Zeal
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.
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.
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?
A. AT EPHESUS( Rev. 2:2-4 ).
B. AT SARDIS( 3:1-3 ).
C. AT LAODICEA( 3:15-19 ).
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.