Be zealous and rejoice

Romans: The Gospel for God’s glory
Romans 12:11-12
Be zealous and rejoice
Be zealous and fervent, rejoice, serve, be patient, pray persistently

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

1) Do not be slothful in zeal, 12:11a.
Paul is saying we should be zealous (or diligent) in devoting our whole life to God to do his will, 12:1-2. We should not be slothful but energetic and fruitful. Why is this necessary for doing anything for God? How does this challenge you?

2) Be fervent in spirit, 12:11b.
“Be boiling in spirit.” How do we become fervent in spirit?

3) Serve the Lord, 12:11c.
In what ways do we serve the Lord – just through church ministry? Why do you think Paul follows “be zealous and fervent” with “serve the Lord”?

4) Rejoice in hope, 12:12a.
In 5:2, Paul says, “we rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” that is, in our future resurrection glory. Most of struggle with rejoicing in hope of our future glory, when we are in hard times. How can we grow in rejoicing in hope?

5) Be patient in tribulation, 12:12b.
In other words: “Endure in affliction. Bear up under suffering.” Why does this exhortation follow “rejoice in hope”? (See also Rom. 5:3-4). Why does making progress in growth in Christ and for the gospel inevitably involve being patient in tribulation? Can you think of examples of this in your life?

6) Be constant in prayer, 12:12c.
Some other passages that speak of being persistent in prayer include Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, Acts 1:14, 2:42. What is true about God and prayer that makes praying so important?
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7. Jesus taught that his disciples ought always to pray and not lose heart. How can we be constant and persistent in prayer? What kinds of things should we pray about? What would our lives be like if we really practiced Philippians 4:6-7?