The Seventh Deadly Sin: Avarice (Greed)

 

This is the manuscript of the seventh sermon in the "7 Deadly Sins" series. 

“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions’” (Luke 12:15 NIV).

Avarice is the last of the seven deadly sins, and it is also related to the last sin listed among the Ten Commandments:

Exodus 20:17 NIV ““You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Coveting is the beginning of greed, which is the inordinate desire to grasp and possess material goods. It can lead to deceit, theft, envy, jealousy, murder, war, and selfishness.

Greed usually means someone else must suffer. Greed is a quest for more than just necessities. Greed is a sophisticated form of idolatry.

Scripture Reading: 

Luke 12:15‭-‬21 NIV Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Introduction

Well today we are coming to the seventh of the seven deadly sins in the list compiled by Pope Gregory I.  We have one more sermon in this series and it is “The Deliverer from Sin”, and we know that’s Jesus. But that’s next week.  

Let me remind you again that these seven deadly sins  aren't specific sins but categories of sin that are attitudes that affect character and conduct, and they are continually condemned in Scripture.  Let me also remind you that according to the Bible all sin is deadly, unless we repent, and the Lord forgives and cleanses us.

Romans 6:23 NIV For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The complete list compiled by Pope Gregory is 

1. Pride

2. Anger (Wrath)

3. Envy (Jealousy)

4. Impurity (Lust) 

5. Gluttony (Lack of Self-Restraint)  

6. Slothfulness (Laziness)

7. Avarice (Greed)

We started with pride, which is the beginning of all sin, then we talked about anger which if not controlled is a sign of weakness, which can lead to personal harm, rob you of self-esteem, can impair your thinking or attitudes, and can lead to evil actions. Next, we discussed envy or jealousy which expresses itself as a covetous feeling toward another person’s attributes, possessions, or stature in life. Next was impurity or lust which we defined as a powerful desire, a craving, abnormal appetite, not only for physical but for spiritual satisfaction, an eagerness to possess or enjoy; unlawful desire of carnal pleasure; evil propensity; depraved affections and desires.  Next was gluttony or lack of self-restraint which we said is the sin of excess and intemperance. It is unrestrained self-indulgence, and inordinate extravagance. Gluttony seeks to satisfy our senses and our greed while disregarding the needs of others.   The sixth sin was slothfulness or laziness.  We said that slothfulness is excessive physical laziness or the failure to utilize one’s talents. Slothfulness is avoiding work.  Slothfulness is found in the workplace, schools, government offices, churches, everywhere, and we concluded that every one of us should always do our best.  Maybe being slothful is more about our relationship with God.  Jesus Christ has commanded us to be active and effective witnesses for him. We should work as though God were our employer.

Ephesians 6:7‭-‬8 NIV Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Today, the last sin category on the list is avarice or greed.

Text: “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions’” (Luke 12:15 NIV).

Avarice much like the word slothfulness is not a word we use very often today. Instead, we use the word greed. Avarice the last of the seven deadly sins is related to the last of  the Ten Commandments: 

Exodus 20:17 NIV ““You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Coveting is the beginning of greed, which is the inordinate desire to grasp and possess material goods. It can lead to deceit, theft, envy, jealousy, murder, war, and selfishness.

“The Midas touch” has become a desirable virtue rather than a detestable and seriously sad sin. Many wish they had the “Midas touch.” but they forget that the moral of the fable was to teach foolishness of greed.  

The story of King Midas is a famous bedtime story for children. 

In the story, King Midas is known for his touch turning everything into gold. Midas was a wealthy king, but his greed for wealth led him to make foolish decisions.  Midas realized the consequences of his wish and pleaded with Dionysus to take back his gift.  Dionysus agreed to help Midas on the condition that he would learn from his mistakes. Dionysus instructed Midas to wash in the river Pactolus, which would remove the golden touch and restore his daughter, who he had turned to gold when he touched her along with everything else that he had turned to gold with his touch. 

The moral of the Midas touch fable is that people should not be greedy because it can lead to downfall.  The story teaches that greed can steal happiness and that people should be grateful for what they have. 

