As I am finalizing things for this Sunday, I realize I have more things I would like to share than time, so I will post a few “random” thoughts here. But before I do that, someone asked me to post the list I made years ago when I was tempted to just lie down on the hammock and sleep. Here it goes:
1. The lazy person does not plan ahead. Proverbs 6:6-11; 1:4.
2. The lazy person leaves the work half done. Proverbs 12:27.
3. The lazy person is a waster. Proverbs 18:9.
4. The lazy person is always looking for excuses. Proverbs 20:4; 26:13.
5. The lazy person is not neat. Proverbs 24:30-34.
6. The lazy person loves talking more than working. Proverbs 14:23.
7. The lazy person is addicted to sleep. Proverbs 6:9-11; 19:15; 20:13; 23:21; 24:33; 26:14.
Also, if you want to do a comparative study with the New Testament, look at the following passages: Matthew 25:26; Romans 12:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Hebrews 3:10.
More for my message on dealing with sexual temptation.
Sexual immorality…
1. Can rob you of your wealth and health. Proverbs 5:9-10.
2. Can rob you of a clear conscience. Proverbs 5:11. “You will groan!”
3. Can rob you of a regret-free life. Proverbs 5:12-14.
Count your losses. According to Proverbs, here is just a sample of some of the losses to one who engages in illicit sexual affairs:
1. Loss of health. Proverbs 5:11.
2. Loss of wealth. Proverbs 5:10.
3. Loss of position. Proverbs 5:14.
4. Loss of peace. Proverbs 5:11-13.
5. Loss of ability to resist the allure of illicit sex. Proverbs 7:21-22.
6. Loss of respect. Proverbs 5:9
7. Loss of life. Proverbs 2:18, 19. Proverbs 5:23. Proverbs 6:34-35. Proverbs 7:23. Proverbs 9:18.
Next time you are tempted in this area, take out a sheet of paper, draw a vertical line in the middle and write “LOSSES” on the top left and “GAINS” on the top right. You will watch the “LOSS” column grow as the “GAIN” column shrinks to the point of non-existence. Maybe that will help you change your mind fast.
Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
pastor ivanildo 