ENTHUSIASTICALLY SERVING THE LORD
Psalms 100 –
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his
presence with singing. Know ye that the
LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be
thankful unto him, and bless
his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Introduction:
1.
Enthusiasm – a word study. (Information from
Wikepedia)
a.
Etymology -- from a Greek word meaning, “possessed
by a god”.
b.
First Definition – (From Johnson’s
dictionary – first comprehensive dictionary of the English language) “a vain
belief of private revelation; a vain confidence of divine
favour or communication”
c.
Present vernacular – “intense enjoyment,
interest,
or approval”
d. Historical
information -- Originally, an enthusiast was a person possessed by a
god. Applied by the Greeks
to manifestations of divine possession, by Apollo (as in
the case of the Pythia),
or by Dionysus
(as in the case of the Bacchantes and Maenads), the term enthusiasm was also used in a transferred
or figurative sense. Socrates taught that the inspiration of poets is a form of
enthusiasm. Its uses were confined to a belief in religious inspiration, or to
intense religious fervour or emotion. Thus, a Syrian sect of the 4th century was known as the Enthusiasts.
They believed that "by perpetual prayer, ascetic
practices and contemplation, man could become inspired by the Holy Spirit, in spite of
the ruling evil spirit, which the fall had given to him". From their
belief in the efficacy of prayer, they were also known as Euchites.
e.
Modern
usage -- At their best they grab life for its different joys and
wonders and truly live in the moment but, at their worst, they dash
trepidatiously from one new endeavor to another, too scared of disappointment
to actually enjoy themselves. Enthusiasts fear being incapable to provide for
themselves or to experience life fully. The
term is sometimes used to describe the demeanor of fans of various activities or
organizations, ranging from hunting aficionadoes to wine lovers.
2.
Both
the now “archaic” definition and the modern vernacular should interest the
Christian: not in the sense of possessing some false god within us, but rather
have God Himself dwelling in us (2 Corinthians 6:14 – 18); not in the sense of
being “sports fanatics”, but with even greater fervor regarding service to Him!
3.
While
some would think us “crazy” to paint our faces, dress in the oddest garb, or
speak obsessively regarding our ENTHUSIASM toward any particular function such
as sports, or school spirit, or the work force encouragement, etc., why should
we be LESS ENTHUSIASTIC about serving God? Why do so many display a “ho-hum”
drudgery about assembling on Lord’s Day morning – and worse the evening and
still worse, mid-week bible study? If we are not IN LOVE COMPLETELY with Him,
are we even close to being found faithful enough for His eternal reward of
heaven?
4.
Psalms
95
I.
ENTHUSIASM
INCLUDES LOVE FOR THE OBJECT OF OUR AFFECTION
A.
Whatever
attracted you to your spouse, made you “enthusiastic” about marriage. No one
was/is better and the longer you have remained married, the more enthusiastic
you are in defending this union!
1.
Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth
a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
2.
Proverbs 5:18 - 19 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the
wife of thy youth. Let her be as
the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times;
and be thou ravished always with her love.
B.
Even
MORE love should be enthusiastically surrendered to Christ
1.
Ephesians
5:22 – 33
2.
Revelation
22: 1- 2: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
C.
Romans 8:35; 1Co 16:22
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
II.
ENTHUSIASM
REQUIRES MORE THAN PARTICIPATION – IT REQUIRES
COMMITMENT – YEA, IT REQUIRES YOUR LIFE
A.
Colossians
3:1-5
B.
Galatians
2:20
C.
Jude
20 – 21 But ye,
beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy
Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
D. Philippians 1: 8 – 17
III. ENTHUSIASM PRODUCES GREAT THINGS:
IT’S CONTAGIOUS!
A.
Philippians
1: 18 – 30
B.
Philippians
2: 12 – 18
C.
2
Peter 1: 3 – 11
D. Matthew 5:16
E.
Note
how frequently we note the church’s increase …
1.
Act
6:7 And the word
of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in
2.
Act 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout
all Judaea and Galilee and
IV. ENTHUIASM IS REQUIRED OF THOSE WHO
SEEK GOD, AND HIS ETERNITY!
A.
Hebrews
11:6
B.
Revelation
2:10
C.
2
Timothy 4:7 – 8
V.
HEAVEN
IS ONLY GRANTED TO THOSE WHO TRULY WANT TO GO THERE!
A.
Hebrews
5: 7 – 10
B.
Revelation
14:13