30th July 2017 - Be Fervent In Spirit
Summary
The sermon begins with praise and worship, focusing on God's eternal glory and providence. The speaker reads from Isaiah 40, emphasizing God's unmatched power, wisdom, and ability to sustain humanity. The core message is one of profound gratitude for God's restorative love, which lifts believers from sin and despair, leading to a call for worship and expectation in His presence.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to be fervent in spirit?Believers are exhorted not to be slothful or lukewarm, but to serve the Lord enthusiastically with a fire inspired by God.
Lukewarmness is unacceptable to GodMany believers become passive and comfortable in the world, a spiritual condition that God strongly rejects.
Dealing with sin and cultivating loveUnconfessed sin hinders prayer and fellowship, requiring believers to examine their love for one another and repent of a cold spirit.
The danger of spiritual slothJust as a sloth is extremely slow and inactive, spiritual laziness causes believers to cool off, leading to compromise and inner decay.
Presenting our bodies as a Living SacrificeRemaining on God's altar means daily denying our flesh, refusing to hold onto past offenses, and choosing to forgive others.
Loving our enemies as evidence of maturityJesus calls His followers to be perfect in love by blessing and praying for those who persecute them, reflecting the character of the heavenly Father.
Put on love as the bond of unityIn these last days when lawlessness increases, believers must guard against coldness by putting on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.Colossians 3:14
You cannot love God while hating your brotherScripture makes it clear that loving God is inseparably connected to loving the people we can see.1 John 4:20–21
The examples of the Samaritan and MaryThe Good Samaritan demonstrated active love for a wounded man, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet, showing that eternal life involves both service and devotion.Luke 10:25–37
Four stages of fire in the heartSpiritual fervor progresses through four stages: being a glow, being on fire, being burning, and finally boiling over with passionate love for Jesus.
Zeal for God's house and avoiding commercialismJust as Jesus cleansed the temple of commercial motives, believers must guard their hearts against selfish gain and worldly distractions.
How resentment and offense kill spiritual fireAllowing personal offenses and bitterness to linger in the heart will depress spiritual vitality and rob believers of their fervor for God.
