CHRISTIAN LIVING - LESSON 9
The Secret Ingredient of The Early Church - Part 2
You will need your Bible and a pen & notebook to complete these lessons. You should be able to copy and paste these outlines to your word processor and print them without difficulty if you so desire. We recommend you record in your note book deep thoughts or questions that may arise as you study, and certainly record all things God reveals to your heart. Look over these notes frequently and use them even as you pray. God will cause you to grow in wisdom and understanding. Keep your note book with you throughout the day as much as possible to record all God reveals to you and to review the things you have learned. Look up all bible verses in this study. Highlight or mark them in your bible. It is Gods Word speaking directly to you.
We also recommend you make a habit of memorizing a scripture each week. This not only helps get the Word deep in your heart, but is also an excellent mental exercise.
The Secret Ingredient of The Early Church - Part 2
Last lesson we looked at some steps to raise our spiritual temperature and move passionately in Kingdom of God activity. We concluded last weeks lesson considering how passion for the things of God drives us forward into a life focused on God’s kingdom work. It was stated that it takes a heart sold out to Him, one which seeks Him daily and endeavors to walk worthy of His love.
How can we keep our zeal for the kingdom of God from becoming cooled by life’s circumstances? Did the early church ever face times when they weren’t on fire for God?
Today we’ll look close at some scriptures to show exactly what the Word has to say to this very question.
Passion is propulsion. It is the fuel that will drive you to go deeper, run longer and continue through difficulty. We need it! If we aren’t “hot” for God, than what are we? Luke warm? Cold? Let’s look at the early church and see if they considered this important to their walk with God.
In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul urges Timothy to stir up the gifts of God. - From this passage we can see the initiative for keeping the fires of the soul stirred is upon each individual themselves. It is our own responsibility.
In Romans 12:11 we are told to be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”.
Fervent: (Greek = zeo) ; Living fervor, fiery hot, full of burning zeal. It is the opposite of dignified, cold and unemotional. In a Christian context it signifies a high spiritual temperature, inflamed by Holy Spirit.
Apollos was an example of that kind of man. ( Acts 18:24-28)
Passion or zeal should be evident in our Christian lives in all key areas.
1. Our passion should drive us to serve. Romans 12:11
2. Our passion should give us boldness. 2Tim 1:6-7
3. Our passion should influence our prayer. James 5:16
4. Our passion should spill over into brotherly love. 1Peter 1:22
5. Our passion gives us purpose. Titus 2:14
Conclusion: Without passion we aren’t going anywhere. It moves us forward and we must attend to those things which will feed that spiritual passion. Let’s keep our fire burning consistently red hot for God. Let’s make the 2Tim1:6 decision!
School Of Faith with Dan & Suzann Christian Living Lesson 9