Galatians 4:18
Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose--at any time, and not only when I am with you.
Nevertheless
This word serves as a transition, indicating a contrast or exception to what has been previously stated. In the context of Galatians, Paul has been discussing the misguided zeal of the Galatians in following false teachings. The Greek word here, "plēn," suggests a shift in focus, emphasizing that while zeal can be misdirected, it can also be commendable when aligned with truth and righteousness.

it is good
The phrase underscores the intrinsic value of zeal when it is properly directed. The Greek word "kalon" implies something that is not only good in quality but also morally excellent and praiseworthy. Paul is affirming that zeal, in itself, is not negative; rather, it is the object and purpose of that zeal that determines its goodness.

to be zealous
Zeal, or "zēloō" in Greek, conveys a sense of fervent passion and enthusiasm. In the biblical context, zeal is often associated with a deep commitment to God and His purposes. Paul is encouraging the Galatians to channel their fervor towards what is truly noble and beneficial, rather than being swayed by false teachings.

if it serves a noble purpose
This phrase highlights the condition under which zeal is considered good. The Greek word "kalos" for "noble" suggests something that is honorable, virtuous, and worthy of pursuit. Paul is urging the Galatians to ensure that their zeal is directed towards goals that align with God's will and the teachings of Christ.

at any time
Paul emphasizes the constancy and consistency of noble zeal. The Greek phrase "pantote" means always or at all times, suggesting that zeal for good should not be sporadic or dependent on external circumstances. True zeal is steadfast and enduring, reflecting a continual commitment to righteousness.

and not only when I am with you
Here, Paul addresses the tendency of some to exhibit zeal only in the presence of authority figures. The Greek construction implies that genuine zeal should not be contingent upon Paul's physical presence. Instead, it should be an intrinsic part of the believer's life, motivated by a sincere desire to honor God, regardless of who is watching.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Galatians, addressing issues of faith and practice within the early church.

2. Galatians
The recipients of the letter, a group of early Christians in the region of Galatia who were struggling with the influence of Judaizers.

3. Judaizers
A group within the early church advocating for adherence to Jewish law, which Paul addresses throughout the letter.

4. Zeal
The fervor or enthusiasm that Paul discusses, emphasizing its importance when directed towards good purposes.

5. Noble Purpose
The focus of zeal that Paul encourages, suggesting that enthusiasm should be aligned with righteous and godly goals.
Teaching Points
The Value of Zeal
Zeal is a powerful force in the Christian life when directed towards godly purposes. It can drive us to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God.

Zeal with Knowledge
It is crucial that our zeal is informed by the truth of Scripture. Misguided zeal can lead to error and division, as seen in the case of the Judaizers.

Consistency in Zeal
Paul encourages the Galatians to maintain their zeal at all times, not just when he is present. This speaks to the importance of personal integrity and consistency in our walk with Christ.

Purposeful Enthusiasm
Our enthusiasm should be channeled towards noble purposes, such as serving others, spreading the Gospel, and growing in personal holiness.

Community Encouragement
Zeal can be contagious. When we are passionate about our faith, it can inspire and encourage others in the community to pursue godly goals.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we ensure that our zeal is aligned with a noble purpose, as Paul describes in Galatians 4:18?

2. In what ways can we maintain our zeal for the Lord consistently, even when spiritual leaders or mentors are not present?

3. Reflect on a time when your zeal was misdirected. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your current walk with Christ?

4. How can we encourage others in our church or community to be zealous for good works, as described in Titus 2:14?

5. Consider the role of knowledge in guiding our zeal. How can we grow in our understanding of Scripture to ensure our enthusiasm is well-directed?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 10:2
Paul speaks about the zeal of the Israelites, which was not based on knowledge, highlighting the importance of informed zeal.

Philippians 3:6
Paul reflects on his own past zeal as a Pharisee, which was misdirected before his conversion to Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Encourages believers to be steadfast and always abounding in the work of the Lord, which aligns with the idea of zeal for noble purposes.

