The next characteristic we will look at in this series is being fervent. Fervency keeps us from being timid, lukewarm, and casual believers whose heart is not steadfast in serving God.
The definition for the word fervent is: “having or displaying a passionate intensity.”
Other words with similar meaning are: Impassioned, passionate, intense, vehement, ardent, fervid.
This quality distinguishes between the nominal Christian and those that have a burning desire to please God and fulfill His will in their lives. They do not burn for the things of this world, but the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Those with this characteristic are like those Jesus spoke of in the sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
In this passage, the word hunger literally means ‘famish’ or ‘crave’ which implies a fervent desire for food and water. No one needs to beg a hungry person to eat or a thirsty person to drink. They are motivated.
The Lord is looking for those who are fervent in their love for Him; those who are fervent in their desire to please Him; and those who are fervent in serving Him in their purpose and calling. He is not looking for those that are indifferent towards Him or His Kingdom and will.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
As mentioned in our last post, it is astounding how some people are rigidly faithful to their hobbies, favorite TV shows, or sports, yet they refuse to put that same loyalty towards their service to God.
When it comes to spiritual things, they lack the same fervor and are noticeably lukewarm or cold. If you saw how they invested their time and money, there would be little evidence to show their heart was in the things of God.
Their devotion and commitment to God seem almost non-existent at times because they have no fervency towards Him or His Kingdom and glory. It almost appears they are estranged from Him and His work and could care less if they do His will or have a deepening relationship with Him.
Again, I am not just talking about attending church. We can all sit in a church service while we are thinking about which restaurant we plan to eat at after the meeting, or the football game we want to watch when we return home. I am talking about an attitude that is fervent or passionate about pleasing God day and night.
“… not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord….” Romans 12:11
A fervent heart should not be something we must conjure up, it should be a natural response to the love of God and revelation of how much it cost Him to bring us into His family and kingdom. However, there are many voices and distractions trying to pull us away from our first love.
Jesus sharply rebuked the church at Laodicea because they had lost their first love. Thie zeal and passion for Him and His kingdom had grown lukewarm.
14) "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15) "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16) So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17) Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
18) I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' " Revelation 3:14-22
Notice the connection with fervency and overcoming. It is obvious from this passage, the lukewarm will not overcome in the days ahead. They will be like those Jesus referred to in the parable of the Sower, who fall away because of persecution or difficulty (See Matthew 13:1-23).
No company or employer wants an employee who is indifferent about their job or the direction and goals of the company. The Father, likewise, is not desirous of those who have little or no interest in being part of what He is doing. He wants us to choose where our hearts and affection are centered.
Before he died, Joshua gave some final warning to the children of Israel and said…
And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
Do you want shallow relationships that are lukewarm, indifferent, and meaningless? Or do you want relationships that are deep, sincere, rich, and meaningful?
Our Heavenly Father longs for our fervent love, devotion, and service because His love for us was so fervent, He sent His only begotten Son to die for us on a rugged cross. Not just to save us from eternal damnation, but that we might be with Him throughout the ages to come (Ephesians 2:7).
Are we serving God with that in mind? Is this our highest priority in life? Is loving God and doing His will our greatest desire? If not, we must ask Him to change our heart, our desires, our goals, and our eternal perspective.
Fan the Fire
In the Old Testament the priests were responsible to keep the fire burning on the altar. This is an allegory of how we too should keep the fire God ignited in our hearts when we received Christ as Lord and Savior.
12) And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order on it; and he shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. 13) A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out. Leviticus 6:12-13
This fire is believed to have been originally started by God (Leviticus 9:24-25) as it was when Solomon dedicated the Temple hundreds of years later (2 Chronicles 7:1-3) and Elijah called down fire upon the altar when he confronted the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:31-39).
Let’s do our part to fan the flame of passion and fervency in our hearts through spending time with Him, meditating upon His word, praying in the Spirit, fasting, worshipping Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24), and fellowshipping with others who have the same passion (Proverbs 13:20).
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6
Build Yourselves Up
17) But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18) how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19) These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21) keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:17-21
We will close this part of our series with the Doxology of Jude.
24) Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25) To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Our next post will examine what it means to be focused. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
11/30/2024