....be fervent in spirit.....
We've determined we are to be consistent in our striving to do God's will, expressing His love to others in all aspects of our lives, and showing our love to Him above all else. Diligence.
Now, what does the phrase, "be fervent in spirit" mean to you? Really...what does that say to you? I think there would be some who would interpret it to mean that we are to be emotionally charged devotees who never miss an opportunity to raise our hands in praise or to shout a "Praise the Lord!" or "Hallelujah!" (I love doing all of these things...but overused, both actions and words can become less meaningful than intended.)
"zeo in pneuma"
"Zeo" (fervent) is defined as to boil with heat, used of boiling anger, love, zeal.
"Pneuma" (spirit) is best defined in this context as the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
So we are to have a boiling hot disposition when it comes to the things that Paul discusses in the verses preceding Romans 12:11, remember those? But let's also look at the verses following our exhortation to fervency....
Romans 12: 9-18
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
These are the things we are to be fervent about in our spirit. We are to be a people who are consumed by our desires to live in accordance with the way God has asked us to live. We are not to be complacent or satisfied with lives exhibiting anything less. I love these words written by J. C. Ryle that Robert J. Morgan chose to include in his text covering this verse...they are not words of comfort, but words of strong exhortation!
I cannot close without including the phrase that has been ringing through my mind as I write today's thoughts....
Revelation 3:14-20
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: "The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.
As we enter into 2012, let us renew within our selves a call to fervency, to a boiling hot love for Christ and His will for our lives. No more lukewarm, no more lazy, sleepy, easy Christianity.
Another year is dawning, dear Father let it be, on earth or else in Heaven another year for Thee! Frances Havergal
We've determined we are to be consistent in our striving to do God's will, expressing His love to others in all aspects of our lives, and showing our love to Him above all else. Diligence.
Now, what does the phrase, "be fervent in spirit" mean to you? Really...what does that say to you? I think there would be some who would interpret it to mean that we are to be emotionally charged devotees who never miss an opportunity to raise our hands in praise or to shout a "Praise the Lord!" or "Hallelujah!" (I love doing all of these things...but overused, both actions and words can become less meaningful than intended.)
"zeo in pneuma"
"Zeo" (fervent) is defined as to boil with heat, used of boiling anger, love, zeal.
"Pneuma" (spirit) is best defined in this context as the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
So we are to have a boiling hot disposition when it comes to the things that Paul discusses in the verses preceding Romans 12:11, remember those? But let's also look at the verses following our exhortation to fervency....
Romans 12: 9-18
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
These are the things we are to be fervent about in our spirit. We are to be a people who are consumed by our desires to live in accordance with the way God has asked us to live. We are not to be complacent or satisfied with lives exhibiting anything less. I love these words written by J. C. Ryle that Robert J. Morgan chose to include in his text covering this verse...they are not words of comfort, but words of strong exhortation!
I want to strike a blow at the lazy, easy, sleepy Christianity of these latter days, which can see no beauty in zeal, and only uses the word "zealot" as a word of reproach. I want to remind Christians that "Zealot" was a name given by our Lord to His Apostle Simon as a mark of honor, and to persuade them to be zealous men.....There is in a sense in which it may be said that zeal is contagious. Nothing is more useful to the adherents of Christianity than to see a real live Christian---a thoroughly zealous man of God.Now I'm not sure of the date of that quote, but I do know that J. C. Ryle died in 1900. I have a feeling that the "lazy, easy, sleepy Christianity" of his day would appear quite zealous compared to what he may witness in many churches of today. Where is our zeal? Where is our burning desire to be a "real live Christian----a thoroughly zealous man of God." That is what we are called to.
I cannot close without including the phrase that has been ringing through my mind as I write today's thoughts....
Revelation 3:14-20
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: "The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.
1 comment:
We need to be vivacious and zealous in our spirit showing others how we feel about God. Live what we study and read about God's Word. Each day we have opportunities to let His Light Shine. Compassion and love for one another. As we quietly and privately meditate on God's Word, we need to also openly and zealously show others our love of God and shoe our respect for His Word and His Commandments. This new year brings new studies and new connections with Christ Jesus. I want to fervently and passionately seek God's Holy Spirit and show others my fervent spirit full of the Holy Spirit.
Post a Comment