Zeal's Precocity
Miles J. Stanford's sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning zeal for God with knowledge and self-denial for true spiritual growth.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of having zeal for God accompanied by true knowledge and understanding. He warns against misdirected zeal and the dangers of being awakened to the fact that we may lack the necessary knowledge and behavior expected of us in God's grace. Stanford highlights the need for self-judgment, deeper communion with Jesus, and the importance of doing the right things in the right way through practical grace and love.
Text
"For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2).
It takes more to break inertia than to ease momentum. Misdirected zeal is more easily corrected than inert sloth.
"It is possible, and very humiliating, to be awakened to the fact, though we have had a measure of zeal for the Lord, that we have barely known the things we should have known, nor the behavior that is becoming to us in this marvelous day of grace.
"But it is the love of the Lord Jesus that would lead us on, through the judgment of ourselves and ways, into deeper communion with Himself to be better representatives of Him here in whose likeness we shall soon appear. "
"The snare with zealous, but unprepared and unbroken hearts, is to do the right thing in the wrong way. It is not enough to know the right thing, but I must know the right way of doing it. The latter is not easily learned; the former is the fruit of light; the latter is never acquired but as there is practical grace and love-the activity of the Lord Jesus' nature in me by the Spirit." -J.B.S.
"Denial of the old man is where he is most felt, not where he is least felt; and all the light of Scripture cannot promote growth without self-denial. Here is where most fail, and in this day there is a great deal more zeal to acquire knowledge and intelligence in the wonders of revelation, than to deny the man that has no sympathy with it, nor part in it, but condemnation. "
"Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil " (1 Timothy 3:6).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Zeal
- The Importance of Knowledge
- Misdirected Zeal
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II
- Self-Examination
- Communion with Christ
- Representing Christ Effectively
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III
- The Right Way to Act
- Practical Grace and Love
- Self-Denial and Growth
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IV
- The Danger of Pride
- Avoiding Condemnation
- The Role of Experience
Key Quotes
“It takes more to break inertia than to ease momentum.” — Miles J. Stanford
“The snare with zealous, but unprepared and unbroken hearts, is to do the right thing in the wrong way.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Denial of the old man is where he is most felt, not where he is least felt.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Engage in regular self-examination to ensure your zeal aligns with God's will.
- Seek deeper communion with Christ to enhance your understanding and representation of Him.
- Practice self-denial to foster spiritual growth and overcome the old man.