Sunday Service: 03/03/2024
Supporting Scripture: Acts 20: 23-24
Title of Message: The Power of Passion
Delivered by: Pastor Mercy Richardson
“Except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
From our opening scripture, we see apostle Paul Demonstrating that passion is a key ingredient in a successful Christian life. He was very focused, was driven by a clear sense of purpose, both in life and ministry, and he pursued his goal with perseverance, and finished his race.
What is Passion?
According to Webster’s dictionary, “passion” refers to a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement either for something or about doing something. Passion is often something you would love to do constantly.
Passion is taking that first step forward and then pushing through the obstacles and stretching our limits to make our vision a reality. It is an action that moves us forward again and again and again because we are sold out and are in for the cause.
Passion is probably one of the greatest motivating forces, if not the greatest. To have passion for something means to have zeal, obsession, and excitement. Sometimes you hear people say “I have a passion for football, traveling, music or I love him/her with a passion.
I have learnt in life that without passion, you will not succeed in whatever you do.
Paul was a man of great passion for the things of God to the extent that he didn’t care about what happened to him in life. (2 Cor. 11: 21-27)
“To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also. 22. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23. Are they ministers of Christ? —I speak as a fool—I am more: in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep. 26. In journeys often in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.”
No wonder God showed His enormous power in Paul’s life. (Acts 19:11)
“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul.”
The word ‘unusual’ in this verse implies not ordinary. The passion of Paul for the gospel moved God to the point of working special or extraordinary miracles through him. If we can become consumed with a passion for the things of God, He will respond with His power.
Why is passion so important?
You may have skills but if you don’t add passion to it, you will find it difficult to fulfil your goal. Passion gives you energy and carries you to your destination. It gives you enthusiasm. Passion overcomes fear and enables you take risks, it helps you go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to achieve your goal. People with passion will not stop until they succeed; passion drives you until you find what you are looking for.
When you don’t like what you are doing, you do it anyhow, you don’t put effort in it and because there is no effort, you fail. It is difficult to achieve when you don’t have much desire to do so. When you find God’s purpose for your life, with it comes your passion. (Ruth 1:16-17)
“But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. 17. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
Ruth had a passion to be with Naomi and God blessed her and opened doors for her. (Lk.2: 49)
Jesus was only 12 years old when He told His parents, “I must be about my Father’s business. Later He said to His disciples, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me” (John 9:4). Note the word ‘must’ Jesus knew what He was called to do, and He refused to allow anything to stand in His way. Jesus loved you with a passion that is why He could go to the cross for you.
Your passion is like fire, if you don’t feed and protect it, it will go out. Not everyone will help fan your fire.
There are two kinds of people you will meet in life, those who will help fan your fire and those who will quench it. The first group will inspire you, encourage you and go out of their way to help you.
The second group will throw cold water on you. They will say things like, what you are planning to do is not practical… this/that person tried it before, and it did not work … who do you think you are? You don’t have enough experience, talent, education, etc.
Maybe you’ve heard one or more of these excuses coming from the people around you, pray for them, love them, but don’t let them influence you. They always find something wrong with you. They doubt; they resist change; they bring discouragement. They keep you from reaching your heights by trying to put out the fire of your passion. Sometimes they do this deliberately other times unknowingly. Handle them with care. Instead, spend more time with those who view you not as you are, but as you could be, who fuel your faith and ignite your passion.
Remember, passion is unlimited enthusiasm. Our enthusiasm for the things of God needs to become limitless. That limitless enthusiasm will open the door for the limitless demonstration of the power of God. We need to be passionate about our praying, praising God, evangelising, giving, church attendance; love for each other, our goals, and be passionate about our love for God.