How can we zealously pursue good, as encouraged in Galatians 4:18? Grasping Paul’s Appeal Galatians 4:18: “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.” • Paul affirms zeal—passionate energy—when it is aimed at truly good purposes. • “Always” signals a lifestyle, not a passing mood; a continuous flame, not a single spark. Distinguishing Godly Zeal from Fleshly Zeal • Romans 10:2—Israel had “zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.” • James 3:17—Heaven-born wisdom is “peace-loving, gentle, open to reason,” never frantic or self-seeking. • Godly zeal is Spirit-directed, Word-shaped, and servant-hearted; fleshly zeal is ego-driven, impulsive, and divisive. Fueling Zeal with Gospel Truth • Galatians 2:20—We live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. • Titus 2:14—Jesus “purified” for Himself a people “zealous for good works.” • The cross supplies both motive (love shown) and power (sin broken) for sustained zeal. Practical Ways to Pursue Good Zealously Abide in Scripture • Psalm 119:97—“How I love Your law! It is my meditation all day long.” • Daily intake renews the mind so zeal stays accurate and anchored. Stay prayer-saturated • Colossians 4:2—“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” • Prayer shifts zeal from self-effort to Spirit-dependence. Partner in fellowship • Hebrews 10:24—“Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” • Shared zeal multiplies impact and guards against isolation. Serve actively • Ephesians 2:10—We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works…that we should walk in them.” • Volunteer consistently in church, neighborhood, workplace opportunities. Practice generous giving • 2 Corinthians 9:7—“God loves a cheerful giver.” • Financial zeal tangibly advances Kingdom work and loosens material grip. Speak the gospel boldly • 2 Timothy 4:2—“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” • Witnessing is good pursued with eternal consequences. Persevere through weariness • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap.” • Perseverance keeps zeal blazing when visible results lag. Maintaining Zeal When No One Is Watching • Colossians 3:23—Work “not only when being watched” but “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” • Integrity-driven zeal honors Christ more than human applause. Guarding Against Burnout • Mark 6:31—Jesus called the disciples, “Come away…and rest.” • Rhythms of rest, worship, and celebration refresh zeal rather than extinguish it. The Fruit of Zealous Goodness • 1 Peter 3:13—“Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” • God-honoring zeal attracts, testifies, and plants seeds of faith in others. • 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17—The Lord Himself “encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” With hearts ignited by Christ, minds guided by Scripture, and strength supplied by the Spirit, we can zealously pursue what is good—today, tomorrow, and “always.” |
    |