Let me give you some examples of greed from scripture

• Jacob wanted Esau’s birthright

Jacob offered to give Esau a bowl of stew in exchange for his birthright (the right to be recognized as firstborn) The birthright of the eldest male child in the ancient Near East conferred upon him the headship of the clan and a double share of the inheritance   and Jacob wanted it. 

Genesis 25:29‭-‬34 NIV Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. 

•  King Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard.

1 Kings 21:1‭-‬4‭, NIV Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.” But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat. 

His wife Jezebel got involved and this is what happened 

13 Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.

• Ananias and Sapphira held back money from the sale of land because of greed.

Acts 5:1‭-‬10 NIV Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

In our text for today,  we have Jesus’ words from the introduction to the familiar parable of the rich fool who tore down his barns to build bigger ones—all because of greed. “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”.  Jean read the entire parable in our scripture reading this morning.

I. Greed usually means someone must suffer.  Esau lost his rights as first born, Naboth lost his life, Ananias and Sapphira lost their lives.

A. Greed is based on expediency. Whatever it takes to make a dollar becomes all right.  A criminal who traffics in illegal drugs believes only in caring for himself and his own comfort. He does not care about the lives that are destroyed or the thievery it takes for a junkie to maintain his habit.

People who sell alcohol seldom show concern for traffic victims,

broken homes, battered wives and children, or alcohol-related crimes.

B. Car thefts, burglaries, embezzlement, assaults, shoplifting, robbery, and most murders have their origin in greed. All of these crimes cause someone else to suffer.

Gambling can also be based on greed when the purpose is hoping to gain more with little effort.   Although there are some who experience gambling as something rewarding and fun, it can become highly addictive and potentially ruinous. The Bible doesn't call gambling a sin as such, although the Bible warns against the love of money and get-rich-quick schemes.

1 Timothy 6:10 NIV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

 C. Suffering is caused by the cheating, lying, and the deceit involved in practicing greed. Con games are played on people, especially the elderly, and vulnerable every year.  Law enforcement reports a growing number of older or more trusting Americans being taken in by con men.

II. Greed is a quest for more than just necessities.

A. There are at least five items we need in order to live a reasonably happy life.

They are food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and a means to get enough money to purchase the first four. Having the best-tasting food, the finest clothes, the nicest home, the nicest car, and the most expensive medical specialist is not necessary for living a full and happy life.

B. Advertising and marketing experts create desires for things we don’t need. The sleekest sports car is hardly a necessity. Jewelry, electronic equipment, sporting equipment, recreational vehicles, and brand-name clothes can all become traps of greediness. Technology is something that tempts me.

Jesus said in our text that “a man’s life does not consist in the

abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). 

You remember what Jesus told Satan when he tempted him by showing him the kingdoms of the world?

Matthew 4:8‭-‬10 NIV Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

III. Greed is a sophisticated form of idolatry.

A. Most Christians would destroy a man-made figure of some god that was being worshiped. We do not believe in idolatry. Yet greed is a man-made god that commands our money, time, and we even sometimes sacrifice our families to it.

Some people will eventually give up friends, parents, spouses,

church, and Jesus Christ in the pursuit of possessions. A father will work on Saturday, Sunday, and late nights to have extra money for Christmas and will thus neglect his children and spouse. Some wives will push their husbands and husbands their wives to earn more money in order for them to keep up with friends or their own selfish goals.

Amos the prophet condemned wives who pushed their husbands toward greed.  The same could also go for husbands.

Amos 4:1‭-‬3 NIV Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, “Bring us some drinks!” The Sovereign Lord has sworn by his holiness: “The time will surely come when you will be taken away with hooks, the last of you with fishhooks. You will each go straight out through breaches in the wall, and you will be cast out toward Harmon,” declares the Lord.

