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  ZEAL WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: True Christian zeal is not measured by what we are against, but
by our relationship with Jesus Christ and our zeal for good works.

Topics: "Relationship With Christ", "Zeal"
Scripture References: Matthew 7:1-5, John 15:5, Romans 10:2, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Galatians 4:18, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 3:6, Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Titus 2:14

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp discusses the concept of 'Zeal Without Knowledge' as
exemplified by Paul, who, despite his fervent persecution of the church,
was misguided in his understanding of God's will. Epp emphasizes that
true Christian zeal should stem from a right relationship with Christ,
rather than a mere opposition to others or their beliefs. He warns
against measuring one's faith by what they oppose, highlighting that
genuine zeal should lead to good works and a loving attitude towards
others. The sermon calls for believers to reflect on their motivations
and ensure their zeal aligns with the teachings of Jesus.

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CONTENT
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Philippians 3:1-11

Paul said about himself, "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church"
(Phil. 3:6). This reveals the pride of personal devotion to his
religious choices. In a sense, it was Paul's pride of reputation. He was
more devoted than any of his contemporaries. He was not only a Pharisee,
but he was also a very zealous one. He was a conscientious and
relentless persecutor of all who were considered heretics outside of his
pharisaic Judaism. In Paul's unsaved state in Judaism, he actually
thought he was doing the will of God by persecuting the believers in
Jesus Christ. He measured his religion by his hatred for Christians.

It is regrettable that even today some believers measure their Christian
zeal by what they are against. Some have so much bitterness against
modernists--those with liberal theology; others contend zealously over
the issue of the Holy Spirit or over a particular translation of the
Bible. Some have bitterness toward sinners, not distinguishing the sin
from the sinner. But remember, a reputation of zeal against anything is
not a proof of salvation in itself. I believe that when we are rightly
related to Jesus Christ, we will have much zeal against those things
that dishonor Him, but it is possible for people to be zealous against
some things without having a right relationship with Christ.

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus
2:14).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/zeal-without-knowledge/
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