Preaching on Laziness
Today we address a spiritual malady that can hinder our progress and displease our Lord: Laziness. Our text from Romans 12:11 exhorts us: "Not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." This verse calls us to a life of active engagement and purposeful service. As our introduction clarifies, laziness, or $\'okneo\'$ in Greek, signifies being empty, slow, sluggish, and negligent, as illustrated in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:26.
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INTRODUCTION:
The apostle Paul urges believers to shun idleness and embrace a spirit of zeal and diligence in their service to God. Laziness is a spiritual drain, hindering our effectiveness and robbing us of the joy of active participation in God's work.
I. ATTITUDES OF THE LAZY.
Scripture paints a vivid picture of the characteristics and consequences of laziness.
A. Laziness leads to deep sleep (Proverbs 19:15). Spiritual apathy and inactivity can lull us into a state of slumber, making us unresponsive to God's call.
B. Because of laziness, the roof collapses (Ecclesiastes 10:18). Neglect and inaction in the practical affairs of life lead to decay and ruin. This can also be applied metaphorically to the spiritual life, where neglecting our duties can lead to the breakdown of our faith.
C. The lazy man puts his hand in the dish, but does not bring it to his mouth (Proverbs 19:24; 26:15). This imagery depicts someone who is unwilling to exert the minimal effort required to benefit from what is readily available. They are close to opportunity but lack the initiative to seize it. In Proverbs 26:15, it emphasizes the mental exhaustion the lazy person experiences even at the thought of work.
D. The lazy man will not plow (Proverbs 20:4). Fear of effort and a desire for ease prevent the lazy person from undertaking necessary tasks that require exertion and foresight.
E. The hands of the lazy man refuse to work (Proverbs 21:25). Their desires go unfulfilled because they are unwilling to put in the necessary labor.
F. The lazy man neglects his daily work (Proverbs 24:30-34). This passage provides a poignant illustration of the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities:
1. The condition of the field was deplorable (v. 31). Full of thistles and thorns, the stone hedge broken down, signifying utter neglect and the encroachment of disorder.
2. This made him reflect and learn a lesson (v. 32), about the dire consequences of laziness. The observer recognized the inevitable outcome of idleness: poverty and ruin.
G. The lazy man is like a hinge turned in a bed (Proverbs 26:14). They move but accomplish nothing, their activity being pointless and unproductive. This echoes Proverbs 6:9: "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?"
H. The lazy man makes excuses for not working (Proverbs 26:13). They invent obstacles and justifications to avoid responsibility and effort.
I. The lazy man is urged to look at the ant (Proverbs 6:6). The ant's diligence and foresight serve as a powerful rebuke to human indolence.
II. GOD DESIRES US NOT TO BE LAZY BUT DILIGENT.
The Christian calling is one of active engagement and purposeful living.
A. The Christian is exhorted to be diligent, prompt in doing things. Our service to God should be marked by eagerness and a readiness to act.
B. Romans 12:11. Diligent means promptness. We must do this. We are called to be zealous and unslacking in our efforts, serving the Lord with fervor.
C. We must guard ourselves and our souls with diligence (Deuteronomy 4:9). Spiritual vigilance and careful attention to our walk with God are essential.
D. We must test our diligence (2 Corinthians 8:8, 22). Paul encouraged the Corinthians to demonstrate the sincerity of their love through their eagerness to help, and he commended Titus for his earnestness.
E. We must take careful note of how we walk (Ephesians 5:15). Our lives should be characterized by wisdom and intentionality, making the most of every opportunity.
F. We must be diligent to present ourselves approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15). This requires earnest effort in studying God's Word and living according to His principles.
G. We must give all diligence (2 Peter 1:5). Peter urges us to make every effort to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. 1
- Preaching on Spiritual Stagnation in the Christian Life
- Preaching on Parable of the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31
- Preaching on Walk as Wise Men Ephesians 5:15
CONCLUSION:
God has no place for laziness in His kingdom. God does not like a lazy person. A lazy person is not part of God's plan. Idleness hinders our spiritual growth, diminishes our witness, and ultimately displeases the Lord.
God desires that we put aside all laziness and be diligent in His affairs. Let us embrace a spirit of zeal, promptness, and perseverance in our service to Him, reflecting the active and purposeful nature of our God. May we be found faithful, not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Amen.