Titus 2:14
Describes believers as a people zealous for good works, emphasizing the importance of zeal in the Christian life.
An Object Unworthy of ZealThe GospellerGalatians 4:18
Breaking the Looking-GlassVenning.Galatians 4:18
Christian ZealW. M. Punshon, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Christian ZealR. Brewin.Galatians 4:18
Christian ZealJ. Burns, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Christian ZealDr. Thomson.Galatians 4:18
Constancy of ZealW. M. Punshon, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Contending the Truth a CrimeCawdray.Galatians 4:18
Definition of ZealW. M. Punshon, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Excellency of Christian ZealJohn Garwood, M. A.Galatians 4:18
False ZealH. Bonar, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Falsehood Cheaper than TruthW. Gurnall.Galatians 4:18
God's Covenant with AbrahamW. J. Chapman, M. A.Galatians 4:18
Heavenly ZealCudworth.Galatians 4:18
Holy and Unholy Zeal ContrastedJ. D. Sirr, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Hostility to the TruthGalatians 4:18
Interest in Holy Work to be MaintainedC. H. Spurgeon.Galatians 4:18
It is Good to be Zealously Affected Always in a Good ThingJ. Wesley.Galatians 4:18
Motives of Christian ZealJohn Bate.Galatians 4:18
Objects of Christian ZealJohn Bate.Galatians 4:18
Obligation to Christian ZealJohn Bate.Galatians 4:18
Quality of ActionVenning.Galatians 4:18
Regulation of Christian ZealJohn Bate.Galatians 4:18
Religious ZealR. Wardlaw, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Reproof Makes EnemiesSpencer.Galatians 4:18
Temporary ZealStarke.Galatians 4:18
The Causes of Declining ZealA. Maclaren, D. D.Galatians 4:18
The Duty of Christian ZealR. Newton.Galatians 4:18
The Military Value of EnthusiasmMaxim LV1Galatians 4:18
The Profitableness of Christian ZealW. M. Punshon, D. D.Galatians 4:18
The Reasonableness of Christian ZealW. M. Punshon, D. D.Galatians 4:18
The Right Mode of Giving and Receiving ReproofJ. Foster.Galatians 4:18
TolerationEmilius Bayley, B. D., Heubner., Luther., Starke.Galatians 4:18
True ZealCudworth.Galatians 4:18
Truth Often UnpopularSenhouse.Galatians 4:18
Truth Sacrificed to Self-InterestR. South, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Truth TellingColeridge., Bishop Hall., S. Smiles.Galatians 4:18
Value and Importance of Christian ZealT. Lewis.Galatians 4:18
Work Aids ZealA. J. Gordon.Galatians 4:18
ZealManton.Galatians 4:18
ZealJohn Edwards, D. D.Galatians 4:18
Zeal and DiscretionH. Smith.Galatians 4:18
Zeal and PrudenceC Simeon.Galatians 4:18
Zeal IllustratedFoster.Galatians 4:18
Zeal in ReligionAmerican Homiletic ReviewGalatians 4:18
Zeal the Need of the ChurchBiblical TreasuryGalatians 4:18
Personal AppealR. Finlayson Galatians 4:12-20
The Appeal of the Suffering ApostleR.M. Edgar Galatians 4:12-20
People
Agar, Galatians, Hagar, Isaac, Paul
Places
Galatia, Jerusalem, Mount Sinai
Topics
Affected, Always, Cause, Commendable, Courted, Eagerly, Honourable, Interest, Manner, Matter, Present, Provided, Purpose, Regarded, Sought, Zealous, Zealously
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Galatians 4:17-18

