EMULATIONS
Defined and
Described: The word “emulations” is only found once in this form, and only
in the list of the works of the flesh. The word in Greek is, “ζῆλος, zēlos meaning heat, zeal, jealousy or envy, G.
2205. The root word is found 17 times and can be translated to be hot or boil
over.
Webster: “Emulations” as emulating, desire or ambition to equal or
surpass. An ambitious rivialry; envious dislike.
“Emulate” is defined as to try to equal or surpass, to rival
successfully. “Ambitious” means “having a strong desire to achieve something,
as fame, power, wealth, etc. Full of, or showing great effort, aspiring.”
Rivalry is defined as the “act of trying to equal or surpass another in doing
the same thing; competition.”
Adam Clarke defines “emulations” as “envies…strife to excel at the
expense of another; lowering others to set up oneself; unholy zeal, fervently
adopting a bad cause, or supporting a good one by bad means. Inquisitions,
pretending to support true religion by torturing and burning alive those who
both profess and practice it.”
Kenneth Wuest defines “emulations” as “ jealousy, the unfriendly feeling
excited by another’s possessions of good; and to envy, the eager desire for
possession created by the spectacle of another’s possessions.”
From the above definitions it is clear that there is an emulation that
is not necessarily harmful, such as a desire to succeed, achieve, or excel; but
the objective for such striving makes all the difference. Striving for fame,
power, or wealth are dangerous objectives which could lead to the undesirable
facet of emulations as an evil work of the flesh. Rivalry, or competition, even
when it begins friendly, can escalate to hurt feelings, jealousy, evil
imaginations, and downright enmity (hatred). Emulations, in its plural form,
is used once in the Word of God. Its characteristics can be seen in the results
of other works of the flesh—jealousy and covetousness. Emulations are a
combination of fleshly acts which portray a destructive desire in a person to
be like or to excel those around them. The desire to emulate others who are not
saved originates from discontentment with one’s own status in life. It is
characteristic of a lack of contentment, and it generates evil feelings of a
lustful desire to possess the things that others possess. An example of sinful
emulations can be seen in the attitude with the first sin which originated in
heaven where Lucifer wanted to be “like God” and desired his throne and
worship. His pride produced these emotions and he acted out in rebellion
through deceit and was cast out of heaven with a third of the angels (Isa
14:14:12-17; Rev 12). Feelings of jealousy and covetousness can cause
individuals to feel that they deserve what they see others possessing and they
are determined to get those things at any cost. Cain wanted God to accept his
offering though he rejected the prescribed method of acceptance, and his
jealousy burned toward his brother which led him to commit the first murder on
earth. Some people intend to possess the things that individuals around them
possess, even if they have to lie, cheat, steal, or kill to get them.
“Thou
shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s
wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor
any thing that is thy neighbour’s” (Exo. 20:17).
In
Scripture references to emulations as one of the works of the flesh, the
context is in the production of evil feelings demonstrating a desire to equal
or surpass others at someone else’s expense. The goal in emulations is to excel
above others engaging in similar endeavors at any cost necessary to get the
desired results. Generally, lust is a motivating factor in the expression and
fulfillment of the feelings of envious dislike for others. Ishmael was jealous for
his father’s affection, which led him to act out toward Isaac in Abraham’s
house, and has brought a continual feud between brothers to this very day. Many
today fear to travel to the Middle East because of the danger of terrorism that
stems from jealousy and the many other evils produced from it. Solomon said “Jealousy
is as cruel as the grave,” meaning, cold blooded, dark, unforgiving, unmerciful,
and never satisfied (Song 8:6). It appears that David was motivated by feelings
of emulation when he saw Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. David desired to have Uriah’s
wife at any cost. Read the scriptural account of David causing the death of Uriah,
so that he could have Bathsheba.
“And it
came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked
upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing
herself, and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and
inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of
Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And it came to pass in the morning, that
David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. And he wrote in
the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and
retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die” (2 Sam. 11:2, 3, 14, 15).
Emulation Among
Christians
The religious
world has not escaped this spirit of emulation. David feared for his life due
to Saul’s jealousy of him taking his kingdom. From denomination to denomination
there is a vying for the largest crowds, fastest growth, most impressive
edifices, popular ministry, and the favor of the business sector.
The unity
of the spirit and oneness of purpose seem more compatible with the New
Testament practice. It appears that the apostles “ rule of faith and practice”
was one of self-control, personal sacrifice, and ever onward reaching to the
regions beyond them. Second Corinthians
chapter ten deals with this unholy competition that sometimes sneaks into the
midst of brethren and must not be allowed to destroy the unity of the spirit through
Christ Jesus:
2Co 10:12 For
we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that
commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing
themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2Co 10:13 But
we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the
measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even
unto you.
2Co 10:14 For
we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto
you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
2Co 10:15 Not
boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but
having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you
according to our rule abundantly,
2Co 10:16 To
preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's
line of things made ready to our hand.
2Co 10:17 But
he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2Co 10:18 For
not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
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