Great Attitudes
Series: “Enthusiasm”
“Nothing great was ever achieved without
enthusiasm” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Biblical
Expressions of Enthusiasm
·
Enthusiasm
for doing good – 1 Peter 3:10-13
·
Enthusiasm
for doing evil – Jeremiah 8:6
·
Enthusiasm
for work – Proverbs 6:6-11
·
Enthusiasm
for giving – 2 Corinthians 9:1-3
·
Enthusiasm
for spiritual gifts – 1 Corinthians 14:12
·
Enthusiasm
for serving God – 1 Peter 5:2
Enthusiasm allows you
to see what others miss. You can see beyond the majority. Think about the eagle.
They have eight times the visual cells per centimeter as humans. Therefore,
they are able to spot an object the size of a dime moving through six inch
grass at 600 feet elevation. They can also see a three inch fish jumping in a
lake five miles away. Enthusiasm allows you to see what others miss in life.
You seek the better not just the mediocre.[1]
A Close Examination
of Acts 18:25
“He [Apollos] had been instructed in the ways of the
Lord. And being fervent [zeon to pneumatic], he spoke and taught accurately the
things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism John.” (ESV)
1.
“Being
fervent…” is literally translated “to boil in the spirit”; “the sound of
boiling water.”
2.
Apollo’s’
enthusiasm was harnessed in the direction of accurate presentation of the
Gospel.
3.
Realizing
that Apollos had an incomplete Gospel message, Pricilla and Aquila taught him
more accurately the thing of God. What can be learned by this insight?
a.
Apollos
was enthusiastic with the knowledge that he had.
b.
Apollos
was teachable and willing to learn more accurately which only increased his
enthusiasm.
c.
Thank
God for mentors who will instruct without fear.
d.
Basic
knowledge of the Word of God should stir our spirit to the point of boiling
water.
A Close Look at Philippians
4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (ESV).
1.
The
implied “him” in this verse is Christ.
2.
Now
consider the paradox that Paul sets forth:
a.
Paul
is strongest when he is the weakest
b.
He
is self-sufficient when he is dependent
c.
So
where is the enthusiasm? It is wrapped up in the first three words, “I can do…”
i. The implication is
that according to the will of God I have sufficient power an ability to
accomplish what God sets before me.
ii. The “all things”
implies that whatever God sets before me I will be able to fulfill the task
fully and completely.
iii. This passage is not a
blanket cover-up or license to do whatever you want to do. The power to
accomplish all things must always be set in the context, “according to the will
of God.”
No comments:
Post a Comment