s20100117m_God Wants Knowledgeable and Zealous Disciples

God Loves It When I Am A Passionate

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor (passion), serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

Acts 14:21-23-An Example Of Spiritual Passion

God Loves it When I am passionate about ….

·         Winning Disciples [with The good news]

They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples… Vs 21a

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)

·         Encouraging Disciples [to be true]

21bThen they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. Vs. 21b-22a

22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:22-24

·         Enduring Hardship [to Enter the Kingdom]

They said, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,”  Vs 22b

3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:3-6

·         Putting my Trust [in him]

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Vs.23

5Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah Psalm 62:5-8

key: With the good news, To be true, To Enter the Kingdom, In Him