The Right Equation for Service to God

I. Introduction
   A. What are the tools that we need to serve God?
   B. There are many things-- but much can be based in two elements
   C. We can make four equations about them
      1. Zeal without knowledge
      2. Knowledge without zeal
      3. Without zeal and without knowledge
      4. Zeal and knowledge
   D. Which of these should exemplify our lives?
   E. Let us examine these four equations according to Scripture

II. Zeal Without Knowledge
   A. The Scriptures provide examples of many who had zeal without 
      knowledge
   B. Peter
      1. As a disciple, very hasty and mercurial
      2. Matthew 14
         a. Has the faith to walk on water (v. 29)
         b. But doubts quickly, about to sink, "of little faith" 
            (v. 30)
      3. Matthew 16
         a. First calls Jesus the Christ, the Son of God (v. 16)
         b. Next minute, His stumbling block! (v. 23)
      4. Luke 22
         a. First will never abandon Jesus (v. 33)
         b. Then abandons Him thrice! (vv. 57; 58; 60)
   C. Apollos
      1. Acts 18:25- had zeal to preach for John, but did not know the
         truth of Jesus
      2. Fervent in spirit, but yet not in truth
   D. Neither Peter nor Apollos nor anyone else approved when they 
      show zeal without knowledge
   E. Clearly, zeal without knowledge is not what God desires

III. Knowledge Without Zeal
   A. Some may have the knowledge, but do not have the spirit to act 
      upon it
   B. Ephesus
      1. Knew the truth, and could not bear false teachings (vv. 2-3)
      2. Yet had left their first love (v. 4)
      3. How is this so?
   C. Ephesus was not right with God because they did not have any zeal
      with their knowledge, and thus acted without feeling, and not 
      right in God's eyes
   D. Clearly, knowledge without zeal is not what God desires

IV. Without Zeal and Without Knowledge
   A. Some have no zeal and no knowledge of truth
   B. Logical deduction shows that this cannot be good!
   C. If God does not want zeal without knowledge, nor knowledge 
      without zeal, then God surely does not want no zeal and no 
      knowledge!
   D. Such is what the Scriptures show!
   E. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9: those without the knowledge of God are 
      destined for hell!
   F. Matthew 7:21-23: even some who will call upon the name of the 
      Lord shall be cast out!
   G. Those without zeal and without knowledge must repent!

V. Zeal and Knowledge
   A. What of those who have zeal and knowledge?  
   B. Peter
      1. We saw how he acted as a disciple
      2. As an Apostle, however...
         a. Acts 2: preaches the first sermon; 3,000 turn to God
         b. Acts 4; 6: hauled to the Sanhedrin, defends faith in Christ
         c. Acts 10: preaches to the Gentiles
      3. Peter, having received the truth from the Holy Spirit, focuses
         his zeal and becomes an effective worker for God
   C. Apollos
      1. We saw him teaching accurately according to John the Baptist
      2. Acts 18:26: he is taught by Aquila and Priscilla the way of 
         truth
      3. Verses 27-28: immediately and effectively concentrates his 
         efforts on promoting truth
      4. Once Apollos was shown the accurate way of truth, his zeal was
         focused and worked for God
   D. We could show many more examples, like Paul, many Old Testament 
      figures, and the Jews themselves (Romans 10:2), but the point 
      should be clear: to be right in the sight of God we must have 
      both zeal and knowledge

VI. Conclusion
   A. Therefore, we must have knowledge and zeal
   B. Do you know what you need to know to serve Jesus?
   C. Do you have the desire to serve Jesus?
   D. We hope you do
   E. Let us serve God with zeal and knowledge!
   F. Invitation/songbook