September 19, 2004
Morning Sermon Outline
“The Zeal of Christ”
John 2:13-17

I. See the beauty of Christ’s zeal by comparing it to the misplaced and distorted zeal of men!

Are sinful men zealous? You bet they are! Yet, sin distorts zeal in many ways!

1. The things we do for love
2. Sports, Michael Jordan and Green Bay Packer FANS
3. EXACTLY one half shekel Exodus 30:13-16
4. The best bulls, sheep, goats and birds (certified sacrifices)
5. Zealots so zealous they will kill
6. Zealots so zealous they are ridiculous!

II. Be careful about your own ZEAL!

1. Be humble about handling this fire!
2. Realize that mastering ZEAL is a work of God
3. Realize that expression of zeal should be held for the right time and place (limited)

III. Let your ZEAL be like Christ’s

1. For the things of God
2. Think of the first table of the Law / the first part of the Lord’s Prayer
3. Let it be Holy Spirit inspired – not worked up by the flesh
4. Gain it through:
A. Bible Reading
B. Prayer
C. Fellowship with serious Christians
D. Watchfulness and prodding of a sinful and sluggish heart
E. Our aim should be to be most extreme in our closets