Slothfulness on SermonAudio

Jesus compares spiritual growth to a seed buried in the earth. He concludes, "he knows not how," meaning growth and fruit-bearing are a mystery. It's unseen and uncomprehended by mortal humanity. Spiritual growth is by God's own sovereign will. Yet, we can stunt it by neglect, as a slothful farmer neglects his plants (Hebrews 2:3). We can severely damage it by corrupting it. Spiritually, we can't mix grace and works, the gospel and the world.

Jesus compares spiritual growth to a seed buried in the earth. He concludes, ""he knows not how,"" meaning growth and fruit-bearing are a mystery. It's unseen and uncomprehended by mortal humanity. Spiritual growth is by God's own sovereign will. Yet, we can stunt it by neglect, as a slothful farmer neglects his plants (Hebrews 2:3). We can severely damage it by corrupting it. Spiritually, we can't mix grace and works, the gospel and the world.

Theme: The Bible condemns unreliability. I. The Sluggard A. A sluggard—slothful; lazy B. The various descriptions 1. Characterized by laziness—Proverbs 22:13; 26:13-14 2. He's not a self-starter—Proverbs 6:9-10 3. He doesn't finish things—Proverbs 12:27; 19:24; 26:15 4. He will not face things—Proverbs 20:4; 22:13; 26:13-16 5. He is restless—Proverbs 13:4; 21:25-26 6. He is helpless in the tangle of his affairs—Prov. 15:19 7. He is useless—Proverbs 18:9; 10:26 II. The Irresponsibility A. Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes B. The meaning—irritation and frustration leading to tears III. Examples of Irresponsibility A. Real-world examples B. Personal examples 1. Forgetting to set the alarm clock and being late to work 2. Neglecting to pay a bill on time 4. Committing to doing a job in church but not doing it 5. Neglecting divine worship 6. Not tithing Application A. Don't despair if you've ever been guilty of neglecting a duty B. Consider whether your being neglectful is due to laziness C. Entrust yourself to Jesus, who was never undependable

Romans 12:9-21 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be 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. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.