I Am A Zealot
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14
Those verses were penned by Paul to Titus to encourage him to uphold the Word of God, to be an example to young people, and to be zealous for good works.
What comes to your mind when you think of a Zealot?
An extremist
Someone who is fanatical
One who is uncompromising in their ideals
Maybe intolerant or close-minded
Possibly even dangerous
Those are some of the negative connotations attributed to a zealot, however, if that is what a zealot is supposed to be, Paul would never have encouraged Titus to become a zealot. So, what is the Biblical view of being zealous for good works?
Being a zealot is actually more in line with what may have been at the root of people’s actions that ultimately generated those negative connotations.
According to Britannica Dictionary, a zealot is simply…
Someone who has strong feelings about something (think of a sports fan)
And who desires others to feel the same way.
If good intentions are taken to an extreme they will become a negative. There is a lot of debate over just who said that with many claiming it was Aristotle and others adamant it wasn’t him. Nonetheless, I can point to a very reliable source that encapsulates a similar message, the Bible.
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house - too much of you, and they will hate you. - Proverbs 25:17
Visiting your neighbors periodically shows you care about them, you value them, etc. But, if you show up every day, your actions may not be interpreted as such. Same is true if you compliment someone. Too much and your comments will likely be taken as superficial and insincere.
So, what does a zealot of good works mean from a Biblical perspective?
One who is deeply committed to someone or thing
Fervor (great warmth or earnestness) toward a person or thing
Strong support
Passionate energy for a belief or purpose
Having or showing great excitement for
It’s about allowing our deep love for and devotion to God and Christ Jesus to exhibit itself in the way we love others that is sincere. In other words, love them because Christ loves them and for no other reason or expectation of anything in return.
Being a zealot for good works is about a response to the amazing grace and mercy shown to us in our forgiveness, not something we do to earn forgiveness.
When our actions are an outpouring of our love for God and others, it is so real and sincere it’s difficult, if not impossible, to see it as anything less than a positive action.
And that is what Paul was expressing to Titus which we see in the instructions Paul gave Titus following his encouragement to be a zealot.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed [past tense] in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.
These things are excellent and profitable for people.
- Titus 3:1-8.
And that is why I am a Zealot for good works.
