---

I. ITS OBJECTS — "Good things."

1. Acts of worship.

2. Acts of our secular calling.

3. Acts of righteousness.

4. Acts of charity and mercy.

II. ITS NATURE.

1. Forward and cheerful.

2. Resolute in spite of discouragements.

3. Diligent and earnest.

4. Constant.

III. ITS PLACE IN RELIGION.

1. It is a note of God's people.

2. It is the fruit of Christ's death.

(1)  By way of obligation.

(2)  Because Christ has purchased for us the Spirit of power.

IV. APPLICATION.

1. How earnest men are in sin — shall Satan be served better than God?

2. Consider how zealous you once were.

3. We cannot afford to be lukewarm.

(1)  Time is short.

(2)  The enemy is earnest.

4. The object deserves the warmest zeal.

5. Coldness is dangerous to ourselves and others.

6. Christian comfort depends on zeal.

7. The want of zeal is odious to God and dishonourable.

(Manton.)

---

---

KJV: But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

WEB: But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.