The Zealous Life of Jesus (Mid-Week Bible Study)
Series: Becoming Like Jesus
Introduction
Text: Romans 12:11 TPT
”Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.“ Romans 12:11 AMPC
”Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.“
Definition
Zealous/Zeal:
- The words Zeal/Zealous is used interchangeably in the bible. The Greek and Hebrew words for zeal, zealous and zealot have the basic meaning “ heat” or to be hot”.
- Zeal is dedication or enthusiasm for something. A feeling of strong eagerness in favor of a person or a thing, prompt willingness. It is an indication that you are willing, energized, and motivated.
- The Hebrew word for Zeal is “Kinah” which is ” to flush”. Psalm 69:9b, “For the zeal for your house has consumed me”. John 2:17
- Zealous is to show great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.
Synonyms of Zeal/Zealous:
Fervor, Enthusiasm, Passion/passionate, determination, gusto, eagerness, ardent, dedicated,
Fervent, Fanatical, and Dedicated.
Question: Looking at the definition of zealous/zeal, can we say that this is a true
reflection of our present reality as believers? Briefly Discuss
Types of Zeal
- Zeal according to Knowledge – A lot of believers want to serve God but have no knowledge
of his him nor his word – Matthew 7:21-23 - Zeal without Knowledge – “For I bear record that they have zeal of God, but not according to knowledge”. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:2-3
- Motivated zeal – Saul slayed the Gibeonites because of his zeal for the children of Israel. Philippians 3:6 , 2 Samuel 21:2
Zeal exemplified and expressed
Jeremiah – Jeremiah 20:9
Paul – Paul was a zealous man even before his encounter with Jesus, he was Passionate, driven and
devoted to the killing of Christian. After his conversion that same zeal was seen in his service and pursuit of God.
Paul’s zeal was palpable. Colossians 1:28-29, Acts:22:3
Barnabas and Paul- Acts 15:25-26 (TPT)
Apollos – Acts 18:24—27 (TPT)
David – Psalm 69:9 , John 2:17
C.H Spurgeon – ” If you never have sleepless hours, if you never have weeping eyes, if your hearts
never swell as if they would burst, You need not anticipate that you will be called zealous. You do
not know the beginning of true zeal, for the foundation of Christian zeal lies in the heart. The
heart must be heavy with grief and yet must beat high with holy ardor. The heart must be
vehement in desire, panting continually for God’s glory or else we shall never attain to anything
like the zeal which God would have us know..
Complacency
What is Complacency?
- It is a state of spiritual stagnation, apathy, or contentment that comes from a lack of zeal.
- It is finding comfort in the midst of mediocrity and maintaining the status quo while you indulge your desires and
- passion for God.
Spiritual complacency: A state where you become over-confident with where you are at in God and his provisions and you believe you are no longer responsible for participating intentionally in your growth in God’s assignment and mission.
Question: Why are people complacent?
Reasons for Complacency:
- Perception
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of Passion
- Burn out/Weariness
- Frustration
- Laziness
- Lack of interest
- Service is no longer a priority – Not putting God first – Matthew 6:33
Overcoming Complacency:
- Pray for Strength – John 15:4-5 AMPC, TPT
- Depend on the Holy Spirit – John 14:26
- Make Jesus your focus not people – Ephesians 6:6-7
- Ask for grace – 1 Corinthians 15:10
- Have a new attitude towards service – Philippian 2:4-5
We will consider the zealous life of Jesus by looking at a few bible verses.
I must work the works of He who sent Me while it is day; the night is
coming when no one can work – John 9:4
- Eagerness
- Responsibility
- Urgency
- His Zeal is relational not born out of compulsion , or pressure. He believed in His father and urged his disciples to do the same. It is difficult to work passionately for or be zealous or committed to someone you do not believe in. John 6:28-29A (AMPC)
- My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work – John 4:34
Passionate, Consuming, Commitment, Focused
Conclusion
Jesus understood what he was required to do, he remained focused and served God selflessly and passionately. Service should come naturally , out of love for the person or cause you are committed to. He never failed to mention that he was about his father’s business. Romans 15:3 AMPC, Revelation 3:16
Thank You Participating!
