"Building a Church Through Outreach"
A Lion is in the Way
ELCOG 6/25/06
Text: Proverbs 26:13
I want to again, push us a long. I want to remind you that Jesus is coming soon and we have taken on the mantle of preparing a place for Jesus. I want us to take up the promise and the purpose and work with all of our might to rebuild the temple for God. I believe that we will continue to see a great turn around as we join together to work to build a church for God.
1. Evil Effects of slothfulness:
a. Cannot reach desire.
Prov. 21:25
25The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
b. Cause dilapidation
Prov. 24:30
30I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
Prov. 24:31
31And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
1. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
2. Christian must be steadfast
1 Cor. 15:58
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
c. Makes one a parasite.
i. Members ride through on another’s work
ii. To many it’s: "they do". "we enjoy", "their troubles" "our success"
2 Thess. 3:10 10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2 Thess. 3:11 11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
2 Thess. 3:12
12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
d. Makes one conceited
Prov. 26:16
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Rom. 12:16
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
2. There are a lot of lions in the street today.
a. "to far to go – too much work"
b. Do not have time.
Acts 24:25
25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
c. Too hard to do
d. One hour a week is enough
e. Service is not what I want or expect.
f. Too expensive
g. Too many hypocrites
h. I’ve done enough
3. What should the sluggard do?
a. awake thou that sleepest
Eph. 5:14
14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
b. Awake to righteousness
1 Cor. 15:34
34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
c. Do his commandments
Rev. 22:14
14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.