PM Sermon 5/19/13: Misdirected Zeal!
PM Scripture Reading: Romans 10.1-3
Brent T. Willey
Misdirected Zeal!
Introduction:
- The apostle Paul exposed Israel’s misdirected zeal when he wrote, “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10.2; read vs. 1-3).
- This is no less of a problem in today’s religious world!
The Problem of Ignorance
- “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness…”
- Agnoountes, is from agnoeō, “to be ignorant, not to know,” which is counter to gnōsis, primarily a seeking to know, and enquiry, investigation” (Vine).
- The same form is used in Acts 17.23: “the One whom you worship without knowing” (nkj; “in ignorance” nasb).
- Paul could speak from personal experience! (1 Tim. 1.13)
“God’s Righteousness” versus “Own Righteousness”
- “God’s righteousness” is found in His revealed truth, the gospel! (Rom. 1.16-17) We must submit to it!
- Seeking to establish one’s “own righteousness” is self-serving and perilous! (Text, cf., Phil. 3.8-11)
The Danger of Zeal Without Knowledge
- Zealously rushing into something without good information.
- Zēlos: “excitement of mind” (Thayer; e.g., Phil. 3.6).
- Militarily, the importance of proper intelligence.
- Spiritually, proper knowledge of the facts. (Prov. 18.13)
- Some applications of zeal without knowledge…
- Causes people say things they later regret. (Eccl. 5.2)
- Wastes time because of hasty mistakes. (Prov. 21.5; 29.20)
- Leads to unauthorized practices. (Matt. 7.21-23)
Conclusion: Zeal must be coupled with biblical knowledge!
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