TEXT:  Titus 2:11-14

INTRODUCTION:

A.      THOSE WHO BELONG TO JESUS MUST BE ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS.

B.      FEW ARE ZEALOUS AS THEY SHOULD BE.

C.      WHAT IS ZEAL? zelos, "intense enthusiasm, as in working for a

                   cause; ardent fervor or devotion..."( Webster ).

                   Zeal implies enthusiasm for an object or cause, usually displayed in vigorous

                   and untiring activity in support of that cause.

D.      THE BIBLE SAYS A LOT ABOUT ZEAL.

I.      ZEAL CAN BE MISDIRECTED.

A.      THE ZEAL OF MOSES( Ex. 32:1-20 ) ANGER AND DESTRUCTION!

B.      THE NEW TESTAMENT JEWS.

          1.       Zeal of self-esteem( Mat. 23:1-7 ).

          2.       Zeal of power & hypocrisy( Mat. 23:13-15, 23-26, 27-36 ).

          3.       Some were sincere in their zeal, but( Rom. 10:1-3 ).

C.      APOLLOS WAS ZEALOUS BUT WRONG( Acts 18:24-28 ).

D.      PETER WAS ZEALOUS FOR THE LORD, BUT:

          1.       His zeal was thoughtless( Mat. 17:1, 4, 7 ).

          2.       It wrought violence( John 18:10-11 ).

          3.       It was shallow & short lived( Luke 22:31-34; 54-62 ).

E.      PAUL:

          1.       Look what his zeal moved him to do( Acts 22:1-5 ).

          2.       1 Tim. 1:12-13.  Ignorance and unbelief.

II.     ZEAL CAN BE USED FOR GOOD.

A.      NOTICE THE ZEAL OF PAUL WHEN HE LEARNS THE TRUTH.

          1.       In his teaching( Acts 20:20-31 ).

          2.       In his attitude toward suffering( 2 Cor. 4:7-12;  12:15 ).

          3.       In his commitment to the Gospel( Gal. 2:20;  2 Tim. 1:12 ).

B.      THERE WAS A CHANGE IN PETER, TOO( Acts 2;  4:19-20;  5:29-32, 41 ).

C.      WE ARE TO BE ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS.  HOW WAS THAT ZEAL

          SHOWN IN NT TIMES.

          1.       In their work in the word( Acts 5:42;  8:1, 4 ).

          2.       In their love for one another( 1 Pet. 1:22;  Heb. 10:32-35 ).

          3.       In examining the Scriptures( Acts 17:11 ).

          4.       In assembling & fellowship( Acts 2:42-47 ).

D.      WE ARE TO HAVE ZEAL IN THESE AREAS, TOO.  DO WE?

III.    JESUS ADDRESSES CHURCHES WHO HAD LOST THEIR ZEAL.

A.      AT EPHESUS( Rev. 2:2-4 ).

B.      AT SARDIS( 3:1-3 ).

C.      AT LAODICEA( 3:15-19 ).

CONCLUSION:

A.      HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WORK OF THE CHURCH TO YOU?

B.      THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS?

C.      GOING TO HEAVEN?

D.      NO ONE WILL DRIFT INTO HEAVEN.