PURSUING GOD WITH PASSION AND ZEAL

BIBLE STUDY: PURSUING GOD WITH PASSION AND ZEAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 12:11
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.”

Supporting Texts:

Psalm 42:1-2
Matthew 22:37-38
Philippians 3:7-10
Revelation 3:15-16
Jeremiah 29:13
2 Timothy 1:6

INTRODUCTION:

To pursue God with passion and zeal means to seek Him with all our heart, soul, and strength, making Him the ultimate desire of our lives. It is not a half-hearted effort, but a burning desire to know God more and to live for His glory. Many times, the cares of this world can dampen our passion for God, but the Bible calls us to fan the flame of spiritual fervour and never be lukewarm in our pursuit of Him. In this study, we will explore how to cultivate a passionate and zealous pursuit of God and look at biblical examples of men and women who sought God wholeheartedly.

1. THE CALL TO PURSUE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART

God desires that we seek Him earnestly, not casually. A heart that truly longs for God will never be satisfied with just religious rituals but will crave deeper intimacy with Him.

a) Seeking God passionately is a command: We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37).

b) Pursuing God involves a deep hunger: Like the psalmist who said, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God" (Psalm 42:1-2).

c) God promises to reveal Himself to those who seek Him: “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

d) Passion for God must be nurtured: Paul urged Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6).

e) Wholehearted pursuit requires focus: We must let go of distractions that pull us away from our pursuit of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Biblical Example:
David was known as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His Psalms reflect a deep passion and hunger for God. In Psalm 63:1, David declares, “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” David’s life was marked by his relentless pursuit of God, even in times of hardship and difficulty.

2. MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL ZEAL

Zeal for God involves an intense enthusiasm and devotion to His cause. Spiritual zeal must be maintained consistently, as it is easy to grow cold or complacent in our walk with God.

a) Zeal is evidence of our love for God: Our passion for God is a reflection of our love for Him (John 14:15).

b) Beware of lukewarmness: In Revelation 3:15-16, God warns the church in Laodicea about being neither hot nor cold. Lukewarmness is displeasing to God.

c) Serve the Lord with fervour: Paul urges us in Romans 12:11 to “never be lacking in zeal” and to “keep your spiritual fervour.”

d) Guard your zeal against burnout: Even in ministry, we can grow weary and lose zeal. That’s why Jesus often withdrew to pray and be renewed (Mark 1:35).

e) Be filled with the Holy Spirit: True zeal comes from the power of the Holy Spirit within us (Acts 1:8).

Biblical Example:
The prophet Elijah displayed a zeal for God when he challenged the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40). His zeal for the glory of God was evident when he called down fire from heaven, proving that the God of Israel is the one true God. Elijah’s boldness and passion for God’s honour should inspire us to serve God with a similar zeal, undeterred by opposition.

3. HINDRANCES TO SPIRITUAL PASSION AND ZEAL

Many factors can hinder our passion and zeal for God. It is crucial to recognise these obstacles and address them so that we can keep our fire burning.

a) Complacency and routine: Settling into a routine of religious activities without a real hunger for God can dampen our zeal (Amos 6:1).

b) Worldliness: The pursuit of worldly pleasures and distractions can choke our desire for God (1 John 2:15-17).

c) Unrepented sin: Sin separates us from God and hinders our intimacy with Him (Isaiah 59:2).

d) Spiritual burnout: Overwork without spiritual renewal leads to burnout (Galatians 6:9).

e) Discouragement and trials: Life’s challenges can sometimes quench our passion if we allow them to (John 16:33).

Biblical Example:
In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus rebukes the church in Ephesus for abandoning their first love. Despite their good works, they had lost their passion for God. Jesus calls them to repent and return to the passionate love they once had for Him. This serves as a warning that we can be busy with religious activities yet lack true passion for God.

4. CULTIVATING AND MAINTAINING A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD

How do we sustain our passion for God? It requires intentional effort and commitment.

a) Spend time in God’s presence: Regular time in prayer and worship is essential for keeping our passion alive (Psalm 16:11).

b) Meditate on God’s Word: The Word of God fuels our zeal as we understand His nature and promises (Joshua 1:8).

c) Surround yourself with passionate believers: Fellowship with others who are zealous for God will encourage you to keep your fire burning (Hebrews 10:24-25).

d) Stay connected to the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the source of our spiritual fire. We must continually seek to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

e) Serve God with joy and enthusiasm: Whether in ministry or daily life, serve the Lord with gladness and passion (Psalm 100:2).

Biblical Example:
The apostle Paul displayed a relentless passion for God and His mission. In Philippians 3:7-10, Paul expresses his desire to know Christ deeply, even at the cost of all earthly things. His entire life was marked by a pursuit of God’s will and the spreading of the gospel. Despite trials, imprisonment, and suffering, Paul never lost his zeal for Christ. His life serves as a powerful example of passionate devotion.

CONCLUSION:

Pursuing God with passion and zeal is essential for every believer. It requires a deep hunger for God, a commitment to staying spiritually fervent, and a readiness to let go of anything that hinders our pursuit. As we seek God with all our heart, we will experience greater intimacy with Him and fulfil His purpose for our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, ignite a fresh passion for You in my heart.

2. Father, help me to keep my spiritual fervour and never grow lukewarm.

3. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your fire and zeal for the things of God.

4. Lord, remove every hindrance that is dampening my zeal for You.

5. Father, help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

6. Lord, keep me from complacency and routine in my spiritual walk.

7. Holy Spirit, give me the grace to seek God daily in prayer and the Word.

8. Lord, renew my strength and zeal in times of discouragement or trials.

9. Father, help me to be passionate in serving You and advancing Your Kingdom.

10. Lord, surround me with believers who will encourage me in my pursuit of You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. The fire of God will burn brightly in your heart, and your zeal for Him will never grow cold.

2. You will pursue God with passion, and nothing will hinder your spiritual growth.

3. Your love for God will deepen, and you will experience His presence in greater measures.

4. Every distraction pulling you away from God is removed, and your focus is set on Him.

5. The Holy Spirit will continually fill you with fresh fire for God’s work.

6. Your zeal for the Lord will inspire others to seek Him passionately.

7. You will serve God with joy and enthusiasm, fulfilling His purpose for your life.

8. The Lord will protect your heart from spiritual burnout, and you will be renewed daily in His presence.

9. You will be known as a person of great passion for God and His