Proverbs 6:6-11. The key in working out is consistency. read more, Scripture: It is the pleasurable and luxurious way. "All I want is to sit in his shade, to taste and savor his delicious love. It is a homely virtue, but if in its homeliness we practised it, this Church and our own souls would wear a different face from what it and they do to-day. Remember, working hard is first a mindset (and so is laziness). 1. That is the word of God. B. Diligence is hard work (Proverbs 12:24) 2. Sloth Dawn, noon & moon That means that if you are a servant and you work hard, you will some day be promoted over a son who is legally due the inheritance. The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty (Proverbs 21:5). Diligence is the key to avoiding such destructive thoughts, choices, and habits. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6, Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Galatians 1:4-6:14. (For example, we may be diligent in service to needy saints but fail to stand for Gods truth and resist spiritual compromise , Such diligence will be in vain if we give up and quit before we finish. read more, Scripture: [Proverbs 20:4; 27:18, 23-27], 12. We learned that wisdom is God given not manmade but foolishness is manmade not God given. It is a sign of increasing godliness. Somebody said to me, Well, what about the work-aholics? I answered, One sermon at a time, please. And the very reason for exercising it is the completeness of God's gift. This material was developed from page 230 of the Mens Manual, Volume II. "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24). For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; Acts 18:1-4; I Corinthians 9:12-18; II Corinthians 11:7-12. For soon, the roles will be reversed. Calamity struck, I-75 was being built, and would bypass the town of Corbin, KY, meaning nobody would stop at the motel or eat at his restaurant. He will not even bring it back to his mouth. Proverbs 19:24. Hence we gather that no Christian growth is possible unless a man gives his mind to it. This type of love is so obvious, so basic that to be void of such love is comparable to complete unbelief and apostasy: Frequently, while the diligent are working late into the night or rising early in the morning, they will ask themselves, Why am I doing this? Others may taunt them, Why are you working, For people to persist in pursuing a difficult goal and work is difficult (, Faith is essential to our hope, because we hope for what we cannot see (, Noah demonstrated his great faith by his diligent obedience in building an ark for a flood he had never seen (, Therefore, we must understand and believe that God requires our diligent labor. The easy road looks easy but once you get on it, it turns into the hard road. We must believe and hope, as God has promised, that such efforts can accomplish worthwhile, even eternal good (. read more, Scripture: He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him (Proverbs 11:27). Like long ago, those who must exact this unpleasant judgment must employ the same attitude commended to the Israelites: Failure to work may ultimately lead to loss of fellowship with other saints, although such a one is to be admonished with love consistent for a brother, not an enemy (. he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men (Proverbs 22:29). by Thomas Nelson Publishers. The fact that God calls what he does work and calls it good means that work must be significant, that it must have intrinsic value. Whether at home, at work, or in ministry, admit to God that you havent been working as hard as you should (He knows already)HeH, and ask Him to cleanse you from sin. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw. Why not fifteen, thirty, forty-five, an hour, a day, a week, a month, a year, a lifetime? [Proverbs 16:26; 19:14; 21:5; 26:15], 11. Presbyterian/Reformed. Sounds began to come from the back seat indicating that an imminent stop would be well advised. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). The most critical realm to exercise our work ethic is that of the spiritual. Here at Grace to You Europe we take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and, as you would expect, have undertaken a significant programme of work to ensure that we are ready for this important legislative change. Good morning everyone, let me get your mind thinking- Salvation Army. That is the easy way. These qualities are all related in one way or another to diligence and are qualities that, without exception, by every culture around the world throughout time. Wise haste has sometimes to be content to go slowly. Joshua 10:6-15, Judges 11:1, Judges 11:1, Denomination: We must not only press on all points, but we must endure, Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize No Dissipation, Mans life is of limited earthly span and resources. May our observable work ethic open doors unto Bible study and conversion rather than close them. Read, re-read, and even memorize the proverbs that pertain to both laziness and work.c. He says in this same chapter that he himself will 'give diligence [endeavour, in Authorised Version] that they may be able after his decease to have these things always in remembrance.' read more, Scripture: Diligence and Readiness in the Work If I am going to be faithful to the Lord in my service, I must be adequately prepared and the preparation is my responsibility. God teaches us to trust in him and in his Son our Saviour. It is the homely virtue that leads to all success. The moments granted to any of us are too few and precious to let slip unused. I knew a brother who thrived in the work place, because he happily accepted all the inglorious positions that everyone else disdained, but yet through his zeal, determination, and optimism, he reinvented and refashioned the positions into those that were the most cool and sought after by those that followed him. