Zeal for God's knowledge

Introduction: Today we turn our attention to a profound truth expressed by the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:2. He observes the fervent zeal of the Israelites towards God, but he also highlights a crucial deficiency: their zeal is not accompanied by the knowledge necessary for salvation. This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of our own faith and the importance of knowledge in our relational journey with God.

Romans 10:2 “For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.”

1.    The Nature of Zeal: Zeal can be an admirable trait—it's about passion, enthusiasm, and commitment. Many of us may have experienced moments of zealous devotion. Perhaps we have been excited to serve in our church, to evangelize, or to engage in worship. However, zeal alone, if not rooted in understanding, can lead us astray. Paul's reference underscores that while zeal is commendable, it must be directed by truth.

2.    The Danger of Misguided Zeal: The Israelites had a deep passion for God, but they misunderstood His ways. Paul notes that their zeal was based on their traditions and interpretations rather than the true revelation of God. This is a cautionary tale for us all. Sometimes, we can be so passionate about our practices, our rituals, or our interpretations of Scripture that we miss the very heart of what God desires from us. Misguided zeal can lead to legalism, hypocrisy, and division within the church.

3.    The problem with our churches now days is that we have developed a victim based theology:

a.    Ohhh! The devil made me do it theology

b.    It is not my fault theology

c.    Because of what they did to me theology

d.    Theology that suggested that everything that is wrong with our lives causeed by someone else

What we must recognize that sometimes the worst thing in our lives is us!

-       We do not have the zeal that understand that our salvation comes from Jesus

-       We don’t understand how God’s Grace works in our lives

-       We don’t have zeal for God to keep the breastplate of righteousness on at all time.

-       We don’t have the zeal to total trust God

-       We don’t pray, we don’t read our bible, we continue to use, we continue to engage in sinful relationships

-       We continue to come to chapel or church expecting words from a sinner  like me and think that life will be better this week.

-       What do you expect?

-       “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different result.”

-       What I am asking you here: are you ready to get in and stay in the word of God

-       Know understand that your situation don’t change the word but the word change your situation

 

4.    The Call for Knowledge: Paul emphasizes the necessity of knowledge that aligns with God’s will. Knowledge here transcends mere intellectual understanding; it involves a relational and experiential aspect of knowing God. It means immersing ourselves in Scripture, being open to the Holy Spirit's leading, and seeking wisdom through prayer and community. True knowledge of God shapes our zeal, directing it toward love, grace, and truth. Knowledge of God is to have a personal relationship and let Jesus live out in us as it is no longer ourselves but Jesus in us.

5.    Balancing Zeal and Knowledge: How do we cultivate a passionate faith tempered with understanding? It begins with humility—a willingness to learn and grow. We can ask ourselves:

• Are we engaging with God's Word daily?
• Are we part of a community that challenges and helps us grow in understanding?
• Are we open to correction from God and fellow believers? Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.
• Are we humbling ourselves to serve God and also our neighbors? 1 Peter 4:10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

By actively seeking a deeper understanding, we can ensure that our zeal for God is informed and genuine.

Conclusion: As we close, let us reflect on our own spiritual journeys.

-       Are we embodying a zeal for God that is rooted in knowledge and understanding?

-       Are we embodying a zeal for God’s knowledge that can change our situation

-       Are we embodying a zeal for God’s knowledge to follow Jesus that will not turn back

-       Are we embodying a zeal of God’s knowledge to take up our cross and follow him

-       Are we embodying a zeal for God’s knowledge to devotionally read the scripture daily  

Here’s the Practical’s, Set yourself Goals:

1.    Goal Setting: Pray and dedicate yourself to the will of God: Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Your Goal MUST embodied these values:

Setting SMART Goals:

a.    Specific: Define your goals clearly and precisely.

b.    Measurable: Set goals that can be tracked and measured.

c.    Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and attainable.

d.    Relevant: Make sure your goals align with your overall objectives.

e.    Time-Bound: Set deadlines for achieving your goals

 

Your Goal MUST embodied these values:

f.     Serving Others: God's will often involves serving others, loving them, and showing compassion, as seen in various passages in the Bible. 

g.   Giving Your Time and Talents: Dedication can involve using your gifts and skills to serve God and His people. 

h.   Living a Life of Integrity: Walking in obedience to God's word and seeking to live a life that honors Him. 

i.      Praying for God's Will: Asking God to reveal His will for your life and to guide your decisions. 

j.      Trusting in God's Timing: Understanding that God reveals His will gradually and trusting in His plan for your life. 

2.    Create Layers of focus:

a.    Focus on the Immediate needs

                                              i.     Food & Shelter

b.    Focus on the long-term Stability

                                              i.     Employment & upskills

c.    Focus on the road to success

                                              i.     Career   

                                             ii.     Give back

3.    Eliminate Distraction:

a.    Proverb 4:25 ⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. ²⁶ Give careful thought to the^[a] paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. ²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

May we aspire to be believers who not only love God with passion but also know Him deeply. Let us commit to seeking truth, embracing both our zeal and our need for God’s knowledge, so that we may grow closer to the heart of God.

Let us pray for wisdom and understanding as we seek to serve Him passionately and accurately. Amen.

 

Scripture noted: Isaiah 59:17; Romans 12:11; Titus 2:14; Galatians 4:18; Galatians 6:1-2; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Proverbs 27:17; Roman 14:12;