of heaven and subjects of the King.”
- R. C. Sproul
“The seeking of the kingdom of God is the chief business of the Christian life”
- Jonathan Edwards
“It is not what we do that matters, but what a sovereign God chooses to do through us. God doesn’t want our success; He wants us. He doesn’t demand our achievements; He demands our obedience. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of paradox, where through the ugly defeat of a cross, a holy God is utterly glorified. Victory comes through defeat; healing through brokenness; finding self through losing self.” – Charles Colson
“Christians were never meant to be normal. We’ve always been holy troublemakers, we’ve always been creators of uncertainty, agents of dimension that’s incompatible with the status quo; we do not accept the world as it is, but we insist on the world becoming the way that God wants it to be. And the Kingdom of God is different from the patterns of this world.” Jacques Ellul
“The kingdom of God is available to you in the here and the now. But the question is whether you are available to the kingdom.” Nhat Hanh
“When we see social relationships controlled everywhere by the principles which Jesus illustrated in life — trust, love, mercy, and altruism — then we shall know that the kingdom of God is here.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The only significance of life consists in helping to establish the kingdom of God.” – Leo Tolstoy
“May God give you – and me- the courage, the wisdom, the strength always to hold the kingdom of God as the number one priority of our lives. To do so is to live in simplicity.” – Richard J. Foster
“Jesus made clear that the Kingdom of God is organic and not organizational. It grows like a seed and it works like leaven: secretly, invisibly, surprisingly, and irresistibly.” – Os Guinness
“I’m fairly convinced that the Kingdom of God is for the broken-hearted. You write of ‘powerlessness.’ Join the club, we are not in control. God is.” – Fred Rogers
“The whole point of the kingdom of God is Jesus has come to bear witness to the true truth, which is nonviolent. When God wants to take charge of the world, he doesn’t send in the tanks. He sends in the poor and the meek.” – N. T. Wright
“This kingdom of God life is not a matter of waking up each morning with a list of chores or an agenda to be tended to, left on our bedside table by the Holy Spirit for us while we slept. We wake up already immersed in a large story of creation and covenant, of Israel and Jesus, the story of Jesus and the stories that Jesus told. We let ourselves be formed by these formative stories, and especially as we listen to the stories that Jesus tells, get a feel for the way he does it, the way he talks, the way he treats people, the Jesus way.” Eugene H. Peterson
“Give me one hundred men who love only God with all their heart and hate only sin with all their heart and we will shake the gates of hell and bring in the kingdom of God in one generation.” – John Wesley
“Live in the kingdom of God in such a way that it provokes questions for which the gospel is the answer.” – Lesslie Newbigin
“The deeper we grow in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become – the more we realize that everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble and joyful thanksgiving. Awareness of our poverty and ineptitude causes us to rejoice in the gift of being called out of darkness into wondrous light and translated into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son.” – Brennan Manning
“Unless the church is equipping believers to embrace the values and vision of the kingdom of God and turn away from the materialism, consumerism, greed, and power of the present age, it not only abandons its biblical mandate, it is rendered missionally ineffective.” – Alan Hirsch
Key Verses:
Matthew 6:6 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) 6 But when you pray, go into your [ most] private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.
Matthew 7:24-27 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) 24 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [ obeying them] will be like a [a]sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.
25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.
27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it.
Revelation 3:18 Amplified Bible (AMP)
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold that has been heated red hot and refined by fire so that you may become truly rich; and white clothes [ representing righteousness] to clothe yourself so that the shame of your nakedness will not be seen; and healing salve to put on your eyes so that you may see.
Luke 21:34-35 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
34 But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the [a]giddiness and headache and [b]nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [ the [c]business of] this life, and [ lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;
35 For it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth.
Matthew 12:7
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
7 And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice and sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless.
1 Kings 20:35-43
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor, At the command of the Lord, strike me, I pray you. And the man refused to strike him.
36 Then said he to him, Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as you have left me a lion will slay you. And as soon as he departed from him, a lion found him and killed him.
37 Then [the prophet] found another man and said, Strike me, I pray you. And the man struck him, so that in striking, he wounded him.
38 So the prophet departed and waited for King Ahab by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.
39 And as the king passed by, the [prophet] cried out to him, Your servant went out into the midst of the battle, and behold, a man turned aside and brought a man to me and said, Keep this man. If for any reason he is missing, then your life shall be required for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.
40 But while your servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said to him, Such is your own verdict; you yourself have decided it.
41 The man hastily removed the ashes from his face, and Ahab king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.
42 And he said to the king, Thus says the Lord: Because you have let go out of your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.
43 And King [Ahab ] of Israel went to his house resentful and sullen, and came to Samaria.
Micah 6:6-9
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
6 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
9 The voice of the Lord calls to the city [Jerusalem]—and it is sound wisdom to hear and fear Your name—Hear (heed) the rod and Him Who has appointed it.