The picture is of indulgent and self-absorbed women, it could just as easily be a man, feeding their own appetites. It would have been bad enough if these women paid no attention to those in need. But they go further, they oppress the poor and crush the needy. They are not concerned for the welfare of their husbands. They only care for their husbands to provide them with drink. Furthermore, they are complicit in the injustice being perpetrated upon the poor of Samaria (Israel) by their husbands who are presumably the ruling class of Israel, who are using their influence to enrich themselves, rather than serving the best interest of their country. Rather than using their influence positively, their wives are full partners in perpetrating injustice.   Now that is a real picture of greed. 

Conclusion 

The seven deadly sins that we have talked about these last two months rob us of the “good life.” They are subtle satanic lies that will destroy us. The good life is found only in Christ. God does not condemn these seven attitudes because he wants to spoil our fun. He forbids pride, anger, envy, impurity, gluttony, slothfulness, and avarice because these pursuits destroy life. 

Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Almighty God, We have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. For the sake of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us so that we may serve you in the newness of life, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Sermon Audio

God is for You so Dedicate Your Labor Him

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church the Sunday prior to Labor Day 2023.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NIV)

God welcomes all people no matter their status. He welcomes white collar blue collar or no collar workers. God welcomes those with multimillion salaries and those earning minimum wage.

Things to remember and never forget.

• Work is full of the dignity and glory of God.
• It is not a curse, but a reflection of God.
• God created us to serve Him through the works of our hands.
• If good comes out, it's because God shows up.
• We are laborers with God! We are not left alone to do his work; He is always with us.

Scripture 

John 17:1‭-‬11 NIV After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

Introduction 

Next week for Avarice or Greed.

Labor Day was first proposed in 1882 and celebrated with a demonstration and picnic on Tuesday, September 5. In 1884, the Knights of Labor held a large New York parade on the first Monday in September to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday.” The group then passed a resolution to hold all future parades on the same day, calling the event Labor Day. Within a few years, other labor organizations began to lobby state legislatures for recognition of Labor Day as an official state holiday. In 1894, Congress passed a law recognizing Labor Day as an official national holiday.

Today, Labor Day has come to be recognized in the U.S. as the unofficial end of the summer season.

When we think about Labor Day many of us are thinking about rest. Whether it’s health issues, busy schedules, planning for big life events, or just the hustle of the regular normal week, many of us are eager for a day off. The Lord was intentional in giving a Sabbath in His creation of the world. He modeled rest to us. He also reminds us that He is the One in whom we find rest for our souls.

Exodus 20:8‭-‬11 NIV “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 

Text: 

Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NIV. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

God welcomes all people no matter their status. He welcomes white collar, blue collar, or no collar workers.   God welcomes those with multimillion dollar salaries and those earning minimum wage.

Galatians 3:28‭-‬29 NIV There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Just look at who were the first to receive the official announcement of the birth of Jesus.

Luke 2:8‭-‬11 NIV And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

In Palestine shepherds were poor and uneducated. They were often portrayed as being untrustworthy, still, the birth of Christ was officially announced to them first. Not the white-collared Herod or the Scribes.

Matthew 2:1‭-‬6 NIV After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

God considered the shepherd, the lowly working man, important enough to announce the greatest birth in history to them first.  This was a sign that God didn’t reject them even if  society did.  

In fact, Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd.

John 10:11‭-‬16 NIV “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

Who were Jesus' first recruits to work with Him in His ministry?

Matthew 4:18‭-‬22 NIV As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

The first recruits belonged to the blue-collared community of the day. Not CEOs or executives. The majority of Jesus’ original disciples were ordinary fishermen.  He called them, trained them, empowered them, and sent them on the most important mission in history.

Matthew 10:1‭-‬4 NIV Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Matthew 28:16‭-‬20 NIV Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Today highly educated and qualified Theologians, Pastors, and Leaders study the lives and experiences of these uneducated men to learn the art of ministry and leadership.

Acts 4:13 NIV When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Jesus was from a Working-Class Family

The folk from Jesus' hometown of Nazareth knew that He wasn’t from a wealthy family and they rejected Him because they knew he was just a carpenter and His  earthly His father, Joseph was just a carpenter.