     5840   eagerness
     8370   zeal

Library
May 7. "I Travail in Birth Again Until Christ be Formed in You" (Gal. Iv. 19).
"I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you" (Gal. iv. 19). It is a blessed moment when we are born again and a new heart is created in us after the image of God. It is a more blessed moment when in this new heart Christ Himself is born and the Christmas time is reproduced in us as we, in some real sense, become incarnations of the living Christ. This is the deepest and holiest meaning of Christianity. It is expressed in Paul's prayer for the Galatians. "My little children, for whom I
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Fourth Sunday in Lent
Text: Galatians 4, 21-31. 21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewomen. 23 Howbeit the son by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the son by the freewoman is born through promise. 24 Which things contain an allegory: for these women are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. 25 Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar
We shall attempt this morning to teach you something of the allegories of Sarah and Hagar, that you may thereby better understand the essential difference between the covenants of law and of grace. We shall not go fully into the subject, but shall only give such illustrations of it as the text may furnish us. First, I shall want you to notice the two women, whom Paul uses as types--Hagar and Sarah; then I shall notice the two sons--Ishmael and Isaac; in the third place, I shall notice Ishmael's conduct
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Adoption --The Spirit and the Cry
The divinity of each of these sacred persons is also to be gathered from the text and its connection. We do not doubt tee the loving union of all in the work of deliverance. We reverence the Father, without whom we had not been chosen or adopted: the Father who hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We love and reverence the Son by whose most precious blood we have been redeemed, and with whom we are one in a mystic and everlasting union: and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 24: 1878

God's Inheritance
GAL. iv. 6, 7. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. This is the second good news of Christmas-day. The first is, that the Son of God became man. The second is, why he became man. That men might become the sons of God through him. Therefore St. Paul says, You are the sons of God. Not--you may be, if you are very good: but you are,
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
Martin Luther, leader of the Reformation, was born at Eisleben in 1483, and died there 1546. His rugged character and powerful intellect, combined with a strong physique, made him a natural orator, so that it was said "his words were half battles." Of his own method of preaching he once remarked: "When I ascend the pulpit I see no heads, but imagine those that are before me to be all blocks. When I preach I sink myself deeply down; I regard neither doctors nor masters, of which there are in the church
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

The Faithful Steward
We are now prepared to present in detail that general system of beneficence, demanded alike by Scripture and reason, and best fitted to secure permanent and ever-growing results. While universal, it must be a system in its nature adapted to each individual, and binding on the individual conscience; one founded on, and embracing, the entire man,--his reason, his heart and will, including views and principles, feelings and affections, with their inculcation, general purposes and resolutions, with corresponding
Sereno D. Clark—The Faithful Steward

"Ye are not in the Flesh," Says the Apostle...
"Ye are not in the flesh," says the apostle, "but in the Spirit"; but then he adds, as the only ground of this, "if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you"; surely he means, if so be ye are moved, guided, and governed by that, which the Spirit wills, works and inspires within you. And then to show the absolute necessity of this life of God in the soul, he adds, "If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." And that this is the state to which God has appointed, and called all
William Law—An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy

Here are Two Most Important and Fundamental Truths Fully Demonstrated...
Here are two most important and fundamental truths fully demonstrated, First, that the truth and perfection of the gospel state could not take place, till Christ was glorified, and his kingdom among men made wholly and solely a continual immediate ministration of the Spirit: everything before this was but subservient for a time, and preparatory to this last dispensation, which could not have been the last, had it not carried man above types, figures and shadows, into the real possession and enjoyment
William Law—An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy

But one Sometimes Comes to a Case of this Kind...
24. But one sometimes comes to a case of this kind, that we are not interrogated where the person is who is sought, nor forced to betray him, if he is hidden in such manner, that he cannot easily be found unless betrayed: but we are asked, whether he be in such a place or not. If we know him to be there, by holding our peace we betray him, or even by saying that we will in no wise tell whether he be there or not: for from this the questioner gathers that he is there, as, if he were not, nothing else
St. Augustine—On Lying

Introductory Note to the Epistle of Barnabas
[a.d. 100.] The writer of this Epistle is supposed to have been an Alexandrian Jew of the times of Trajan and Hadrian. He was a layman; but possibly he bore the name of "Barnabas," and so has been confounded with his holy and apostolic name-sire. It is more probable that the Epistle, being anonymous, was attributed to St. Barnabas, by those who supposed that apostle to be the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and who discovered similarities in the plan and purpose of the two works. It is with
Barnabas—The Epistle of Barnabas

