1. Are you on fire for the Lord?
ZEAL
Definition of the term: ZEAL (Greek, zelos)
“excitement of (the) mind, ardor, fervor of spirit…in embracing, pursuing, defending anything”
From zeo, “to boil with heat, be hot”.
Note: Important to establish what it is NOT
It is not prejudice, anger or hatred disguised as religious fervor.
Zeal is a good thing when grounded on truth & directed toward godly ends
(Galatians 4:17-18) [Zeal of the Judaizing teachers was not a good thing], “They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.”
MISPLACED ZEAL is bad
(Romans 10:1-3), “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”
Ignorance
Zeal for the traditions of men (as the Judaizers, and seen today in embracing man made religion)
Galatians 4:17-18

2. GOD APPROVED ZEAL Is found in the pursuit of good things
Philippians 2:12; Col. 3:22-24; Titus 2:11-14
GOD-APPROVED ZEAL:
A given, in order for God to approve, zeal must harmonize with the Divine Will
(Romans 10:2), [The zeal of Israel was not acceptable, because it was not of God], “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”
The zeal of which we speak is directed toward God
It is the “thy will be done” mentality that drives one to obey God.
(Romans 12:11), “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
Zeal is found in the pursuit of good things
(Philippians 2:12), “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
It is not fervency borne of “eye-service” to please men
(Colossians 3:22-24), “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Christians are zealous for good works 
(Titus 2:11-14), “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

3. GOD APPROVED ZEAL Is found in the pursuit of good things
Philippians 2:12; Col. 3:22-24; Titus 2:11-14
Is seen in the treatment of others
Colossians 4:12-13; 2 Cor. 9:1-2; Phil. 3:6
Zeal is seen in the treatment of others (Specifically as we work and pray for their spiritual well-being)
(Colossians 4:12-13), [Paul lifted up Epaphras of Colosse as an example], “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.”
Genuine zeal will strengthen & influence fellow-Christians to pursue good works
(2 Corinthians 9:1-2), “Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.”
Genuine zeal never harms the cause of Christ or His church
(Philippians 3:6), [Contrast Paul’s earlier life, with his declarations as an apostle] “concerning zeal [as a fleshly Jew], persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”
(Romans 1:14-15), “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”

4. GOD APPROVED ZEAL Is found in the pursuit of good things
Philippians 2:12; Col. 3:22-24; Titus 2:11-14
Is seen in the treatment of others
Colossians 4:12-13; 2 Cor. 9:1-2; Phil. 3:6
Grows out of genuine conversion
2 Corinthians 7:11; Gal. 2:20; Acts 2:41-47
Genuine zeal is present because of a person’s genuine conversion to the Lord!
(2 Corinthians 7:11), [Paul praising the penitent attitude of the Corinthians], “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”
Diligence, fear, vehement desire, zeal – all these should ALWAYS be present in EVERY Christian!
Result of genuine conversion to Christ [This point is encapsulated in Paul’s words to the Galatians!]
(Galatians 2:20), “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Note the example of the early Christians in Jerusalem
(Acts 2:41-47), “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Note: If your zeal is genuine, it will be evident to all men!

5. Are you on fire for the Lord?
Conclusion
Are you on fire for the Lord?
Each of us need stirring up, so let’s help each other to be zealous for the Lord!
Hebrews 10:24
We are thankful for the Zeal of the Lord of Hosts. Because of His zeal for man, redemption was accomplished!
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. “
(Isaiah 9:6-7)
 With what God has done for us, how can we not respond in kind, with a consuming zeal for the Lord?
Note: From time to time, each of us need to be stirred up
(Hebrews 10:24), “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works”
Always, and in all things, may we encourage one another to be zealous for the Lord and His people!