Use the following questions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

‌Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• Your friend gets a new car. What is the difference between appreciating it and coveting it? What features on a new car would tempt you to covet it?

‌Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• Read Exodus 20:17. The command is very specific. Does it apply only to who is listed, or is God’s command broader? (I.e. Does “neighbor” include people in another town?)
• Why are we tempted to compare our experiences to others’ experiences? How does this comparison begin to isolate us from them?
• Read 1 Kings 18:22-40, then read 1 Kings 19:1-3. How do you explain the change in attitude in Elijah? How do the opinions of others shape your own moods and attitudes?
• What is your level of social media engagement (daily/weekly)? In what ways does it tempt you to make comparisons to others? What are you most likely to covet – their “perfect” experiences (e.g. a trip), their enviable expenses (e.g. box seats for a Royals game), or their time (e.g. spending a weekend with grandkids)?
• Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-16. Why do we covet others’ roles and gifts in the church? Where do you hear those comparisons, either within our church or in comparison to other churches?
• How does God help Elijah move past his depressing comparisons (1 Kings 19:4-18)? Which would be most meaningful to you if you were in Elijah’s sandals?
• What attitude should we embrace instead of comparison? See Philippians 4:11.

‌Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Thank God for his provision in our circumstances, and ask him to help you be content rather than coveting others situations, possessions, or experiences.