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness (Proverbs 21:5). Plan it. For the glory of God, take up the call to be diligent, remembering Gods provision for you. (Would you be fired?) We came through Knoxville and got on I-75 heading toward Lexington and Cincinnati. *other. He wants somebody to spoonfeed him. We should have a thankful and helpful disposition for our labor and during it, described as goodwill in the above passage (see also. Christian/Church Of Christ. God waited patiently, hoping for mankind to repent while Noah was building the ark (I Peter 3:20)God specifically worked with mankind for 120 years before sending the flood (Genesis 6:3)Question: What do we mean by the terms, "diligence", "work . Schedule it. Chuck's sermon is an excellent example of a sermon that sharpens the way we read the Bible. Be like the ant! June 5, 2005 Nehemiah 4:16-23, when we serve God with all our heart through serving the Man of God we selflessly help to push the Kingdom Agenda, May the peace of the Lord be with you. read more, Scripture: The lambs will provide you will clothing and goats with the price of a field. He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it will come to him (Proverbs 11:27). Its not what job do you want me to do, but how many benefits can I get? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.Proverbs 24:30, As the door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.Proverbs 26:14. The focus of this message is the command to serve the Lord with diligence. There is some truth to that. Sermon illustrations on Work. Proverbs 21:5, Denomination: But if you want to be sure that you are one of the called and chosen, work and you will get the assurance.' Allowed HTML tags:

1. . We are also called to honor and obey our heavenly Father-this is the highest obedience. However, if the lazy were not willing to do the work required to stay out of debt, they will not be willing to do the work to get out of debt. I was talking to a man who was a contractor and years ago a father of his friend took him aside and warned him about going out and buying the new truck and all the new equipment just so he could look "successful and established". That is to say, when you watch out for your own affairs, and then when you take care of the business that you are employed in, you will be honored. Lazy people genuinely feel tired! C. Lodge in Jerusalem unity (22) Man is to seek God and His wisdom diligently: We are to study the Scriptures with great diligence: 2 Timothy 2:15, Elders are to rule diligently: 1 Timothy 5:12, We are to diligently strive for heaven: Hebrews 4:11; 6:11. Now as to the homely virtue itself, 'giving all diligence.'. 'Now is the accepted time.' It is employed, for instance, to describe the eager swiftness with which the Virgin went to Elizabeth after the angel's salutation and annunciation. This message continues our consideration of unhypocritical love as described in Romans 12. 4/25/2010 Out of that little business, at the age of 66, came the idea to start a restaurant where people would come in and buy nothing but fried chicken which used his 11 herbs and spices, and he decided to call it Kentucky Fried Chicken. The next time you go to Kentucky Fried Chicken, remember that those thousands of restaurants all over America and now all over the world were started by a man who at the age of 66 decided that he was not going to go the easy way. God wants us to be diligent in virtually every corner of our lives. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : The Results Of Serving Diligently And Selflessly. His life is spent. A pennyworth of some familiar root will cure an illness that nothing else will touch. 1. There is a middle ground between greed and laziness. Good, wise, saintly people may be industrious and wealthy without being greedy lovers of money. III. Ministry and spiritual discipline is often hard work. Psalm 32:9; Proverbs 6:6-8; Proverbs 26:3; Isaiah 1:3. read more, Scripture: the account of Joseph in Genesis 39). Full Diligence No Creeping Sluggishness, We may be very diligent in some aspects or applications of our religion and yet be sluggish in other points. The easy way is the way of saying the boss isnt around, nobody is seeing me, it is good enough for government work. CONSISTENCY IS HARD WORK I. Deliverance from this present evil age. First, note that in our text, 'giving all diligence, add to your faith.' 'On this very account' -- because He has given so much -- we are to lay 'all diligence' by the side of His gifts, which are useless to the sluggard. Like a door that easily revolves and yet groans, so does the lazy man, easily rolling over in his bed, complaining of being tired, and easily returning to his slumber. Notice the use of soul to describe the diligent man. You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening? The New Testament assures us that the noblest form of that promise shall be fulfilled in the Christian man's communion with his Lord here, and perfected when the diligent disciple shall 'be found of Him in peace,' and stand before the King in that day, accepted and himself a king. 