Zeal is defined as great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective. The Bible has a lot to say about zeal and being zealous for God and His kingdom. Here are some key Bible verses about zeal:
Old Testament Verses on Zeal
“And of Levi he said, ‘Give to Levi your Thummim, and your Urim to your godly one, whom you tested at Massah, with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah; who said of his father and mother, ‘I regard them not’; he disowned his brothers and ignored his children. For they observed your word and kept your covenant. They shall teach Jacob your rules and Israel your law; they shall put incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar. Bless, O Lord, his substance, and accept the work of his hands; crush the loins of his adversaries, of those who hate him, that they rise not again’” (Deuteronomy 33:8-11). This passage emphasizes the zeal of the Levites in observing God’s word and keeping His covenant.
“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). The wise and righteous are called to turn others to God with zeal.
“For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me” (Psalm 69:9). David had zeal for God’s house and glory.
“I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10). Elijah was zealous for the Lord against idolatry.
New Testament Verses on Zeal
“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Paul notes that some of the Jews had zeal but without true knowledge of Christ.
“For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But God’s wrath has come upon them at last!” (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). Paul condemns the zeal of the Jews in persecuting the church.
“But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). Saul had misguided zeal against Christians before his conversion.
“For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge” (Romans 10:2). The Jews had zeal without knowledge of Christ.
“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11). Paul instructs Christians to have zeal in serving God.
Principles about Zeal
Based on these and other verses, here are some key principles the Bible teaches about zeal:
- Zeal for God’s glory and kingdom is good, but must be paired with truth and knowledge according to God’s Word.
- Misguided zeal can lead to sin and persecution of God’s people.
- Zeal must be directed against sin and idolatry, not people.
- Zeal should motivate us to serve and obey the Lord with energy and fervor.
- The wise direct their zeal into bringing people to salvation and righteous living.
- Zeal for God’s house and worship is commended.
- Zeal must be tempered by self-control, wisdom, and love or it can turn to fanaticism.
- Believers should have a zeal and passion for spreading the Gospel.
Zeal Must Be Directed by Knowledge
A key principle that emerges about zeal in the Bible is that it must go hand in hand with truth and knowledge. Zeal without knowledge and wisdom from God’s Word can be dangerous. This is seen in the examples of Saul persecuting Christians out of misguided zeal before his conversion. The Jews also had great zeal for God, but it was not in accordance with the truth of the Gospel. This led them to reject and crucify the Messiah. Paul notes in Romans 10:2 that his fellow Jews had zeal but not according to knowledge. Zeal must be paired with a reverent fear of the Lord and submission to His revealed will in the Scriptures.
Examples of Zeal for God
There are also great examples of godly zeal in the Bible. Phinehas the priest was zealous for God’s holiness, turning away God’s wrath from Israel (Numbers 25:11). Elijah was zealous against the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, seeking to turn the people back to the Lord (1 Kings 18). King Josiah cleansed the land of idols and false worship, seeking to follow the Book of the Law that was discovered (2 Kings 23). Each of these examples reveal proper zeal directed by knowledge of and obedience to God’s Word.
Zeal to Save the Lost
The ultimate example of godly zeal is Jesus Christ, who gave His life to save lost sinners from sin and death. He cleansed the temple with zeal for the sanctity of God’s house (John 2:13-17). He declared that preaching the good news of the kingdom of God was the purpose for which He was sent (Luke 4:43). The apostle Paul followed Christ’s example, declaring:
Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)
Paul went on tireless missionary journeys to spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire with great zeal. This zeal for the Great Commission should burn in every Christian heart.
Cultivating Zeal for God
How can believers today follow these biblical examples and cultivate great zeal for God? Here are some practical tips:
- Pray for zeal and passion for God’s glory.
- Read and meditate on the Word to fuel zeal with truth and knowledge.
- Consider God’s goodness and saving grace to you, spurring gratitude and zeal.
- Meet regularly with other zealous Christians for encouragement.
- Share your faith – zeal is contagious!
- Start serving in ministry – get involved in God’s work.
- Begin a new habit of Bible study or prayer – keep the fire burning.
- Memorize Scripture passages about zeal – hide God’s Word in your heart.
- Fasting can intensify zeal by relying on God more.
Zeal Must Be Tempered by Love
In seeking to cultivate zeal, it’s also important to remember that it must go together with love and sound judgement. As Paul wrote:
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:9-12)
Zeal is commended, but must be tempered by patience, prayer, and genuine love for others. Otherwise, it can turn into pride, foolishness, or fanaticism. Zeal must inspire us to honor others, overcome evil with good, and show compassion – not be an excuse for animosity or dishonor.
Conclusion
In summary, zeal is a powerful force in the believer’s life that must be properly directed by God’s truth and love. We should seek zeal to know God more, serve Him wholeheartedly, spread the Gospel, stand for righteousness – while avoiding misguided and unhealthy zeal. By walking in wisdom and obedience to Scripture, our zeal can be a blazing fire that advances God’s kingdom and brings Him glory.