1. These verses tell us about the first occasion when Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. a. The temple had been turned into a "house of merchandise." b. Jesus was disturbed by the situation, and He cleaned house. 2. We are especially interested in the reaction of the disciples. a. They remembered the statement in Psalm 69:9 -- "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." b. Jesus demonstrated His zeal when He cleansed the temple. 3. As we study various passages this evening, "let us learn about zeal." 4. Before Jesus demonstrated His zeal during His ministry, . . . Discussion: I. ZEAL IS MENTIONED A NUMBER OF TIMES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. "The zeal of the Lord of hosts" is mentioned (Isaiah 9:6-7). B. The zeal of God's servants [ex. Phinehas] is mentioned (Numbers 25:10-13). C. From God's zeal, the Lord's zeal, and the zeal of Phinehas we see that "zeal": 1. results in some type of action 2. can be seen. II. ZEAL PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN CHRISTIANITY
A. (Galatians 4:18) The right kind of zeal is good. B. (2 Corinthians 9:1-2) Zeal can encourage others. C. (Colossians 4:12-13) Christians are to have zeal for one another. D. (Titus 2:11-14) Christians are to be "zealous of good works." E. Zeal is associated with repentance (Revelation 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:9-11). III. THE BIBLE GIVES A NUMBER OF WARNINGS CONCERNING ZEAL
A. (Romans 10:1-2) Zeal that is not based on proper knowledge does not profit. B. (Galatians 4:17) Misguided zeal will have a harmful effect. C. (Philippians 3:6) At one time Paul demonstrated his zeal by persecuting the church. Conclusion:
1. Last Sunday we showed from the Scriptures how "the Lord requires and blesses diligence." 2. Diligence and zeal are similar. 3. While the Lord requires and blesses zeal, let us give careful attention to the warnings that the Bible gives us.
