Pastor Jim continues his series on Sanctification and the four ingredients to spiritual growth: (2 Chronicles 7:14)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
– 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Instructions for Christian Living
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
– Ephesians 4:17-27 (NIV)
28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
– Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)
4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
– Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)
14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward.
– Proverbs 12:14 (NIV)
What is a Sluggard?
- Sluggard (slug·gard) – Noun
- a person who is habitually inactive or lazy
Characteristics of a Sluggard?
25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
– Proverbs 21:25 (NIV)
10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.
– 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NIV)
4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
– Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
– Philippians 4:10-14 (NIV)
4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
– Proverbs 20:4 (NIV)
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
– Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV)
16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.
– Proverbs 26:16 (NIV)
16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,
but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
– Proverbs 14:16 (NIV)
11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
– 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)
28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
– Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
– Romans 12:13 (NIV)
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
– 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 (NIV)
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
– 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
Things to Remember:
- When we become Christians we no longer should steal.
- When we become Christians we are to put our hands to work for the Lord helping others whenever we get the chance.
- A sluggard thinks they are smart and takes advantage of the system.
- When we are blessed by God and have the means to help other people, we should be helping other people.
- What you have is NOT yours… What you have as child of God, belongs to God, and He has the right to ask you to do with it as he wants.