Topical Bible: Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God

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Definition and Nature of Zeal

Zeal, in the biblical context, refers to an intense fervor or enthusiasm directed towards a cause or purpose, particularly in the service and worship of God. It is characterized by a passionate commitment and energetic devotion to the things of God, often manifesting in actions that seek to honor and glorify Him.

Biblical Basis for Zeal

The Scriptures provide numerous examples and exhortations regarding the importance of zeal in the life of a believer. Zeal for God's glory is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate and active pursuit of His will and purposes.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, zeal is often associated with the defense of God's honor and the upholding of His commandments. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, is commended for his zeal in Numbers 25:11-13, where his decisive action against idolatry and immorality is described as turning away God's wrath from the Israelites: "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was as zealous as I am for My honor among them, so that I did not put an end to them in My zeal."

New Testament Exhortations

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of zeal in the life of a believer. In Romans 12:11, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This verse highlights the necessity of maintaining a fervent spirit in service to God, ensuring that one's enthusiasm for His work does not wane.

Jesus Himself exemplifies perfect zeal for God's glory. In John 2:17, following the cleansing of the temple, His disciples recall the words of Psalm 69:9: "Zeal for Your house will consume Me." This demonstrates Jesus' passionate commitment to the purity and sanctity of worship.

Zeal in the Early Church

The early church is marked by a zealous commitment to spreading the Gospel and living out the teachings of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in particular, is a model of zeal for God's glory. In Galatians 1:14, he describes his former life in Judaism as being "extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers." However, after his conversion, this zeal is redirected towards proclaiming Christ and establishing the church.

Warnings Against Misguided Zeal

While zeal is commendable, the Bible also warns against misguided or misdirected zeal. In Romans 10:2, Paul speaks of the Israelites, saying, "For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge." This highlights the importance of aligning zeal with a correct understanding of God's truth and purposes.

Practical Application

Believers are called to exhibit zeal in various aspects of their lives, including worship, service, evangelism, and the pursuit of holiness. This zeal should be rooted in love for God and a desire to see His name glorified. It involves a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and ambition for the sake of advancing His kingdom.

Conclusion

Zeal for the glory of God is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him. It is a dynamic force that propels believers to live out their faith with passion and purpose, ensuring that all they do is for the honor and exaltation of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 25:11,13
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Conclusion
... best perceived when its manifold wisdom is exhibited in its ... What place is left for
zeal in Christian service ... Should it be replied, But surely it were "best" to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/conclusion.htm

Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It.
... a heartfelt desire of repentance should in their zeal go astray ... Ever since God exhibited
himself to us as a Father, we ... as temples to the Lord, we should make it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sergieff/on the christian life/chapter i life of a.htm

The Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It.
... a heartfelt desire of repentance should in their zeal go astray ... Ever since God exhibited
himself to us as a Father, we ... as temples to the Lord, we should make it ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 the life of.htm

The Martyrdom of Stephen.
... was no blasphemy in affirming that it should be destroyed ... to have perceived his design;
their zeal was roused ... away from a scene, which exhibited the malignant ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ix the martyrdom of.htm

The First Part
... or temple, lest any doubt should remain, the ... be taken distributively,) the four animals
exhibited themselves, namely ... Wings with eyes denote zeal combined with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

Epistle xxix. To Bertha, Queen of the Angli .
... return to us how your Glory has exhibited itself towards ... a right faith and instructed
in letters, this should have been ... he may offer, out of the zeal of your ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxix to bertha queen.htm

Peter and John Examined by the Council.
... In this combination, it should not surprise us, to find ... he punishes men for their
zeal and fidelity. ... patience, and disinterested love are exhibited, as afford ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture v peter and john.htm

Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... Him; it was the Father's will His life exhibited. ... government, should adopt the same
creed, should use the ... of sentiment towards Christ and of zeal to promote ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm

Jesus Life-Giver and Judge.
... incurable on the Sabbath resulted from and exhibited His perfect ... John said that I
should come as the Father's agent ... It is possible to have a great zeal for the ...
/.../xiii jesus life-giver and judge.htm

The Relation Between the Human Will and the Divine Agency.
... ourselves from phenomena as they are exhibited to us ... In all our inquiries, truth,
and truth alone, should be our ... all party schemes and sectarian zeal, will be ...
/.../chapter v the relation between.htm