Titus 2:11-14 [11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Passion means – a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept
1. Passion for God
Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
– How is your love for the master like? Are you passionate about him and his kingdom?
– Is God your daily meditation? Is he the subject of your deepest affection?
– The bible teaches us in 1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
– Your love for him is expressed through doing his word.
– God loves you very much, and He wants you to spend time fellowshipping with Him. Even now, He’s calling your attention to a deeper and more intimate walk with Him. That’s what He desires, and He knows you want the same thing.
– When you really want something, and you know the situation is such that only God can fix, it’ll create a strong desire in your heart to seek Him. However, you don’t have to wait until you’re in a fix. Be like David, who, inspired by a strong desire for the Lord as indicated in our opening verse above.
2. Passion for souls
Luke 19:1-10 [1] And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. [2] And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. [3] And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. [4] And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. [5] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. [6] And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. [8] And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. [9] And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Another scripture reference is Ezekiel 33:1-9
– You have to take responsibility for the souls around you, and it starts with your parents, workmates, schoolmates, neighbors, etc
– You have to save them from imminent damnation.
– The Apostle Paul in Acts 13:38-39 said, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
– There’re no options to the Gospel. No wonder David said, “Send us around the world with the news of your saving power…” (Psalm 67:2 TLB).
– No Christian is left out of the instruction to preach the Gospel. It should be your passion!
– Fuel your passion for the Gospel. Keep preaching and talking to others about Jesus. Discuss the Gospel continually with those who are also fired up in their spirits for the Gospel and intercede in prayer for the lost who are yet to hear the Word of salvation.
3. Passion for God’s people – Love
Revelation 2:1-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will…remove thy candlestick out of his place…
– Think about this: Even after the Lord praised the church in Ephesus for all their labour, He had something against them; they had left their first love. What was the first love? Evidently, it refers to their love and passion for Jesus Christ, shown through their love for the brethren.
– Make up your mind and train yourself to walk in love. Don’t be hardened against your brethren, your siblings, or even strangers. Let your heart be softened and be easily stirred to help.
– 1 John 4:20 says, “If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
– To love Jesus, you must express it in loving God’s people.
– By loving the brethren, you show that you love Christ. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
4. Passion for the house of God
John 2:13-17 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
– Are you’re concerned about the state of God’s house?
– If you are addicted to the house of God, then where is your partnership to develop his house? I always ask this question: Are you happy with your local church deco, sound, venue, e.t.c?
– Every child of God must be passionate about the Church of Christ. David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1).
– He was passionate about the house of God! No wonder God described him as a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).
– One day, while sitting on his throne, he felt concerned that, as king of Israel, he had a palace to live in, yet God’s people could only worship the Lord in a tent. He thus decided, “I’m going to build God a house.” What a heart!
1 Chronicles 29:3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
