THE THEFT OF SLOTH

The Sinister Seven | Pastor Daniel Norris

Text: Proverbs 24:30-34 (ESV)

30 I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, 31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

How to stop letting complacency steal your calling.

Sluggard – A sluggard is someone habitually slow to act, lacking discipline and initiative. Proverbs treats this as a moral failure.

There are two consistent warnings Solomon gives in Proverbs.

– The first is a warning to the adulterer.

– The second is a warning to the sluggard.

The adulterer cheats on their covenant.

The sluggard cheats on their calling.

Too many “tomorrows” EVENTUALLY add up to a stolen life.

1. LOOK AT THE FIELD… IT TELLS THE TRUTH

“And behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.” (Proverbs 24:31, ESV)

Thorns & Weeds = Fruitlessness

Broken Walls = No Protection

2. LOOK AT THE PATTERN… A “LITTLE” ADDS UP

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber,” Proverbs 24:33–34 (ESV)

“You wicked and slothful servant!” (Matthew 25:26, ESV)

What I refuse to steward, I should not expect to keep.

29 For to everyone who has will more be given… But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Matthew 25:29, ESV)

3. LOOK AT THE FAITHFUL… THAT’S WHERE FRUIT GROWS

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6–8, ESV)

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11, ESV)

RETURN TO FAITHFULNESS

1. FOCUS ON YOUR FIELD.

2. REBUILD YOUR WALLS.

I will ________ with the expectation of ____________.

3. DO TODAY’S WORK.

You do not have to fix everything today. Just take the next faithful step.