The Super Mario Bros

zeal - intense emotion toward purposeful action

 

James 3:16 ESV

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

 

Titus 2:14 ESV

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

 

Romans 12:11 ESV

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

 

Selfish Ambition:

1. demands of others

 

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

 

Godly Zeal:

1. looks beyond "me"

 

We honor God in our efforts when we look beyond ourselves.

 

Mark 10:43-44 ESV

But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servantand whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.

 

Selfish Ambition:

1. demands of others

2. loves distinction

 

Among the passions which mislead, endanger, and harass the mind, none is more hostile to is peace, none more blind, none more delirious than the love of distinction.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ESV

and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed youso that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

 

Godly Zeal:

1. looks beyond "me"

2. acknowledges weakness

 

Asking for help isn't weakness – it's wisdom.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

When we rest in the sufficient grace of God, we replace our endless pursuit of perfection with His peace.

 

Faith isn't the absence of fear; faith is acting with trust in the presence of fear.

 

Selfish Ambition:

1. demands of others

2. loves distinction

3. desires more

 

When our desire for the infinite gets misplaced onto the finite, it becomes destructive.

 

Godly Zeal:

1. looks beyond "me"

2. acknowledges weakness

3. is willing to sacrifice

 

Titus 2:14 NIV

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

 

The son of God became a man so that man can become a son of God.