The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
[As it is written] How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! T he account which the Apostle Paul gives of his first reception among the Galatians (Galatians 4:15) , exemplifies the truth of this passage. He found them in a state of ignorance and misery; alienated from God, and enslaved to the blind and comfortless superstitions of idolatry. His preaching, accompanied with the power of the Holy Spirit, had a great and marvellous effect.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

How Can I Obtain Faith?
May the Spirit of God assist us while we meditate upon the way by which faith cometh. This shall be followed by a brief indication of certain obstructions which often lie in that way; and then we will conclude by dwelling upon the importance that faith should come to us by that appointed road. I. First, then, THE WAY BY WHICH FAITH COMES TO MEN. "Faith cometh by hearing." It may help to set the truth out more clearly, if we say, negatively, that it does not come by any other process than by hearing;--not
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

The Blood of Sprinkling
Our apostle next tells us what we are come to. I suppose he speaks of all the saints after the death and resurrection of our Lord and the descent of the Holy Ghost. He refers to the whole church, in the midst of which the Holy Spirit now dwells. We are come to a more joyous sight than Sinai, and the mountain burning with fire. The Hebrew worshipper, apart from his sacrifices, lived continually beneath the shadow of the darkness of a broken law; he was startled often by the tremendous note of the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

"But Ye have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God," 1 John iii. 1. It is a wonderful expression of love to advance his own creatures, not only infinitely below himself, but far below other creatures, to such a dignity. Lord, what is man that thou so magnified him! But it surpasseth wonder, that rebellious creatures, his enemies, should have, not only
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For Ye have not Received the Spirit of Bondage
Rom. viii. s 14, 15.--"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." The life of Christianity, take it in itself, is the most pleasant and joyful life that can be, exempted from those fears and cares, those sorrows and anxieties, that all other lives are subject unto, for this of necessity must be the force and efficacy of true religion,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Moral Reactions of Prayer
The Moral Reactions of Prayer All religion is founded on prayer, and in prayer it has its test and measure. To be religious is to pray, to be irreligious is to be incapable of prayer. The theory of religion is really the philosophy of prayer; and the best theology is compressed prayer. The true theology is warm, and it steams upward into prayer. Prayer is access to whatever we deem God, and if there is no such access there is no religion; for it is not religion to resign ourselves to be crushed
P. T. Forsyth—The Soul of Prayer

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
'Great is the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh.' I Tim 3:16. Q-xxvii: WHEREIN DID CHRIST'S HUMILIATION CONSIST? A: In his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross. Christ's humiliation consisted in his incarnation, his taking flesh, and being born. It was real flesh that Christ took; not the image of a body (as the Manichees erroneously held), but a true body; therefore he
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Her virginity Also Itself was on this Account More Pleasing and Accepted...
4. Her virginity also itself was on this account more pleasing and accepted, in that it was not that Christ being conceived in her, rescued it beforehand from a husband who would violate it, Himself to preserve it; but, before He was conceived, chose it, already dedicated to God, as that from which to be born. This is shown by the words which Mary spake in answer to the Angel announcing to her her conception; "How," saith she, "shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" [2031] Which assuredly she would
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to
St. Augustine—On Patience

Therefore at that Time, when the Law Also...
27. Therefore at that time, when the Law also, following upon the days of the Patriarchs, [2010] pronounced accursed, whoso raised not up seed in Israel, even he, who could, put it not forth, but yet possessed it. But from the period that the fullness of time hath come, [2011] that it should be said, "Whoso can receive, let him receive," [2012] from that period even unto this present, and from henceforth even unto the end, whoso hath, worketh: whoso shall be unwilling to work, let him not falsely
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Letter xiv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln
To Alexander, [15] Bishop of Lincoln A certain canon named Philip, on his way to Jerusalem, happening to turn aside to Clairvaux, wished to remain there as a monk. He solicits the consent of Alexander, his bishop, to this, and begs him to sanction arrangements with the creditors of Philip. He finishes by exhorting Alexander not to trust too much in the glory of the world. To the very honourable lord, Alexander, by the Grace of God, Bishop of Lincoln, Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, wishes honour more
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children.
Text: Romans 8, 12-17. 12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: 13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

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