SUNDAY, 10 AUGUST
TEXT: JOHN 3:22-36
TOPIC: JOHN THE BAPTIST OVERCAME ONE OF THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, is a grouping and classification of vices within Christian teachings. According to the standard list, they are: pride, greed, anger, envy, lust, gluttony and slothfulness. John had the grace to conquer all the seven, but we are picking one as a sample.
John was baptising at Aenon, near Salim. Jesus and His disciples were also baptizing within the same area. John the Baptist’s disciples were disturbed by this news because it suggested that John’s influence was waning while Jesus’ influence was growing. Yet John was comfortable with his God-given role of promoting Jesus and refused to be envious.
Envy is one of the seven deadly sins. These are root sins that many other sins grow out of. The Bible says, “Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Note that envy causes ‘disorder’. Whenever envy raises its head, it creates disharmony, competition, conflicts, confusion, division, violence and factions.
The Bible is filled with examples of envy-based crimes: Cain killed his brother Abel out of envy; Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of envy; Saul tried to kill David out of envy. The Bible clearly states that the religious leaders put Jesus to death because they deeply envied Him (Matthew 28:18, Mark 16:10).
QUESTION
Are you struggling with the seven deadly sins, especially envy?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, of the seven deadly sins in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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