Mark 6:1‭-‬3 NIV Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus is the King of kings. He is the Lord of lords. But he chose to be born to the family of a lowly carpenter instead of a Nobleman or King.  Because of this He was able to identify with those who had been rejected by the society of the day.  

As I said last week.

Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

That means that nothing at all, not your circumstances, discomfort, or anything else, makes any difference. You do your best and work hard, because in all that you do, it’s the Lord Himself you are serving.

Most of us have memories of that one job that just wasn’t a happy time. It might have been the job itself, the supervisor, the conditions, the location, or something else entirely. Those of us still working may find this to be a good description of their current position.

Paul, who wrote the scripture that I just read from his letter to the church in Colossae, was writing during a time that slaves (or bondservants) served their earthly masters, and he calls them to do so as though they are working directly for God himself. He wrote something similar to the church in Ephesus.  

Ephesians 6:5‭-‬9 NIV Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

It can be difficult for us here in the United States to read these two scriptures in their appropriate context because we have a long, bitter history around slavery in our country that can cause us to have a much different perspective of the slave/master relationship, than that of Paul's day. 

In this specific Biblical context, the slave working for their master would have been closer to our modern day understanding of an employee working for their employer. If Paul were writing to us today, he might phrase the passage as, “Whatever job you have, work at it with all your heart, as though you’re working for God himself, not for your supervisor, or CEO, or for the bottom dollar, or just to get a paycheck."

If we as Christians approach our roles with this mindset and attitude, we will truly be the “city on a hill” or that light that everybody sees

Matthew 5:14‭-‬16 NIV “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

People will notice our Christian values when we serve as co-workers in God’s service as it says in

1 Corinthians 3:7‭-‬9 NIV So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

I do want to point out that although Paul never publicly spoke out against slavery he never approved of it either.  In fact,   Paul warns Christians not to become enslaved and urges those who already are slaves to obtain their freedom if possible.

1 Corinthians 7:21‭-‬23 NIV Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.

In conclusion there are four things I want you to remember.

• Work is full of the dignity and glory of God. It is not a curse, but a reflection of God.

• God created us to serve Him through the works of our hands.

• If good comes out, it's because God shows up.

• We are Laborers with God! We are not left alone to do his work, He is always with us.

Remember what I read before.

Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 NIV Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Sixth Deadly Sin: Slothfulness (Laziness)

This is the manuscript of the sixth sermon in the "7 Deadly Sins" series.  The Sixth Deadly Sin - Slothfulness (Laziness)

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV)

Slothfulness is not a common word today. We use other words to describe the attitude of slothfulness, such as idleness, listlessness, apathy, indifference, goofing off, wasting time, sluggishness, procrastination, and laziness.

We get the word watching the life of a sloth. The sloth is a lethargic animal with coarse hair. It builds no nest or home, sleeps eighteen hours a day, and wakes very slowly. The sloth is so inactive that a green alga grows in its hair. Some people act like sloths.

When we compare the other sins with slothfulness, which means we’re lazy, or unmotivated we think, what’s the big deal? There’s anger, lust, pride, greed, envy, gluttony and all those seem worse than being slothful.

Everyone needs a balanced life with a defined time to work, a time to relax, a time to play and a time just to enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. However, doing nothing consistently helps no one. It is not good for the soul, it is not good for the mind, it is not good for the heart. If you adopt this mentality and outlook, life really is not worth living.

Sluggishness produces a legacy of despair, but productivity brings a very pleasing reward, both now and in the future. Your obedience to God will bring joy to you and to the Lord Jesus.

When you stand before the Lord someday, what will He say? I pray that in your case and mine, He will smile and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Scripture Reading:

2 Thessalonians 3:6‭-‬13 NIV  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

Introduction

Today we are continuing our series on the 7 Deadly Sins.  Because of the tropical storm last week, I postponed this sermon because I feel that it is important, and I wasn’t sure how many people would be here given the weather, so I postponed the sixth deadly sin of slothfulness or laziness to this week.

Remember that this list compiled by Pope Gregory I in about 600 AD are not specific sins but categories of sin that are attitudes that affect character and conduct and they are continually condemned in Scripture.

