FHBC Sermon Notes

Scripture: Proverbs 6:6-11
This week is labor day, so let's take a look at how we work.

Labor is holiday in which we celebrate workers. The employees throughout that contribute to our society. We tend to think if it as just a day off. Have we lost our sense of what work is? We think of work as a means to get to the weekend. Have we become a lazy people? Have you ever thought of your job as a demonstration and working out of Gods grace in our lives? Isn't how we work an outpouring, an obedience, of Gods grace and will in living?

1) The shameful example of the sluggard.
Proverbs is very critical of the lazy person. He is one of the most judged persons in scripture. Called a fool, and cursed with poverty.

Proverbs 26:13-16 - here is the lazy who gets up, and looks at the world from fear, for all the things, that might happen uses that as a reason for staying at home, for resting without end. Yet he also believes himself wise in doing so.
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Let us apply this to ourselves, for as one writer says laziness is not just a character flaw, it is a moral issue, it is sin, it brings dishonor to his name. Calvin said that just because your profession may not be listed in scripture, you must do it fully for the glory of God. When we do not apply ourselves at work, we do more that

Proverbs 18:9 - we become a partner with Satan when we are lazy, we are not just lazy and apathetic, we become a destroyer.

2. The characteristics to possess at work.
A. Promptness. - we think of this as being on time, but that is only part of it. It is working with efficiency, not delaying, with urgency to the task.
B. Initiative - like the ants with not ruler or foreman, they now their responsibility and work it out. No taskmaster need.
C. Focus - work is not just doing stuff, but staying on task, working with and toward what we have been given.
D. Discipline - not just staying on task, but being able to see the job done through the end.
E. Diligence - are we working to get the job done.
F. Preparation - putting all of o ourselves to the task, not approaching it as a second thought.

These things are not just for your dream job, but for all work.

3. The results to expect from hard work.
A. The potential for posterity. - Not all that are poor are lazy, but the lazy man is one than is likely to be cursed with poverty. Prov. 10:4 Hard work is a prerequisite to prosperity. It does not guarantee it, but it is required.
B. The opportunity for advancement. - to one that is faithful in little can be given more to be responsible for. Proverbs 12:24
C. A good reputation. Proverbs 10:5 for the christian, the shame that laziness brings, is one of the family, and our family is Gods family. Proverbs 31:31 the example of the virtuous woman.
D. Personal Satisfaction Proverbs 12:14.