Zeal - Stirred Up for Jesus

ZEAL: Stir the Fire

[Rom 12:11 NASB95] 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

· Revival does not begin with music, crowds, or emotion. It begins when God breathes on embers that were once flames.

· Old Testament (Hebrew) קִנְאָה (qin’ah) – zeal, jealousy, ardor, passion

Used of: God’s covenant passion, Human holy fervor, Also misdirected jealousy (important tension)

o New Testament (Greek) ζῆλος (zēlos) – zeal, fervor, intense desire; ζέω (zeō) – to boil, to burn (used in Romans 12:11)

o Paul does not tell the church in Rome to find zeal; he tells them not to let it cool.

o You don’t need new fire. You need stirred fire.

o God still answers hunger. God still responds to yielded hearts. God still baptizes with fire

What does real Spirit-empowered zeal look like in the life of a believer?

Here are five important truths about zeal that every believer needs to know.

God Is a God of Zeal (Shift: Revelation → Encounter)

[Isa 9:7 NASB95] [Zec 8:2 NASB95] [Isa 42:13 NASB95]

God is not indifferent. He is actively, passionately committed to His purposes in this generation.

If God is zealous, then lukewarm Christianity is a contradiction.

Zeal is not something we “work up.” It is something we receive as we participate in God’s own burning concern for His purposes. Invite hunger, not hype.

Application: Revival starts when people realize God burns with desire for His people.

Ask: What has cooled my expectancy?

Zeal Has Always Marked God’s Revival People

Phinehas – Zeal for Holiness

[Num 25:6-13 NASB95]

God says Phinehas was “zealous with My zeal” (NKJV)

This is not violent enthusiasm, but alignment with God’s holiness when the covenant was threatened.

Zeal protects spiritual purity and covenantal boundaries.

Elijah – Fire Must Fall Again - 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19

Elijah saw fire fall, but still needed renewal. Revival fire must be maintained, not just experienced.

Yesterday’s fire cannot sustain today’s obedience

Burnout is not solved by rest alone. It is solved by God’s presence

“Where has the fire dimmed?” “Where have you kept going without burning?”

David – Zeal for God’s Presence

[Psa 69:9 NASB95]

David’s zeal was not for success. It was for God’s house.

Revival restores passion for God’s presence not personalities and programs.

The fire returns to the altar before it goes to the streets

Jesus: The Face of Holy Zeal (Shift: Christological Center)

[Jhn 2:17 NASB95]

Jesus was consumed, not irritated, by zeal for God’s dwelling place.

Revival confronts what crowds tolerate.

Jesus still cleanses temples, starting with hearts.

Application: Invite the Holy Spirit to search, cleanse, and reorder.

Do not rush: this is conviction without condemnation.

The Holy Spirit and the Fire That Remains

[Act 2:1-4 NASB95] [Rom 12:11 NASB95] [2Ti 1:6 NASB95]

Fire is not a moment. It is a lifestyle

The Spirit ignites zeal, sustains zeal, and directs zeal

The fire does not fall on talent. It falls on altars.

A Warning That Prepares the Altar (Do Not Skip This)

[Rom 10:2 NASB95]

Revival fire must be pure fire, not strange fire.

Zeal is not anti-order; it is pro-presence.

God is not restoring wildfire. He is restoring altar fire.

Passion must be surrendered, not just expressed.

Zeal must be Spirit-led and truth-anchored. Pentecostal fervor must remain Word-centered.

· Revival happens when God’s fire meets a willing altar and His people burn again with holy zeal.

· God sustains zeal through encounter, not adrenaline.