The Bible refers to “emulations” in several passages, particularly in the New Testament. The Greek word translated as “emulations” is zelos, which can also mean “zeal” or “jealousy.” In the context of these biblical passages, emulations refers to sinful desires, passions, or jealousy.
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
In Galatians 5, Paul provides a list of sinful desires and actions he calls “the works of the flesh.” Included in this list is “emulations” (KJV) or “jealousy” (ESV, NIV). This refers to feelings of resentment, bitterness, or envy toward others over what they have or who they are. It stems from pride and leads to contention and strife. Those controlled by such sinful emulations are in danger of not inheriting the kingdom of God.
Romans 13:13
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
Romans 13 echoes a similar warning as Galatians 5. Paul exhorts believers to walk in the light of Christ, putting aside dark desires and actions. “Jealousy” or “emulations” is included in this list of sensual, quarrelsome sins to avoid.
2 Corinthians 12:20
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
Writing to the Corinthian church, Paul expresses concern that they are struggling with various sins, including “jealousy” or “emulations.” This refers to resentful attitudes believers may have toward one another, leading to conflicts in the church.
James 3:14-16
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James also rebukes “bitter jealousy” stemming from selfish ambition among believers. When believers harbor resentment or envy toward others over perceived slights, status, or lack of recognition, it leads to all kinds of disunity and dysfunction in the body of Christ. This is the result of worldly, ungodly thinking rather than godly wisdom from above.
Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
This passage describes the jealous response of Jewish leaders in Pisidian Antioch to Paul’s preaching of the gospel. Rather than rejoicing at people coming to faith in Christ, these leaders resented Paul’s popularity and influence with the crowds. Their jealousy led them to oppose, insult, and persecute Paul.
Definition
In summary, “emulations” or “jealousy” in the Bible refers to feelings of bitterness, resentment, or envy toward others over their possessions, abilities, popularity, or status. This attitude stems from pride and results in quarrels, outbursts of anger, and division. Scripture repeatedly warns against emulations as sinful works of the flesh which lead to strife. Believers are called to reject such selfish ambition and instead walk in love, rejoicing when others are honored or blessed.
Causes of Emulations
What are some potential causes or roots of sinful emulations according to Scripture?
Pride and Selfish Ambition
As noted in James 3, jealousy often stems from selfish ambition and a prideful desire to exalt oneself over others. When we obsess over status, acclaim, or outdoing others, it inevitably leads to resentment when they are praised or promoted instead of us.
Discontentment
A lack of contentment with one’s own life and calling can breed jealousy toward those who have what we desire for ourselves (James 4:1-3). Coveting what is not rightfully ours provokes bitter envy.
Insecurity
Insecurity in our identity or relationships can also provoke jealousy when we perceive others as threats. We may envy the attention, affection, or position someone else has that we crave for ourselves because of internal emptiness.
Unforgiveness
Holding onto bitterness and anger about past hurts or offenses can spark jealousy when we see those who have hurt us receiving blessings. Unforgiveness keeps our hearts bound to the ones who have harmed us.
Examples of Emulations
Scripture contains many examples of jealousy leading to sinful attitudes and actions:
Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:2-8)
Cain was embittered that God accepted his brother Abel’s offering but rejected his own. Out of jealous anger, Cain murdered his brother.
Joseph’s Brothers (Genesis 37:4-11)
Joseph’s brothers envied that their father Jacob favored him and became murderously jealous when Joseph shared his dreams of rising over them. This led them to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt.
Saul and David (1 Samuel 18:6-9)
King Saul became bitterly jealous of young warrior David after he defeated Goliath and was praised by the people. Saul’s jealousy later drove him to try to kill David multiple times.
Jewish Leaders and Jesus (Matthew 27:17-18)
The chief priests and elders envied Jesus’ popularity and hated that he challenged their religious authority. This fueled their plot to have Him crucified.
First Century Jewish Christians (Acts 5:17, 13:45)
Jewish religious leaders persecuted the early Christian church out of jealousy over the apostles’ miraculous powers and the crowds following Christ.
Overcoming Emulations
How can believers overcome destructive jealousy and emulations? Scripture gives much wisdom on combating this sinful attitude:
Confessing and Repenting (1 John 1:9)
We must humbly confess jealous feelings and attitudes as sin before God, asking His forgiveness. This enables us to walk in the light with a clean heart.
Pursuing Christlikeness (Galatians 5:22-24)
As we seek to grow in godly virtues through the Spirit’s empowerment, emulations are “crucified” and displaced by Christ’s love.
Rejoicing in Others’ Honor (Romans 12:15)
We can combat jealousy by sharing in others’ joys, blessings, and acclaim rather than resenting them. Celebrating others’ gifts reflects God’s love.
Finding Contentment (Philippians 4:10-13)
Contentment in Christ alone enables us to rest secure in who God made us to be. By trusting Him as our provider, jealousy toward others’ possessions fade.
Walking in Love (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Love empowers us to rejoice when others are honored rather than becoming bitter and jealous. It helps us have an others-focused mindset.
Renewing Our Minds (Romans 12:2)
As we reject the world’s selfish competitiveness and status seeking, our minds are renewed to desire God’s blessings on others. This change in perspective defeats jealousy.
Biblical Warnings Against Emulations
In addition to the passages already quoted, here are some other biblical warnings against emulations and jealousy:
Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
Romans 1:29
They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness.
1 Corinthians 3:3
For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
2 Corinthians 12:20
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Bible Stories About Overcoming Jealousy
Here are some biblical narratives about individuals overcoming jealous and learning to rejoice in God’s blessings on others:
Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:1-18)
When disputes arose between Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen, Abraham graciously gave Lot first choice of land. He trusted God rather than becoming jealous of Lot’s needs being met.
David and Saul (1 Samuel 24)
Despite Saul’s relentless jealousy and attacks against him, David refused to kill Saul when he had the chance. He honored God’s chosen king instead of giving in to envy.
Barnabas’s Support of Paul (Acts 9:26-28)
Barnabas welcomed the zealous convert Paul and advocated for him among the skeptical Jerusalem church. Rather than envying Paul’s gifts, Barnabas built him up.
Paul’s Esteem of Timothy (Philippians 2:19-24)
Paul praised Timothy’s character and effectiveness in ministry rather than seeing him as a potential rival. He rejoiced in Timothy’s faithfulness.
John the Baptist on Jesus (John 3:22-30)
Although John’s disciples were disturbed by people leaving John to follow Jesus, John humbly stated Christ must increase as he decreased. He refused jealousy.
Biblical Teachings on Emulations
In summary, here are some key biblical themes on understanding and overcoming sinful emulations and jealousy:
– Emulations stem from pride, ambition, insecurity, or discontentment rather than walking in God’s love.
– Jealousy often leads to quarrels, outbursts of anger, slander, and even violence toward those we envy.
– Believers must identify and repent of jealous attitudes that corrupt our fellowship and witness.
– We overcome jealousy by rejoicing in others’ gifts and blessings as from God’s gracious hand.
– Contentment in our identity and calling in Christ defeats comparison and envy of others.
– Renewing our minds to delight in others’ flourishing reflects the mindset of Christ.
– Walking in the Spirit produces selfless love that casts out destructive jealousy and emulations.