The phrase “fervent in spirit” comes from Romans 12:11, which says in full: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” To understand what it means to be “fervent in spirit,” we need to examine the verse in context.
1. The broader context of Romans 12
Romans 12 comes right after the theological treatise of chapters 1-11. In this famous section, Paul lays out the gospel message of justification by faith alone. Now, in chapter 12, Paul shifts to explaining the practical implications of the gospel for the Christian life. He is transitioning from doctrine to duty, from principles to practice.
The main thrust of Romans 12 is how Christians should live in light of God’s mercies (Rom 12:1). In view of God’s great salvation, Paul urges Christians to live sacrificially, using their gifts to serve one another, love without hypocrisy, overcome evil with good, and live at peace with everyone.
So the command to be “fervent in spirit” comes within this broader context of Christian love, service, and Christ-like living.
2. The specific context of Romans 12:9-13
More specifically, Romans 12:11 falls within a passage about genuine Christian love. This section (12:9-13) contrasts true, sincere love with hypocritical love.
Paul paints a picture of love “without hypocrisy” (v. 9) that:
- – Hates evil and holds fast to good (v. 9)
- – Shows family affection (v. 10)
- – Is fervently serving the Lord (v. 11)
- – Rejoices in hope (v. 12)
- – Is patient in tribulation (v. 12)
- – Contributes to the needs of the saints (v. 13)
- – Shows hospitality (v. 13)
So “fervent in spirit” relates directly to genuine Christian affection, not love that is faked or pretended.
3. The meaning of “fervent in spirit”
Given this context, what specifically does it mean to be “fervent in spirit”? A few key points help explain this phrase:
- Fervent translates the Greek word zeō, meaning to boil or be hot. So it conveys passion, enthusiasm, and earnestness – the opposite of being lukewarm or half-hearted.
- Spirit likely refers figuratively to one’s inner disposition, will, or temperament. The passion is to come from within, not be artificially worked up.
- Put together, fervent in spirit means having a burning eagerness and sincere desire to serve the Lord and do His will from the heart.
- This fervency stands in contrast to laziness and apathy. Paul says not to be “slothful in zeal” (ESV) or “lagging behind in diligence” (NASB).
- The desired attitude is one of energy, enthusiasm, and authentic determination to honor God.
- Such inner fervency will find its outlet in diligent service to the Lord and sacrificial love for others.
4. Other biblical mentions of fervency
While “fervent in spirit” appears only in Romans 12:11, the concept shows up elsewhere in Scripture:
- Peter exhorts believers to have “fervent love for one another” (1 Peter 4:8).
- James says “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Fervent prayer avails much.
- Isaiah 64:7 laments Israel’s lack of fervency: “There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you.”
- Church leaders are to be hospitable and able to teach, according to 1 Timothy 3:2. The word for “able” means “fervent” or “enthusiastic.”
So fervency characterizes genuine love, effectual prayer, passionate service, and zeal for God’s glory across Scripture.
5. Examples of fervency in spirit
Biblical characters also model fervency in spirit in their service to God:
- David danced before the Lord with all his might when bringing the ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6:14).
- Jehoshaphat carried out his reforms with great zeal (2 Chron. 17:6).
- Josiah sought the Lord with all his heart and soul (2 Chron. 34:2).
- The rebuilt temple was finished with “great diligence” in Ezra 6:12.
- The Macedonian churches gave generously with “urgent plea” (2 Cor. 8:4).
- Epaphras labored “fervently” in prayer for his fellow believers (Col. 4:12).
These examples display the earnestness, sincerity, and wholehearted devotion involved in fervency of spirit.
6. How to be fervent in spirit
How can believers put this into practice today and nurture passionate service for Christ?
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to kindle love and zeal in your heart (2 Tim. 1:6-7).
- Reflect frequently on the mercy and grace shown you in Christ (Rom. 12:1).
- Stir up renewed devotion by singing, fellowship, and God’s Word.
- Guard your heart against apathy, boredom, and lukewarmness (Rev. 3:16).
- Rekindle child-like awe, wonder, and joy in the Lord.
- Look to inspiring examples of fervency (Rom. 15:20; Gal. 4:18).
- Rely on God’s strength to energize you when zeal runs low.
While zeal must be fueled from within, intentional stoking of our inner fire is needed too. As J.C. Ryle said, “Fervency is neither a feeling nor a science, but a grace–a gift of God’s Spirit.” So we depend on Him to provide a fervent spirit that glorifies Christ.
7. Dangers of fervency
Of course, fervency has its dangers if not joined to knowledge and wisdom:
- It can become unbalanced fanaticism.
- It may turn to misplaced zeal like the Pharisees (Rom. 10:2).
- It can lead to burnout rather than sustainable diligence.
- It may become outward show without inward substance.
- Pride, judging others, and legalism can corrode true fervency.
- Forced zeal bred by guilt is not the same as Spirit-produced passion.
So fervency must be grounded in the gospel, guided by discernment, and molded by humility and love. Rightly directed, it brings glory to God and good to others.
8. Balancing diligence and rest
Given the busyness of life, a challenge is balancing fervent service with needed rest. Some tips include:
- Remember that your worth is in Christ, not your work output (Phil. 3:8-9).
- Follow Jesus’ example of intentional withdrawal for renewal (Mark 1:35).
- Build regular Sabbath-keeping into your weekly rhythm.
- Delegate and share tasks to avoid overload (Ex. 18:17-23).
- Learn to say “no” and set healthy boundaries on demands.
- Aim for consistency rather than heroics; slow and steady goes far.
- When wearied, focus on replenishment before jumping back into service.
God is glorified both by diligent labor and by rested rejuvenation that prepares for more fruitful work. With His energizing Spirit within, balance and sustainability become possible.
9. The ultimate aim: Serving the Lord
Above all, fervency finds its true target in serving the Lord Himself with passion and joy. Our zeal is not just for tasks and agendas but for bringing pleasure to Christ through wholehearted devotion to Him.
When Mary anointed Jesus with costly oil, others saw waste but He saw profound worship. She gave out of fervent love, and He commended that surrendered adoration (Mark 14:3-6). May He nurture in us this same single-hearted affection that lavishes itself joyfully on Him alone.
So in summary, fervency of spirit is earnestness and sincere enthusiasm in serving the Lord from the heart. It is energized by grace, guided by wisdom, and sustained by Spirit-given power. All for the joy of making Jesus Christ known and adored.