Hosea 6:6
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
6 For I desire and delight in dutiful steadfast love and goodness, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of and acquaintance with God more than burnt offerings.
Matthew 9:13
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy [that is, [a]readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims. For I came not to call and invite [to repentance] the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin).
Matthew 16:18
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
18 And I tell you, you are [a]Peter [Greek, Petros—a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra—a [b]huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the [c]infernal region) shall [d]not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].
Introduction.
Dear friends I welcome you to the series on the school of the Holy Spirit. Today, we bring you –
The School of the Holy Spirit 50 of 52 – What is the greatest QUEST in the kingdom of God? – Find out what it is and why from The Story of a Young man who Apostle John converted after his release from the Isle of Patmos and the Bishop who was to disciple the young man + How to counsel self and others on issues of Enemies, Envy and Jealousy
At Otakada.org, we bring YOU over 2 million contents for All Round Success for your Spirit, Soul and your Body all in one place! Check this out in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Timothy 1:7 and Hebrews 4:12
Read – 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Amplified Bible (AMP) 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [ that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose ]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found ] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Together with you, we are building MASSIVE SPIRITUAL TEMPLES in people’s heart for the Spirit of God to dwell in and operate through with ease in these times and seasons, so stay with us and build with us! – Check this out in 1 Corinthians 3: 1- 17; Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 John 4:4
If you missed the last two series of Sunday and Wednesday as follows hereunder:
The School of the Holy Spirit – 48 of 52 – Part 36 The Secret of total or partial lockdown, confinement and imprisonment in the secret place + How to minister to self and others who are under demonic influence and Everything you need to know about demons and deliverance
Weekly Motivational and Inspirational Stories for The Marketplace – The School of the Holy Spirit – 49 of 52 – Part 37 – The Last Words from an old dying man are critically important to the extent that we need to pay attention by Reading, Listening, Learning and Applying them as situation demands of us – Faith cannot stand alone, find out why and what is required in today’s post + How to counsel self and others concerning matters of Deception and Dishonesty
Blog Link:
Now, let’s explore The School of the Holy Spirit 50 of 52 – What is the greatest QUEST in the kingdom of God? – Find out what it is and why from The Story of a Young man who Apostle John converted after his release from the Isle of Patmos and the Bishop who was to disciple the young man + How to counsel self and others on issues of Enemies, Envy and Jealousy
I will start up with What is the greatest QUEST in the kingdom of God? – Find out what it is and why by bringing to you today a story that took place after apostle John was miraculously released from the Isle of Patmos. This story depicts the mindset of early believers concerning the importance of souls and how it had helped sustain Christianity through the ages despite relentless and sustained persecution of the saints. – Matthew 16:18.
This account was written by John Foxe – Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, in the English language of the early 1500s, so you will need to decode the message without bothering yourself with the grammatical context. It is about a young convert, brought to the Lord through Apostle John. John handed the young convert to the Bishop who got busy and the young convert went ballistics, becoming the head of a robbery gang and how John went after this young man and restored him back to the Lord.
Let us dive into the 1500s English language..
In this persecution, John, the apostle and evangelist, was exiled by the said Domitian into Patmos. After the death of Domitian, he being slain and his acts repealed by the senate, John was released, and came to Ephesus in the year fourscore and seventeen; where he continued until the time of Trajan, and there governed the churches in Asia, where also he wrote his Gospel; and so lived till the year after the passion of our Lord, threescore and eight, which was the year of his age about one hundred.
Clement of Alexandria addeth a certain history of the holy apostle, not unworthy to be remembered of such as delight in things honest and profitable.
The words be these: When John was returned to Ephesus from the isle of Patmos, he was requested to resort to the places bordering near unto him. Whereupon, when he was come to a certain city, and had comforted the brethren, he beheld a young man robust in body, of a beautiful countenance, and of a fervent mind. Looking earnestly at the newly appointed bishop, John said: “ I most solemnly commend this man to thee, in the presence here of Christ and of the Church.”
When the bishop had received of him this charge, and had promised his faithful diligence therein, again the second-time John spake unto him, and charged him as before. This done, John returned to Ephesus. The Bishop, receiving the young man committed to his charge, brought him home, kept him, and nourished him, and at length baptized him; and after that, he gradually relaxed his care and oversight of him, trusting that he had given him the best safeguard possible in putting the Lord’s seal upon him.
