Fervent

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24

I. Fervency Defined

A. Webster’s meanings

B. “Literally very hot or boiling” as used in 2 Peter 3:10

C. Metaphorically: “Exhibited or marked by great intensity of feeling”

D. We might say that the intensity feels like it is boiling over within us. Luke 22:14-16 – Jesus fervently, or intensely, desired to eat the Passover meal with the disciples before His crucifixion.

E. Synonyms

F. Zeal – “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something” Passion – “intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.”

G. Fervency describes one who is deeply moved by some feeling that causes him to be intensely focused and driven to act in a positive way.

H. The New Testament directs us to three important areas needing fervency

II. Fervent in Prayer

A. James 5:16-18

B. A fervent prayer of a righteous man toward a desired effect, according to God’s will, works

C. Example of Elijah

D. When Israel’s evil king and queen, Ahab and Jezebel, let the nation to forsake God and worship Baal, Elijah prayed for the rain to stop until he prayed for it to return again. Luke records that it did not rain for three years and six months, Luke 4:25. God proved that He, not Baal, was truly God and, at Elijah’s prayer in 1 Kings 18, brought rain on the land again.

E. We do not often associate prayer and fervency, or intensity of emotion and strong drive, unless we are praying in a time of crisis but James said that fervent prayer works.

F. Some view prayer only as a duty; necessary but unexciting. We can recite words in prayer without our heart—perhaps even our mind—being involved. We must learn to pray fervently.

G. Necessities of fervent prayer

H. Confidence – James 1:6-7: Doubtful prayer is cold and ineffective

I. Ephesians 3:20-21 – Able to do above all we can imagine Matthew 7:7-11 – God will hear our prayers

J. Concentrated effort – We do not often think of prayer as work, but it is.

K. Colossians 4:12 – Epaphras labored in prayer for the Colossians Romans 15:30 – Paul asked the Romans to strive with him in prayer Jesus used “strive” to describe one’s effort towards salvation: “strive to enter the narrow gate,” Luke 13:24. It is not halfhearted or lazy work.

L. Focused attention

M. Matthew 6:7-8 – empty repetition of phrases are meaningless Augustine said, “We may pray most when we say least, and we may pray least when we say most.” Prayer. James Tolle. P.32 Our prayers should have many other characteristics, but these are necessary if one desires to be fervent in prayer.

III. Fervent in Love

A. 1 Peter 1:22 – Since you have been purified in heart, love your brethren

B. 1 Peter 4:8-11

C. Fervent love for brethren is what one must have “above all things”

D. It must be a priority for the church constitutes the body of Christ and if we do not have love for our brethren, we do not have love for Christ.1 John 4:7-8 – Love one another because love is of God1 John 4:20-21 – If we say we love God but hate brethren, we lie.

E. Necessities of fervent love

F. 1 Peter 4:8-11 (read previously)

G. Forgiveness: “love covers a multitude of sins” Willing hospitality: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling”

H. Service: Ministering to and edifying one another

I. Philippians 2:1-4 – This reflects the mind of Christ2 Corinthians 1:3-4 –This reflects the grace of God

J. An open heart and active hands – 1 John 3:16-18

K. 1 Peter 3:8-9

L. Compassion – Webster: “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it”

M. Brotherly love - Love for brethren as kindred souls; brothers in arms who battle with one another and for one another against a common enemy

N. If you fight alongside someone, you develop a deep love for them. Fighting within the ranks destroys the army and helps the enemy. Tenderhearted – a heart that can be easily pricked by the needs of another; as opposed to hard heartedness and callousness Courtesy – Cordial respect for brethren, being considerate of others Meeting evil with good – not pursuing vengeance but seeking blessing from God as Jesus commanded, Matthew 5:44.

O. We must have pure, deeply felt love for our brethren that moves us to diligently serve them and seek their well-being.

IV. Fervent in Spirit

A. Romans 12:11

B. We must have a fervent spirit within us.

C. It keeps us from lagging behind in work; we will be diligent not be lazy. It is our motivation to serve the Lord in all things. What does it mean to be fervent in spirit?

D. New Testament use of “spirit”

E. The New Testament sometimes distinguishes the spirit from the soul.

F. Hebrews 4:12 – division of soul and spirit1 Thessalonians 5:23 – body, soul, and spirit

G. The New Testament often uses the word spirit in a place where we might use the word heart to describe an disposition, attitude or feeling that motivates us to act in a positive way.

H. Luke 1:17 - John came in the spirit of Elijah Mark 14:38 – The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak Colossians 1:25 – Paul was with the Colossians in spirit William Barclay: “The spirit is the ruling part of man; it is the spirit which controls the thoughts and emotions, the mental activities and the passions of man…[It] is the link between God and man.” Flesh and Spirit. Ferrell Jenkins, p.2. If the spirit is the ruling part of man that controls our thoughts and emotions, it follows that fervency in spirit is the fountainhead from which all intensely focused service and depth of love for God and man flows. We cannot be have a burning, intense desire to serve, pray, and love if our spirit is cold and lethargic—a bitter fountain cannot yield fresh water.

I. Necessities of fervency in spirit

J. Humility – Matthew 5:3

K. God can only use those who are not full of themselves. God can enrich one who is poor in spirit. Sincere service – Romans 1:9: It is impossible to simply go through the acts of service and ignite one’s spirit; the spirit is the motivator. Divine instruction and direction – 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; 2 Corinthians 4:13 Devotion to God alone – 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

L. Dedication to God

M. Ephesians 4:20-24 – Renounce the old man of sin and embrace Christ We cannot be fervent in spirit if we have not dedicated our lives to serving Jesus; lack of commitment quenches the fire of the spirit.

V. Conclusion

A. Fervency describes one who is deeply moved by some feeling that causes him to be intensely focused and driven to act in a positive way.

B. Are you fervent in prayer so that you approach God with confidence driven from a burning desire within to focus your attention and effort on this precious time spent laboring with your Father? Are you fervent in love so that you have a pure, deeply felt love for your brethren that moves you to diligently serve them and seek their well-being? Do you have a fervent spirit that joyfully urges you to devote yourself to God, dedicate yourself to His service, and allow Him to richly fill your life?

C. If not, ask God to kindle the flame within your heart to grow into a roaring fire that will transform your life and your service to Him.

D. Do not allow the fire to burn out but, like the fire on a steam train, constantly stoke the fire so that you make your journey at full speed. Do not allow others to quench your fire; you must maintain your desire.

E. If you are not a Christian, your sins have separated you from God, your purpose of existence. Let Him remove your sins and give you a new heart.