…and the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled;
Numbers 5:14 KJV
Why is the spirit of jealousy such a dangerous and demonic spirit?
Because that which was _formed_ in the heart of Lucifer in Heaven is the very breath he _breathes_ in this world today!
The progression of the spirit of jealousy:
- Heaven (Isaiah 14)
- Earth (Genesis 3)
- Generations/families (Genesis 4)
Jealousy and envy are evil, demonic spirits that produce division, conflict, and irreparable harm.
“And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was threescore years old when she bore them. And the boys grew. (Genesis 25:24-26, KJ21)
“And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben that is, See a son; for she said, “Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction. Now therefore my husband will love me.” And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, He hath therefore given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon that is, Hearing. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore was his name called Levi that is, Joined. And she conceived again and bore a son; and she said, “Now will I praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name Judah that is, Praise, and ceased bearing.”
(Genesis 29:32-35, KJ21)
Jacob opens the door of the spirit of jealousy and envy just like his father Isaac!!
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a coat of many colors. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him and could not speak peaceably unto him.”
(Genesis 37:3-4, KJ21)
Open Doors the spirit of jealousy enters in relationships:
- Favoritism
- Comparison
- Inequality
- Conditional love
- Entitlement
- Criticism
- Discontentment
- Resentment
- Bitterness
Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.
Genesis 37:5 NKJV
The spirit of jealousy seeks _division_ of relationships and _destruction_ of God’s plans and your destiny.
- Sold into slavery by his own brothers.
- Accused of false sexual assault.
- Placed in prison.
- Waited 13 years for God’s deliverance.
How did Joseph break the spirit of jealousy?
- Let it go. (_Forgive_)
- Let God work. (_Trust_)
We have a lot to do with how long we stay in our prison of hurt and resentment!
How do you forgive someone who has hurt you because of jealousy or envy?
1. Don’t repeat the hurt. (_Keep it to yourself_)
“Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him; and he cried, “Cause every man to go out from me!” And there stood no man with him while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, “I am Joseph. Doth my father yet live?” And his brethren could not answer him, for they were troubled at his presence.”
(Genesis 45:1-3, KJ21)’
2. Don’t use _fear_ as a tool for revenge.
And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
Genesis 45:4 NKJV
3. Don’t use _condemnation_ as a mean of guilt.
But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Genesis 45:5 NKJV
4. Speak _goodness_ over that sinfulness.
But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Genesis 45:5 NKJV
5. Always be reminded that if you do what you are supposed to do, God will do what He wants to do.
“And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God; and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”
(Genesis 45:7-8, KJ21)Okay, one last thought. . . . .
When that spirit returns, remind that spirit the door is closed, God has the glory and forgiveness, mercy, and grace abides in that place of brokenness.
“And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, “Joseph will perhaps hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.” And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, “Thy father did command before he died, saying, ‘So shall ye say unto Joseph, “Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren and their sin, for they did unto thee evil.”’ And now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are thy servants.” And Joseph said unto them, “Fear not; for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good to bring to pass as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore fear ye not; I will nourish you and your little ones.” And he comforted them, and spoke kindly unto them.”
(Genesis 50:15-21, KJ21)