Topical Bible: Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

Zeal, a fervent and enthusiastic devotion, is a vital characteristic encouraged throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the context of the welfare of the saints. This fervor is not merely an emotional response but a committed and active pursuit of the well-being and spiritual growth of fellow believers.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides numerous exhortations for believers to exhibit zeal in their care for one another. In Romans 12:11, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This passage underscores the importance of maintaining a passionate commitment to serving God, which naturally extends to serving His people.

Zeal in Action

The early church serves as a model of zeal for the welfare of the saints. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers as being together and having everything in common, selling their possessions and goods to give to anyone in need. This communal lifestyle was driven by a zeal for the well-being of each member, ensuring that no one lacked necessities.

Paul's letters often highlight individuals who exemplified such zeal. In 2 Corinthians 8:16-17, he commends Titus, saying, "Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you. For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition." Titus's eagerness to assist the Corinthian church reflects a deep-seated zeal for their spiritual and material welfare.

Encouragement and Edification

Zeal for the welfare of the saints also involves encouraging and edifying one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds," emphasizing the importance of meeting together and encouraging one another. This passage highlights the role of zeal in fostering a supportive and uplifting community.

Guarding Against Misguided Zeal

While zeal is commendable, it must be guided by knowledge and love. Romans 10:2 warns of having zeal without knowledge, which can lead to misguided actions. Therefore, zeal for the welfare of the saints should be rooted in a deep understanding of God's Word and a genuine love for others, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, where love is described as the greatest virtue.

Conclusion

Zeal for the welfare of the saints is a dynamic expression of Christian love and service. It involves a passionate commitment to the spiritual and physical needs of fellow believers, modeled by the early church and encouraged throughout the New Testament. This zeal, when guided by knowledge and love, strengthens the body of Christ and glorifies God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 4:13
For I bear him record, that he has a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... doctrines and duties of Christianity, so he exhibited them in ... be the cause which
stimulates the zeal of the ... of the perils to which the Church should be exposed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
... backbone of its strength lay in the zeal, intelligence, and ... them, as a Roman spectator
would have exhibited about the ... of the land to the other we should try to ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvii phil 1 1 the.htm

The Nuns of the Primitive Church
... went to the fantastic extremes which exhibited in the ... her husband to her, even though
he should be already ... Gregory, in addition to his constant zeal in gaining ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vi the nuns of the.htm

Washed to Greater Foulness
... With what exemplary zeal many in the Anglican Church ... the costliest of gifts, yet
we should be unable ... his deliverance could not have exhibited the extraordinary ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/washed to greater foulness.htm

The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia
... Pulcheria early exhibited an earnest and almost manly intelligence. ... of the Empire
under one emperor, should a son ... In return for her zeal, she had the conscious ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/x the rival empressespulcheria and.htm

Matt. I. 17
... kind of wild beast, and as much zeal as others ... they would children mocking them,
and exhibited their courage ... glory, nor honor, nor anything else should be more ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

Acts XV
... the subject was now so clearly exhibited that the ... confirming the Churches." This
journey, it should be observed ... was not less ardent than their zeal in spreading ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xv.htm

The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... high calling and the dutiful obedience he so perfectly exhibited. ... No one should join
a church without seeking out ... this, you will need much more zeal than you ...
/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... it might hold the desired prominence, it should not suffer that truth to be
inadequately exhibited, or concealed. ... not merely in love and zeal, but also ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... But it is a zeal and activity for self: for it ... of charity is sufficiently comprehensive,
if exhibited in all ... Should such a person conceive it to be his duty to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm