A: I believe that this question stems from the Simmer Down Six Series on Jealousy. That sermon can be found here (May 31st 2009 by Pastor Kelly Tam).
In this sermon, I use the words jealousy and envy interchangeably, as synonyms. However, yes, there are deeper meanings to these 2 words. I touch on both these meanings in the sermon but have not been explicit enough. Hopefully, this will answer your question.
John Piper preaches a sermon from Ephesians 5: 19-26 on the fruits of the spirit says this about envy and jealousy:
Envy, for example, does not aim to merit anything, but it is the product of a heart that thinks it merits more than it is getting. Jealousy is not calculated to earn any pay, but it is the product of a heart that expected to be paid what went to another. In other words, the kind of heart that produces these vices is a heart that thinks of itself as creditor and everyone else as its debtors. The flesh is convinced of its own merit and expects God and man and nature to pay dues by giving the satisfaction it desires. When these payments of satisfaction are not made the flesh reacts the way it does not to earn anything but because it feels that it already had earned what it didn't get.
To be jealous, means to want what is ours. This type of emotion is often brought to life in relationships. A child may get jealous of the attention his/her parents when they spend too much time with a sibling. Or a girlfriend may get jealous of her boyfriend when he talks to other girls. Even God is jealous when we are away from Him because we are His.
To be envious means to go further and cross the line into malice. It means that you are aware of what you do not have, and you chronically desire to attain what others have. Not only that, but envy drives you to a point where you want to be the only one who has it. There is a desire to not only want something good for yourself, but you want the worst for others.
In conclusion, jealousy is where it starts, and if not careful, envy is where it ends. When you get to a point of envy, your heart is hardened and you are no longer loving others, but are spiteful and malicious. Do ask God to help your heart to make sure that you never get to a point such as this. And if you are, do remember that Christ is the one that you can turn to. He's the source of forgiveness and the strength you need to overcome this sin.
[answered by Pastor KJT]
