WHEN ZEAL IS NOT ENOUGH
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
TEXT: ROMANS 9:30-33
KEY VERSE: Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; (Verse 32)
Zeal is simply defined as the passion, eagerness and readiness to undertake a given task or actualize a pursuit. It means when someone is enthusiastic or strongly devoted to a task.
Generally speaking, as believers, zeal is quite good and admirable. However, zeal does not, on its own, guarantee that a person is on the right track with God. The Israelites were tremendously religious and zealous towards their religious gatherings and solemn assemblies. They were custodians of the law, the covenants, the promises and the conventions of worship (Romans 9:4-5). However, many have failed grossly in the aspect of Obtaining the righteousness which God desired because they pursued it as a normal objective rather than by faith (Romans 9:32). Thus, they were zealous but had no particular gaze or focus on Christ Jesus.
NOTABLE FACTS
- Zeal without adequate knowledge can lead a person astray: When we are not patient and humble enough to receive adequate knowledge, we tend to have a defective and spurious knowledge of God’s righteousness. When we try to establish our own form of righteousness as it suits us instead of submitting to God’s righteousness revealed in Christ, we tend to go astray. Before Saul became Apostle Paul after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he was officious and over-zealous about the laws of the Jews (the Mosaic laws). He actually thought he was doing the right thing but he was headed in the wrong direction. Thank God for the experience with Christ (Philippians 3:5-6, Acts 9:1-2). Immediately he gave his life to Christ, he directed the same zeal which he had attached earlier to the Mosaic and old religious propagation (Acts 9:20-22).
- Religious works can not serve as a substitute for faith: Israel pursued righteousness but they sought it in the wrong manner. The Apostle Paul, who wrote the epistle to the Romans, was not saying that good works are unnecessary. Rather, he simply stated that good works cannot replace what should ordinarily be done by faith and acquisition of adequate knowledge (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are not justified in the sight of God by works but by faith (Galatians 2:16).
- Christ not being the centre of our zeal is zero: No matter what we find ourselves doing, so far Christ cannot be seen, it is a fruitless venture, regardless of the strength and vigor which have been expended in such assignment.
- Zeal must produce obedience: True faith does not mean laziness or disobedience.
SEARCHLIGHT: Zeal can make you busy but only truth, faith and spiritual knowledge can make your zeal profitable.
PRAYERS: MY FATHER, help me not to be zealous in the wrong task and at the wrong time, in Jesus Mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Proverbs 4-6, Matthew 22
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
