26 August 2025
“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation. I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Since they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Mark began with Paul’s longing: “Paul expresses his heart’s desire and his prayer to God for the salvation of Israel. That is striking. He loves them enough to pray for them.” Paul saw their passion. He felt their zeal. But he also knew their error. Zeal without knowledge is not enough.
Israel was running hard but in the wrong direction. Mark explained, “They are zealous for God, but it is not according to knowledge. Their zeal is sincere, but it is misplaced. They are ignorant of the righteousness of God.” That is a fatal mistake. Passion without truth can destroy. Sincerity without submission to Christ will not save.
The problem was not a lack of effort. Israel tried harder than anyone else. Mark put it plainly: “They sought to establish their own righteousness. They tried to be accepted by God on the basis of their own obedience. But their efforts could never meet the standard.” The more they ran, the further they fell from the finish line.
The answer is not more zeal. The answer is surrender. Paul wrote, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Mark pressed this home: “The law points to Christ, and in Him the striving ends. Righteousness is not achieved by human effort, it is received by faith in Christ.”
This speaks into our lives too. You may pour energy into career, parenting, or even church service. But if it is about proving yourself, you miss the point. God cares more about your heart than your achievements. Tonight, gather your children and pray that they would love Jesus more than winning.
Question: Where does zeal in your life risk pulling you away from resting in Christ?
Prayer:
Lord, protect me from the pride of self-righteousness. Teach me to rest in Christ, not in my effort. Give me zeal shaped by truth, not by striving. Amen.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.