Zeal for God
Zeal for God8
Fasting, Feasting, and God's Zeal (Zech. 7-8)
By Mike Bickle2655:56ZEC 7:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding God's grace and zeal as presented in Zechariah 7-8. He discusses the balance between fasting and feasting, urging believers to focus on their relationship with God rather than merely seeking personal benefits. Bickle highlights the need for repentance and a deeper commitment to God's purposes, warning against complacency in times of blessing. He encourages the congregation to engage wholeheartedly with God, recognizing that true devotion involves both the positive and negative aspects of grace. Ultimately, the message calls for a passionate response to God's love and zeal for His people.
The Last Journey of Elijah With Elisha
By T. Austin-Sparks02KI 2:1T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound journey of Elijah and Elisha, emphasizing the significance of zeal for the Lord as a pathway to heavenly fullness. He illustrates how Elijah's life, marked by a deep jealousy for God's rights, culminates in his ascension to heaven, while Elisha's unwavering commitment reflects the continuation of that divine purpose on earth. The sermon highlights the importance of setting aside the self-life, engaging in true fellowship, and overcoming spiritual challenges to embody the fullness of Christ. Sparks draws parallels between the journey from Gilgal to Jordan, representing stages of spiritual growth and victory over death, ultimately calling believers to a deeper devotion and expression of God's glory. The message encourages the church to actively pursue a life that reflects Christ's victory and presence in the world.
The Exemplification of This Zeal in the Life of Elijah
By T. Austin-Sparks01KI 19:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the zeal of Elijah, who was 'very jealous for the Lord,' illustrating a deep commitment to ensuring God's full rights and place among His people. This zeal is characterized by selflessness, obedience, and a fervent desire for God's interests over personal gain, as seen in Elijah's life and actions. Sparks draws parallels between Elijah and John the Baptist, highlighting their shared mission to prepare the way for the Lord and secure God's rights. The sermon calls for believers to abandon personal interests and fully surrender to God's will, leading to spiritual fullness. Ultimately, the message is a challenge to examine our own lives and ensure that God holds His rightful place in every aspect.
The Exemplification of This Zeal in the Life of Elisha
By T. Austin-Sparks01KI 19:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the zeal of Elijah as a profound commitment to God's rights and interests, illustrating how this jealousy for the Lord is essential for spiritual fullness. He draws parallels between Elijah and Jesus, highlighting their shared dedication to ensuring God has His rightful place. The sermon explores how Elijah's life exemplifies dependence on God, fervent prayer, self-effacement, and obedience, all leading to a deeper relationship with the Lord. Sparks also connects Elijah's spirit to John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ, reinforcing the theme of prioritizing God's interests above personal desires. Ultimately, the message calls for believers to fully surrender to God, ensuring His place in every aspect of their lives to experience true spiritual abundance.
Of Zeal.
By John Gill01KI 18:21ISA 9:7MAT 23:15ROM 10:22CO 7:112CO 11:2GAL 4:18PHP 3:9TIT 2:14REV 3:15John Gill emphasizes the significance of zeal as a fervent love for God and His glory, distinguishing between genuine zeal and various forms of misguided zeal. He explains that true zeal is characterized by a passionate commitment to God's righteousness, worship, and the promotion of the gospel, while false zeal can stem from ignorance, hypocrisy, or misguided intentions. Gill outlines the different types of zeal, including the zeal of God, mistaken zeal, superstitious zeal, and hypocritical zeal, urging believers to pursue a true and informed zeal that aligns with God's will. He encourages Christians to be fervent in their faith and actions, reflecting the zeal of Christ in their lives.
Zeal - Love Ablaze!
By Leonard Ravenhill0JOL 2:17JHN 2:17JHN 7:24EPH 4:262TI 3:5Leonard Ravenhill passionately addresses the need for zeal in the Church, emphasizing that true zeal is love ablaze, which drives believers to confront sin and pollution within their communities. He contrasts the weeping Christ with the whipping Christ, highlighting Jesus' deep sorrow over the defilement of the temple and the need for modern preachers to weep over the state of the Church. Ravenhill warns against counterfeit zeal and calls for a return to genuine, Spirit-filled passion that prioritizes God's glory over personal gain. He laments the current state of the Church, which has become complacent and distracted by worldly concerns, urging believers to rekindle their fervor for God. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to embody the zeal of Christ, which should consume them in their pursuit of holiness and righteousness.
The Way to Heavenly Fullness - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks01KI 17:81KI 18:331KI 19:142KI 2:1ISA 59:17MAT 26:39LUK 1:17JHN 2:17HEB 10:7JAS 5:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the zeal of Elijah as a model for believers, illustrating how true jealousy for the Lord's rights leads to heavenly fullness. He explains that Elijah's life exemplifies a complete abandonment to God's interests, showcasing how this zeal is reflected in prayer, obedience, and self-effacement. The connection between Elijah and John the Baptist highlights the continuity of this spirit, culminating in the recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's rights. Sparks urges believers to prioritize God's place in their lives, asserting that true spiritual fullness comes from surrendering personal interests for God's glory.
Zeal
By William MacDonald0EXO 17:9LUK 12:50JHN 2:17JHN 9:4HEB 1:7William MacDonald emphasizes the critical importance of zeal in the life of a disciple, arguing that without a passionate commitment to Christ, one stands condemned. He illustrates this through the examples of Jesus, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul, all of whom exhibited fervent dedication to God's work. MacDonald challenges Christians to reflect on their own level of zeal, comparing it to the fervor seen in secular movements, and calls for a wholehearted devotion to God. He concludes that true zeal is characterized by a singular focus on pleasing God, regardless of personal cost or societal opinion.