Passion For God

PASSION FOR GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 42:1-2

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?"

Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:10; Matthew 22:37; Psalm 63:1-2; Jeremiah 20:9; Romans 12:11

INTRODUCTION:

A true walk with God is not sustained by routine but by passion. Passion for God is that inner fire, hunger, and thirst that drives a believer to seek God above all else. It is the longing of the soul to be with the Father, to know Him more, and to serve Him wholeheartedly. Without this passion, Christian living becomes dry, cold, and mechanical.

In our world today, distractions abound — materialism, busyness, and compromise threaten our intimacy with God. Passion for God is what keeps us spiritually awake and hungry. It fuels prayer, deepens worship, and strengthens obedience. It is the heartbeat of every revival and the secret behind lasting impact in God’s kingdom.

This study explores what it means to have a deep passion for God, the characteristics of such passion, and how to cultivate and maintain it consistently. God is seeking hearts that burn for Him, and we must respond with undivided love and devotion.

1. PASSION FOR GOD BEGINS WITH A DEEP DESIRE FOR HIS PRESENCE

True passion drives us into intimate fellowship with God.

a) A Heart That Longs for God.

Passion starts with a yearning to be close to God (Psalm 84:2).

b) A Thirst That Cannot Be Quenched by Anything Else.

Only God's presence satisfies the hungry soul (Psalm 63:1).

c) A Lifestyle of Seeking Him Daily.

Passion leads to consistent communion with God (Matthew 6:33).

d) A Willingness to Be Still Before Him.

Silence and solitude help us experience Him deeper (Psalm 46:10).

Biblical Example: Moses passionately sought God's glory and presence (Exodus 33:13-18).

2. PASSION FOR GOD PRODUCES OBEDIENCE AND HOLINESS

A passionate heart cannot tolerate sin or rebellion.

a) Loving God Means Obeying Him.

Passion is seen in our readiness to obey (John 14:15).

b) Sin Becomes Hateful to a Passionate Soul.

Passionate believers are quick to repent (Psalm 51:10).

c) Holiness Becomes a Delight.

They long to please God in everything (1 Peter 1:15-16).

d) God's Commands Are Not Burdensome.

His word becomes a joy to follow (1 John 5:3).

Biblical Example: Joseph refused to sin against God because of his love for Him (Genesis 39:9).

3. PASSION FOR GOD IGNITES FERVENT SERVICE IN HIS KINGDOM

Passion fuels meaningful and sacrificial service.

a) Serving God Becomes a Privilege.

Passionate people find joy in kingdom work (Romans 12:11).

b) They Go the Extra Mile for God.

Nothing is too much to do for the One they love (Colossians 3:23).

c) Passion Overcomes Discouragement.

Even in trials, they remain committed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

d) They Influence Others to Love and Serve God.

Their passion becomes contagious (Hebrews 10:24).

Biblical Example: Paul was tireless in preaching Christ despite all hardships (Philippians 3:7-14).

4. PASSION FOR GOD REFLECTS IN WORSHIP AND PRAYER

It finds expression in deep communion and praise.

a) Worship Becomes a Lifestyle.

They live in awe and reverence of God (John 4:23-24).

b) Prayer Becomes a Delight, Not a Duty.

Passion makes the altar of prayer active (Luke 18:1).

c) They Are Easily Broken in God's Presence.

Their hearts remain tender before Him (Isaiah 66:2).

d) Fasting and Spiritual Disciplines Are Embraced.

Passionate believers press in through spiritual exercises (Matthew 6:17-18).

Biblical Example: Hannah poured out her soul in passionate prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-15).

5. PASSION FOR GOD MUST BE NURTURED AND PROTECTED

It can grow stronger or be lost if not preserved.

a) Guard Against Lukewarmness.

Passion fades when we become careless (Revelation 3:15-16).

b) Stay in Fellowship with Like-Minded Believers.

Iron sharpens iron (Hebrews 10:25).

c) Avoid Spiritual Complacency.

Keep striving for more of God (Proverbs 4:18).

d) Regularly Fan the Flames Through the Word and Prayer.

Passion must be rekindled daily (2 Timothy 1:6).

Biblical Example: The disciples’ hearts burned as Jesus spoke with them (Luke 24:32).

CONCLUSION:

Passion for God is the key to a vibrant and fruitful Christian life. It is the fire that keeps the soul alive and the spirit sensitive to divine things. Without it, we grow cold, distracted, and ineffective. But when our hearts burn for Him, we become unstoppable, unshakable, and unmovable in the pursuit of His will.

Let us hunger for His presence, delight in His Word, and serve Him with zeal. May we never lose our fire, and may our passion draw others to know the God we love and serve.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, ignite in me a fresh and unquenchable passion for You.

2. Let my heart burn daily for Your presence and purpose.

3. Deliver me from spiritual lukewarmness and complacency.

4. Help me to serve You with joy, zeal, and consistency.

5. Let my passion for You influence and revive others around me.