Introduction:

1. The hope we discussed last week is a bit of a double-edged sword.

a. On the one hand, it settles our hearts in a state of comfort and ease.

b. On the other hand, it stirs our hearts to serve Him vigorously.

2. Jesus was the greatest example of zeal for the will of God, so we must follow suit in our pursuit of Christ-likeness.

Discussion:

I. What It Means

A. Hebrew: qinah: ardor, passion, fervor, jealousy” (BDB)

B. Greek: zelos:

1. “Excitement of mind, fervor of spirit; ardor in embracing, pursuing, or defending anything” (Thayer)

2. “Intense positive interest in something marked by a sense of dedication” (BDAG)

C. Zeal stirs the spirit/mind to action.

II. What It Teaches About God and Humanity

A. God’s zeal for His people litters the biblical text.

1. He fought for Israel in the Exodus (Exodus 14:14, 25).

2. He fought for her in the conquest (Deuteronomy 1:30; 3:22; 20:4; Joshua 10:42).

3. His zeal delivered the remnant from Assyria (2 Kings 19:30-31).

4. His zeal prompted Him to send Christ to save humanity (Isaiah 9:6-7).

B. This reiterates our dependence upon Him and His immense love for us.

III. How These Truths Should Shape Our Lives

A. His zealous concern for humanity finds its greatest revelation in the sacrifice of Christ for our sins (Romans 5:6-11).

B. Jesus was consumed with zeal for the house of God, prompting Him to risk it all for what was right and good (John 2:13-17).

C. If we are to emulate Him, we too must be consumed with zeal for doing His bidding (Romans 12:11; cf. Jeremiah 20:9).

D. For this cause He (re)created us in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14).

1. God has always been zealous for the good of His people.

2. We must imitate Him and zealously pursue the good of His people (Ephesians 5:1).

3. Are we as intensely interested in His glory as He is in our good?