The young man thus having his liberty more, it chanced that certain of his old companions and acquaintances, being idle, dissolute, and hardened in wickedness, did join in company with him, who first invited him to sumptuous and riotous banquets; then enticed him to go forth with them in the night to rob and steal; after that he was allured by them unto greater mischief and wickedness. Wherein, by custom of time, and by little and little, he, becoming more expert, and being of a good wit, and a stout courage, like unto a wild or unbroken horse, leaving the tight way and running at large without bridle, was carried headlong to the profundity of all misorder and outrage. And thus utterly forgetting and rejecting the wholesome doctrine of salvation which he had learned before, he entered so far in the way of perdition, that he cared not how much further he proceeded in the same. And so, associating unto him a band of companions and fellow thieves, he took upon himself to be as head and captain among them, in committing all kind of murder and felony.
It chanced that John was sent for to those quarters again, and came. Meeting the bishop afore specified, he requireth of him the pledge, which, in the presence of Christ and of the congregation then present, he left in his hands to keep. The bishop, something amazed at the words of John, supposing he had meant them of some money committed to his custody, which he had not received (and yet durst not mistrust John, nor contrary his words), Could not tell what to answer. Then John, perceiving his perplexity, and uttering his meaning more plainly: “The young man,” saith he,” and the soul of our brother committed to your custody, I do require.” Then the bishop, with a loud voice sorrowing and weeping, said, “He is dead.” To whom John said, “How, and by what death?” The other said, “He is dead to God, for he became an evil and abandoned man, and at length a robber. And now he doth frequent the mountain instead of the Church, with a company of villains and thieves, like unto himself.”
Here the apostle rent his garments, and, with a great lamentation, said, “A fine keeper of his brother’s soul I left here! Get me a horse, and let me have a guide with me:” which being done, his horse and man procured, he hasted from the Church, and coming to the place, was taken of thieves that lay on the watch. But he, neither flying nor refusing, said, “I came hither for the purpose: lead ne,” said he, “To your captain.” So he being brought, the captain all armed fiercely began to look upon him; and eftsoons coming to the knowledge of him, was stricken with confusion and shame, and began to fly. But the old man followed him as much as he might, forgetting his age, and crying, “My son, why dost thou fly from thy father? An armed man from one naked, a young man from an old man? Have pity on me, my son, and fear not, for there is yet hope of salvation. I will make answer for thee unto Christ; I will die for thee, if need be; as Christ hath died for us, I will give my life for thee; believe me, Christ hath sent me.”
He, hearing these things, first, as in a maze, stood still, and there with his courage was abated.
After that he had cast down his weapons, by and by he trembled, yea, wept bitterly; and, coming to the old man, embraced him, and spake unto him with weeping (As well as he could). Being even then baptized afresh with tears, only his right hand being hid and covered.
Then the apostle, after that he had promised that he should obtain remission of our Saviour, prayed, falling down upon his knees, and kissing his murderous right hand ( which for shame he durst not show before) as now purged through repentance, and brought him back to the Church. And when he had prayed for him with continual prayer and daily fastings, and comforted and confirmed his mind with sentences, he left him restored to the Church again; a great example of sincere penitence and proof of regeneration, and a trophy of the future resurrection.
21 Days Visitation Challenge from Apostle John’s encounter with the young disciple above:
From this story, I hand down a 21 day challenge to every one of us to visit as a matter of priority or call our brothers or our sisters in Christ we have not seen since the pandemic began – You can target 3 persons or 7 persons or 12 persons in 21 days. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you a channel of blessing to this person. Also, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to somebody you know that have not encountered Christ and be sensitive because He will give promptings. Don’t make up your mind what to say, the Holy Spirit will give you a word through your thoughts or other faculties. May He find us all faithful in this task as the pandemic rages on in Jesus name, Amen
By the way, maintain social distancing guidelines. 2 persons is not a crowd.
Now Let’s explore How to counsel self and others on issues of Enemies, Envy and Jealousy
ENEMIES
DEFINITION: An enemy is one towards whom you are antagonistic, hostile, and unforgiving. It is someone that you also may be seeking to injure or threaten. You may also try to ruin the reputation of an enemy through slander, gossip, and lies.
FACTS ABOUT ENEMIES:
The Word of God teaches you not to become bitter, hostile, or vengeful toward another person. You might not like what others do or say, but you must love them and extend forgiveness to them, just as God extended it to you.
Satan is the source of all contention. The Bible explains that “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Your struggle is against the evil forces that cause a person to react in such a way that you consider them an enemy.
The proper response to contention. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit, qualities that are to be evident in the lives of believers, provide the answer to contention. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:22-23).
You are commanded to love and pray for your enemies. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:46-47).
God can cause your enemies to be at peace with you. “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7 ).
DEALING WITH YOUR ENEMIES:
Examine your heart. If you have hatred, anger, unforgiveness, or bitterness towards someone, then you are not responding biblically to your enemies. Are the feelings and attitudes you have towards this person Christ-like? What caused the break in the relationship? Did you have a part in it? What is the other person’s attitude towards you?
Pray for forgiveness. Not only for your own attitude towards your enemy, but pray to forgive your enemy also. As a mature believer, the obligation to forgive and initiate reconciliation rests with you. You can do this because the Bible declares you can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).
