Introduction:
We need to look at our core values and core purpose in life. If you own a business or work for a company…hopefully their reason for existence is beyond just making money. Possibly their core values and core purposes resemble the principles found in the Declaration of Independence…
“We hold these truths to be self-evident”
WHY it is important that we Exist ?
A fire either spreads or burns out.
The tendency of fire, if left by itself, is to go out.
That’s why you and I need each other on this journey of life!
We need…Community & Relationships
Passion works the same way. We need to work it, fan it and build it.
Apathy isn’t a state of
Our Text today:
Romans 12:11(NIV)
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11(MSG)
11-13 Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
The
“Enthusiasm and persistence can make an average person superior; indifference and lethargy can make a superior person average.” - William Ward
Serving God in such a way as to not offend the devil.
Guard the flame within you. This zeal of God is a consuming fire within you, you need to guard it! Protect your passion.
How do you ignite your passion or keep it burning?
Matthew 3:11 (NLT)
11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Acts 2:3-4 (NLT)
3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Revelation 2:4-5 (NLT)
4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
1 Timothy 4:14-16 (NLT)
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NLT)
6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self- discipline.
Closing:
Understand your purpose and then ask God to fill you with passion to pursue it.
Focus your