'Diligence' is the panacea for all diseases of the Christian life. Would you work an extra shift for 18 months, just so people could not say something bad about you, possibly injuring your credibility as a Christian, just so you could be more effective in reaching the lost? How our work continues to shape God's creation. There is always the possibility that tomorrow may offer a better opportunity than today. Pull some strings. The greatest success and wealth pertains to riches not of this life. Unity among God's people depends upon diligence: "Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" ( Ephesians 4:3 ). She is still an immature girl! If you travel too much (according to your wifes/familys honest, loving assessment), seek to curb your travel, if possible. Ask the Spirit to make you a hard worker for God. When haste degenerates into hurry, and becomes agitation, it is weakness, not strength; it turns out superficial work, which has usually to be pulled to pieces and done over again, and it is sure to be followed by reaction of languid idleness. God wants us to be diligent in virtually every corner of our lives. Thus, the first notion in the word is haste, which crowds every moment with continuous effort, and lets no hindrances entangle the feet of the runner. If we become the people God wants us to be, then He will direct us in the path He wants us to take. God tells us that anxious care and bitter sighing wont help. Noah would have been reduced to using much simpler technology (no power tools maybe no metal tools). Here is what has helped me push through: Mark Dunagan/Beaverton Church of Christ/503-644-9017, Home | About Us | Sermons | Videos | Resources | Members | Contact Us Diligence is engaging the mind for productivity (Proverbs 21:5) 3. Conscientious hard work and perseverance, particularly with regard to a relationship with God. 5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and All the while the game of life is being played all around us and we are sitting on the bench, sound asleep. A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. Proverbs 17:2. (Great for Labor Day), Scripture: It is the dedicated fervency God calls us to invest in each task that we perform. Sermon illustrations on Diligence. In Scripture diligence is highly commended. We learned that wisdom is given by God to us so that Hard work is a persistent effort towards a cause Luke 18:1-5. Emulate Ruth's godly characteristics. Little boys testing their strength and dexterity against one another revert back to this proverbial slap in the face by throwing down the gauntlet of this time proven stab. God honors hard workers by crowning them with his personal blessing. Be sure you know the condition of your flocks. Pro 6:7 They have no leader, chief, or ruler, Do the right thing at the right time, avoid distraction. Dawn, noon & moon Nehemiah 4:21"So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared." Why, because he was not worth it? We have to have a humble attitude. He is still an immature boy! Seest thou a man diligent in his business? Unless otherwise noted, all quotations are from the New King James Version, copyright 1994 We werent in any hurry, and soon it was past lunch time. Youth offers a time of relative freedom from many adult cares and responsibilities, even if unperceived. Being tired is no excuse for bypassing the opportunity to work, and no one appreciates the murmuring, because such complaining belittles the toil that others produce. [Proverbs 3:9-10; 10:2; 11:18; 15:27; 16:8; 20:14; 28:8, 20], 7. Man may not always observe how we work, but God is always watching, and He is our ultimate Master. Acts 6:5-7King James Version (KJV) a. Dont just sit there, dont just roll over, dont be a couch potato. In Scripture diligence is highly commended. So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest. Certainly not! Industry, thoroughness, attentiveness. It is the word employed to describe the murderous hurry with which Herodias came rushing in to the king to demand John the Baptist's head. There was a sign up that said, Visit the original Kentucky Fried Chicken. We went there and found out that it was a regular KFC, but besides being a restaurant, it was also a museum. Proverbs 6:9-11, Denomination: [Proverbs 1:8; 2:1-2; 3:1-2; 4:1-2, 10-11, 20; 5:1-2; 6:20; 7:1-3; 8:32-36; 22:17-21; 23:15-25], 20. Live the Gift of Righteousness It is a very lowly virtue. The Divine gift, then, is everything that will help a man to live a high and godly life. The only thing certain is that failure to try will always fail! Be Patient, Work Humbly Do Not Expect Overnight Success, or to Get Rich Quick, Too often, people are willing to work hard, but they expect the world or their employer to reward them equally. 1. very lovely Sign up for our newsletter: If obedience to parents or an employer, or a government, is contradictory to obedience to God, we have to make a choice. Preached by Jimmy Seibert People will not have that, but if you bring them some medicine from far away, very rare and costly, and suggest to them some course out of the beaten rut of ordinary, honest living, they will jump at that. II. The engine that is giving off its steam in white puffs is not working at its full power. Our public behavior, among those who, Certainly, unbelievers will use whatever sins or perceived inconsistencies we exhibit as a means to speak evil of our Lord and dismiss us, Him, and the gospel (. Sloth is something we make jokes about, but few think of it as sin. read more, Scripture: Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:1011). We stopped in a little town called Corbin, Kentucky. It is called The Hard Way. It is comparatively easy to prosper by trickery, the violation of confidence, oppression of the weak, sharp practices, cutting corners, all those methods we are so prone to pileate and condone as business shrewdness. The last of the fields in which this virtue finds exercise is expressed by our letter, when Peter says, 'Seeing that we look for such things, let us be diligent, that we may be found of Him in peace without spot, and blameless.' 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