The Fourth Sermon in the Series

“The Seven Deadly Sins”

II Thessalonians 3:6-15

March 19, 2000

With each of the seven deadly sins there is a corresponding virtue: pride/ humility; envy/contentment; anger/self control. This week we address the sin of laziness. As will the other sins the Bible has more instruction on the virtue than on the sin. We will look at what God has to say about our work this morning.

I. Work brings fulfillment

· God created us to work “The Lord God took the man and put him n the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Gen. 2:15

· We were created in the image of God “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” Eph. 2:10

· Sin brought frustration to our work “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you…by the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.” Gen. 3:17-19

II. Laziness leads to other sins

· It disregards our stewardship “It is expected of a steward that he be found faithful.” 1 Cor.4:2

· It affects others “If anyone does not provide for his own relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I Tim. 5:8

· It disgraces the church “They are not busy, they are busybodies.” 2 Thes.3:11

III. Work pays eternal dividends

· The motive of the work of our hands and our discipleship is the same. “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:58

· Our work is our witness to the world

· A job well done brings enjoyment “It is good and fitting for one…to enjoy the good of all his labor.” Ecc. 5:18

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