James 3:13-18; 4:1-6; Zeal or Jealousy?

Here is a study from which we can be encouraged in our spiritual growth.  These are not all the words from the “jealousy/zeal” family.  But there are two words that deserve consideration.  The first one, the verb, demonstrates a truth about personal relationships.  James says fights come from “jealousy.”  The word refers to a “strong desire,” and jealousy is a strong desire.  Look through this list, and then think of every contentious relationship in Scripture and see if you do not see that it is the result of a strong desire that takes control.  But also note that there is a reference to a “Godly jealousy” for God Himself is a jealous God (Ex. 20:5).

zēloō (v): to have a strong desire; to be filled w/jealousy

·       Ac.7:9: Joseph's bros moved w/jealousy, sent him to Egypt

·       Ac.17:5: Jews of Thess., filled w/jealousy, get mob to oppose Paul

·       1 Cor 12:31: covet earnestly the best gifts

·       1 Cor 13:4: love is not jealous

·       1 Cor 14:1: desire gifts, but rather to prophesy

·       1 Cor 14:39: covet to prophesy & forbid not to speak in tongues

·       2 Cor 11:2ab: Paul jealous over them w/Godly jealousy

·       Gal 4:17ab,18: judaizers zealous for no good; only to get Galatians to be zealous for them. It's good to be zealous but for right thing.

·       Jas. 4:2: when we want something we kill, covet, quarrel, fight but don't pray.

I have often wondered how some of the conversations went among the Twelve, given one of them was a “zealot,” a member of a political party.  However that works out, remember that “zeal” is a character trait of a Spirit-filled believer.  For what, or whom, are you a zealot?  The “Z” verse in the Bible Alphabet in me Primary Sunday School class was Titus 2:14b.

zēlōtēs (masculine noun): zealot, enthusiast

·       Lk.6:15: Simon the Zealot (Ac.1:13)

·       Ac.21:20: many Jewish believers = zealots for law

·       Ac.22:3: as Jew Paul = zealot towards God

·       1 Cor 143:12: those zealots for gifts should seek to edify church

·       Gal 1:14: Paul a more zealous Jew than others

·       Tit 2:14: Christ came to purify us, make us his people, zealots for good works

·       1 Pt 3:13: who will harm you if you be followers of that which is good