Introduction:

A. Nineveh (Nah. 1:2-3; Jon. 4:2)

B. God is a jealous God (Rm. 11:22; Ex. 34:6-7; 20:5).

C. Jealousy as a vice
1. Fearful of being supplanted
2. Work of the flesh (Gal. 5:20)
3. Brought about the crucifixion of our Lord
4. Persecution of the church (Acts 5:17-18; 13:45; 17:5)
5. Powerful emotion (Prov. 27:4; 6:34)

D. Jealousy as a virtue
1. Paul (2 Cor. 11:2)
2. Phinehas (Num. 25:4-5, 6, 11)
3. God
a. Tender regard for his own deity….
b. Careful observance of duty or obligations….

I. GOD’S JEALOUSY INSPIRES FIDELITY

A. Jealousy is that fiery attribute of deity that motivate the pursuit of loyalty and faithfulness.

B. “Jealousy” comes from a word meaning, “to boil with heat, be hot” (Thayer).

C. God is jealous for the fidelity His bride.
1. Israelites (Dt. 31:16-17; Is. 54:5)
2. With privilege comes responsibility (Is. 62:5; Jer. 32:2; 3:14 ASV).
3. God earnestly seeks to draw His people back (Hos. 11:4; Zeph. 1:18).