Go to your enemy and try to reconcile. You cannot control their response, but you can ask forgiveness and seek to reconcile with them. If they refuse, then you have the satisfaction of knowing you have acted scripturally. Follow the guidelines in Matthew 18:15-17.
Love and pray for your enemies. Jesus commanded this in Matthew 5:43-48.
Pray for the Fruit of the Spirit to be manifested in your life towards your enemy: Love, goodness, kindness, meekness, patience, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).
Cast down vain imaginations. Vain imaginations are unproductive thoughts and imaginations. When Satan tries to return and instill unforgiveness or bitterness towards the person once again, cast these thoughts down in the name of the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:5).
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ENEMIES:
He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. (Psalm 18:47-48)
When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
(Proverbs 16:7)
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him. (Proverbs 24:17-18)
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22-35)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (Mark 11:25,26)
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
(Luke 6:27-36)
“So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.'” (Luke 17:3-4)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14-21)
Lets look at counseling self and others on the issues of Envy and Jealousy
ENVY AND JEALOUSY
DEFINITION: Envy is a synonym for jealousy and covetousness excited by the success of others. It is resentment of the spiritual, financial, or material blessings of others. It is lustful desire and longing for something that someone else has. It is sometimes characterized by snide remarks against others in an effort to build up one’s own self.
FACTS ABOUT ENVY AND JEALOUSY:
Envy comes from the spirit of man. “Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?” (James 4:5)
Envy is a sign of being a carnal Christian. “…for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”
(1 Corinthians 3:3, NKJV)
Those living in sin are filled with envy. “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers…” (Romans 1:29, KJV)
Where there is envy, other problems arise. “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:14,16).
You are not to envy sinners. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 23:17)
Envy is a characteristic of false teachers. “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Timothy 6:-4).
DEALING WITH ENVY AND JEALOUSY:
Acknowledge that you are envious and jealous. Until you recognize these responses are operating in your life, you will not be able to deal with them.
Recognize the ramifications of envy and jealousy. It results in confusion and other evil works (James 3:16) and it ultimately ends in tragedy (Galatians 5:19-21).
Repent. Envy and jealousy are sins which require repentance.
Ask God for a new manifestation of His love. When you truly love someone, you do not envy them, nor are you jealous of them: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy…”
(1 Corinthians 13:4)
In the future:
-Walk in the Spirit: Romans 13:13.
-Manifest the Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23.
-Focus on things of eternal value instead of things of the world: Colossians 3:1-4.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT ENVY AND JEALOUSY:
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 23:17)
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers… (Romans 1:29, KJV)
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. (Romans 13:13, NKJV)
…for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Corinthians 3:3, NKJV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy…(1 Corinthians 13:4)
The acts of the sinful nature 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:19-23)
If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-6)
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, and deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (Titus 3:3, KJV)
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14,16)
Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? (James 4:5)
Prayer
Father, we present ourselves to You today, Like apostle John, help us to be our brothers and sisters keeper. Grant us passion to seek and save the lost in the name of Jesus Christ as mentioned in today’s title What is the greatest QUEST in the kingdom of God? – Find out what it is and why from The Story of a Young man who Apostle John converted after his release from the Isle of Patmos and the Bishop who was to disciple the young man + How to counsel self and others on issues of Enemies, Envy and Jealousy
Lord, help me today to be deliberate, intentional concerning the 21 day challenge in the name of Jesus Christ.
We dig deeper roots in You today, Lord God, because we know you have given us the grace which comes from the position of humility, faithfulness, a willingness to dig deeper roots, to abide win you 24/7 in Jesus name. We pray for those who are obsessed or possessed by envy and jealousy, cause them to realize that You are all in all for us in Jesus name.
We commit from this day to work out our salvation with fear and trembling in the name of Jesus as we believe in you Lord God afresh from our hearts in obedience to your instruction as we die daily to self in Jesus name. We thank You for total healing, spirit, soul and body in Jesus name, amen.
Now, experience all round-success this week and beyond as You are led by your closest friend – The Holy Spirit!
Remember, we are one in Christ Jesus – Only in unity we can have lasting and far reaching impact – Engage!
Ephesians 4:4-6 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) 4 [ There is ] one body and one Spirit—just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received—5 [ There is ] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,6 One God and Father of [ us ] all, Who is above all [ Sovereign over all ], pervading all and [ living ] in [us] all.
You can secure answers to questions on the Holy Spirit and salvation via these links:
Find links to my books here –
Click here for access to otakada.org content guide for 2020
Click here to find titles to my books on amazon
Or at Otakada shop
Shalom!
Monday Ogwuojo Ogbe
e-discipleship at Otakada.org
+13022686313; +2348032835348; in**@ot*****.org