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I. WHAT IS THE NATURE OF TRUE CHRISTIAN ZEAL?

1. The original word means heat. When the passions are strongly moved to good and against evil there is religious zeal.

2. Love is the chief ingredient in its composition. But it is love in the highest degree — "fervent love."

II. It follows, therefore, that THE PROPERTIES OF LOVE ARE THE PROPERTIES OF ZEAL (see 1 Corinthians 13.).

1. Humility.

2. Meekness.

3. Patience.

4. Permanence.

5. Proportioned to that which is good.

(1)  For the Church.

(2)  More for Church ordinances.

(3)  More still for works of mercy.

(4)  Most for love itself.

III. PRACTICAL INFERENCES. If this be true, then —

1. Christian zeal is inimical to —

(1)  Hatred, bitterness, prejudice, bigotry, persecution.

(2)  Pride.

(3)  Anger.

(4)  Murmuring and impatience. And,

2. Is not fervour for

(1)  Any evil thing.

(2)  Indifferent things.

(3)  Opinions.

(J. Wesley.)

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KJV: But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

WEB: But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.