Enthusiasm and zeal

1. Enthusiasm is a Scriptural concept, but it is not a Biblical word.

2. Zeal is a Biblical word.

3. Enthusiasm is defined as Zeal and Zeal is defined as Enthusiasm.

In 1 Samuel 16:13, the Bible reads, “And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” The reason why this verse was chosen is because of the root word for enthusiasm. The word can be either “enthous” or “entheos,” which means “God within” or “Spirit within.” When a person displays enthusiasm, then the last four letters of the word explain their position as, I am seriously motivated. David was enthusiastic about the things of God because he had the Spirit of God. For us to be identified as people after God’s own heart, we must live with enthusiasm and zeal. Consider the following points.

Zeal must be accompanied with knowledge (2 Samuel 7:1-7 and Romans 10:2)

David had successfully returned the Ark of the Covenant to the city of David. This was a great accomplishment because the Ark represented the throne of God; God’s presence among God’s people. Under the reign of Saul, the Philistines had taken the Ark away. When David began to reign and defeated the Philistines, he failed to have the Ark returned according to the pattern and Uzzah died. After years of being separated from this symbol, the Ark is back and David’s enthusiasm for the presence of God motivates him to want to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. David is motivated. Nathan is motivated. They had good intentions, but it was without authority. Like David, we must be enthusiastic about the kingdom of God. Nevertheless, we must have the authority of Christ for every wish, word and work.

Zeal causes us to be concerned about others (1 Samuel 22:1-2 and Romans 12:11)

Enthusiasm causes us to be excited about life and the difference we can make in the lives of others. Enthusiasm is contagious and makes us leave a lasting positive impression on everyone we meet. David had this effect on people. Those who needed motivation went to a motivator to be motivated. Some people lack enthusiasm because they are experiencing the same problems as these 400 individuals.

We lack enthusiasm because we are suffering.

We lack inspiration because we are financially challenged.

We lack zeal because we receive no satisfaction.

Nevertheless, enthusiasm should never cause us to repel from the “damaged;” it should cause us to be like David in going towards those who are in need.

Zeal opens our eyes to the omnipotence of God (1 Samuel 17:45-47 and 1 John 4:4)

Goliath was an experienced warrior. David was a shepherd boy. Goliath was a giant. David was a runt. When we look at “the tale of the tape,” Goliath was more experienced, bigger and stronger than David. If we were gamblers, then we would put our money on Goliath, if we see the battle as being between Goliath and David. However, the battle was between Goliath and God. David’s zeal allowed him to see this. Goliath may be bigger and stronger than me, but he is not bigger and stronger than my God. As a result, God won a mighty victory through the instrument of David that day. Like David, we have to live our lives knowing that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. When we recognize that there is no power greater than God’s power, then there is no stopping point short of victory. We have reason to be enthusiastic about what God has done, is doing, and will do for those who trust in Him.

When we are zealous, then others will be jealous (1 Samuel 18:6-9 and Matthew 27:18)

David was simply motivated in his service to God. The Bible teaches in Proverbs 27:2 “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” David was not saying this about himself, this is what the people were saying about David and Saul became jealous. Yet, if Saul had been selfless, obedient to God, and was zealous of good works, then he would have no need to be jealous of David. People who are jealous of those who are zealous are testifying to their lack of zealotry because they have too much time on their hands. So, they fill the void not with good works, but with idle talk. Like David, we have to move pass those who are jealous and remain zealous in the work of the Lord.

A lack of zeal must be repented of (1 Samuel 30:6 and Revelation 3:19)

David’s home was raided. David’s family was taken captive. Not only David’s, but all the people that were with him. They yelled. They cried out. They wept until they no longer had the strength to weep. David became greatly distressed. The people wanted to stone him. This was their reaction due to their discontentment. There will come times in our lives in which we may experience burn out. We become burned out when we begin with enthusiasm, but become frustrated with others’ lack of enthusiasm. We go from frustration to stagnation, by no longer being motivated to do anything and we don’t. We go from stagnation to apathy, by which we no longer care what happens. We go from apathy to emotional crisis, in which we have an emotional, moral, and/or physical meltdown. David did not go through this cycle, but rather he paused and encouraged himself in the LORD before his grief got out of hand. Before we get to a point where it appears that our zeal is waning, repent and avoid frustration, stagnation, apathy, and an emotional crisis altogether. Charles Kingsley once said, “We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements in life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about”.

Be zealous about worship. Be dedicated to the saving of souls. Be earnest in good works. Be fervent about fellowship. Be passionate about reading the Word of God. Be enthusiastic about the kingdom of God. For “if we are not fired up with enthusiasm, then we will be fired with enthusiasm!” – Vince Lombardi

Tucson faith leaders, we would like to include your original sermon or scriptures of encouragement. Sermons must be written by the person submitting them, not borrowed from another source or writer. If you are a faith leader from any religion or denomination, please contact Sara Brown at sbbrown@tucson.com.