Topical Bible: Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours

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Definition and Importance

Zeal, in the context of Christian missionary labors, refers to an intense enthusiasm and fervor for spreading the Gospel and advancing the Kingdom of God. This fervent dedication is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus Christ. Zeal is a vital attribute for missionaries, as it fuels perseverance, courage, and resilience in the face of challenges and opposition.

Biblical Basis for Zeal in Missionary Work

The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations that highlight the importance of zeal in missionary endeavors. The Apostle Paul serves as a quintessential model of zeal in his missionary journeys. In Romans 12:11, Paul exhorts believers to be "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." This fervency is a call to be passionate and diligent in the work of the Gospel.

In Acts 20:24, Paul expresses his unwavering commitment to his mission: "But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." His zeal is evident in his willingness to endure hardships and even face death for the sake of spreading the Gospel.

Characteristics of Zeal in Missionary Labors

1. Passion for the Lost: Zeal in missionary work is characterized by a deep compassion for those who have not yet heard the Gospel. This passion drives missionaries to go to great lengths to reach the unreached, as seen in Jesus' own ministry. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowds, "because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

2. Perseverance in Adversity: Zeal empowers missionaries to persevere through trials and opposition. The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous persecutions, remained steadfast in his mission. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he recounts the many hardships he endured, yet his zeal for the Gospel never waned.

3. Commitment to the Truth: Zeal in missionary labors is rooted in a commitment to the truth of the Gospel. Missionaries are called to proclaim the message of Christ with boldness and clarity. In Galatians 1:8, Paul emphasizes the importance of preserving the true Gospel, warning against any distortion of its message.

4. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: True zeal is not self-generated but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth." This divine empowerment is essential for effective missionary work.

Exhortations to Cultivate Zeal

Believers are encouraged to cultivate zeal in their missionary efforts through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 4:2-4, Paul urges the church to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful," and to pray for opportunities to proclaim the Gospel clearly. This devotion to prayer and the Word fosters a zeal that is both informed and Spirit-led.

Furthermore, Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds." This mutual encouragement within the body of Christ helps sustain zeal and motivates believers to remain active in their missionary calling.

Conclusion

Zeal is an indispensable quality for those engaged in missionary labors. It is a reflection of a heart fully committed to the mission of God, driven by love for the lost, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through the examples of biblical figures and the exhortations found in Scripture, believers are called to exhibit zeal in their efforts to spread the Gospel to all nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:19,23
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

General Remarks on the History of Missions in this Age.
... appearance of Christianity; the former is exhibited amongst the ... as we now see a similar
zeal amongst the ... the barbarous tongue of the Goth should search the ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/general remarks on the history.htm

The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ...
... her husband [116:4] for intelligence and zeal; and though ... and that the disciples
of Jesus should refuse to ... of the power of Omnipotence were exhibited for the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter viii the conversion of.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... With th6 zeal of religionists, therefore, and the jealousy ... indeed, been such a king,
as should have been a ... Were it exhibited in its genuine character, it might ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

The Uproar in Ephesus.
... in the eyes of the Ephesians, they should be involved ... support; and, in a transport
of zeal, "they all ... Perhaps, there never was exhibited a more ludicrous scene ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiii the uproar in.htm

The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
... On this new scene Paul exhibited his usual activity and ... to some mechanical employment,
so that should they sink ... to prosecute his labours with zeal and diligence ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter vii the ministry of.htm

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... so delightful a field of missions has been discovered and exhibited. ... to work one
in our day, I should not wonder ... retain to this hour an undiminished zeal to do ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ...
... They should therefore not only be eligible as members but ... years ago that we could
have exhibited vegetables in ... to the pure and disinterested zeal and labours ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xii what carey did.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... Bishop Smalridge of Bristol should be referred to ... of charity, especially in forwarding
missionary undertakings, in ... good man, of well-tempered zeal and touching ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
... most, to construct the bridge which should unite the ... follies of the wisest philosophers,
are exhibited in great ... and first President of a Missionary College in ...
/.../tendencies of religious thought in.htm