According to the Bible all sin is deadly, unless we repent, and the Lord forgives and cleanses us.

Romans 6:23 NIV For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The complete list compiled by Pope Gregory is 

1. Pride

2. Anger (Wrath)

3. Envy (Jealousy)

4. Impurity (Lust) 

5. Gluttony (Lack of Self-Restraint)  

6. Slothfulness (Laziness)

7. Avarice (Greed)

We started with pride, which is the beginning of all sin, then we talked about anger which if not controlled is a sign of weakness, which can lead to personal harm, rob you of self-esteem, can impair your thinking or attitudes, and can lead to evil actions. Next, we discussed envy or jealousy which expresses itself as a covetous feeling toward another person’s attributes, possessions, or stature in life. Next was impurity or lust which we defined as a powerful desire, a craving, abnormal appetite, not only for physical but for spiritual satisfaction, an eagerness to possess or enjoy; unlawful desire of carnal pleasure; evil propensity; depraved affections and desires.

Two weeks ago, our sermon was on gluttony or lack of self-restraint which we said is the sin of excess and intemperance. It is unrestraint, self-indulgence, and inordinate extravagance. Gluttony seeks to satisfy our senses and our greed while disregarding the needs of others

Today, the sixth in our series, is the sin of slothfulness or laziness.

Text

Proverbs 19:24 NIV A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

Slothfulness is not a common word today. We use other words to describe the attitude of slothfulness, such as idleness, listlessness, apathy, indifference, goofing off, wasting time, sluggishness, procrastination, and laziness. The dictionary defines sloth as laziness, indolence, idleness, and inactivity to name but a few examples. 

Slothfulness is excessive physical laziness or the failure to utilize one’s talents. Slothfulness is avoiding work.

We get the word from watching the life of a sloth. The sloth is a lethargic animal with coarse hair. It builds no nest or

home, sleeps eighteen hours a day, and wakes very slowly. The sloth is so inactive that a green alga grows in its hair.   Does that remind you of anybody you know? 

When we compare the other sins with slothfulness, which means we’re lazy, or unmotivated we think, what’s the big deal? After all, there’s anger, lust, pride, greed, envy, gluttony, and all those seem worse than being slothful.  

How can we even think or worry about being a sloth in our world? We are the most on the go generation ever. We live on Red Bull, extra caffeine in our coffee and Mountain Dew. We take fewer vacations, work longer hours, rushing around doing who knows what.  At the end of the day, we’re exhausted and want to take a few minutes or hours just to unwind to rest and catch our breath. What’s wrong with that

Everyone needs a balanced life with a defined time to work, a time to relax, a time to play and a time just to enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. I admit that everyone needs rest that is an undisputed fact.  In fact, God gave us a command to rest.

Exodus 20:9‭-‬11 NIV Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Because without rest, severe problems can develop both mentally and physically. 

The problem is that while this may be acceptable for short periods of rest, this can escalate to non-proportional levels very quickly if we are not careful and eventually become the norm. There is a time for everything including rest.

Ecclesiastes 3:1‭-‬8 NIV There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

So, what’s the problem?  

Well, doing nothing consistently helps no one. It is not good for the soul, it is not good for the mind, it is not good for the heart. If you adopt this mentality and outlook, life really is not worth living, is it?

We have all been put on earth for a specific purpose. Our aim should be to reach that goal, which not only fulfils the will of God, achieves inner satisfaction and a sense of achievement, but creates a positive input in life for the benefit of others.

Now before I go on, I want to be real with you. There are some people who, because of severe physical or mental disabilities, can’t work at all.  I’m not talking about those people today although many with disabilities can and do work.  For example, I have a daughter in law who is disabled but who is a brilliant writer and has worked before. Today she works helping her neighbors and friends with technology issues and giving great godly counsel with their life issues, and although she is paralyzed, she is going surfing in a few weeks.  I am talking about those who can work, not those who are unable to work. 

Social programs are wonderful for the disabled, infirmed, and unfortunate in society. Many people are severely limited by physical, emotional, and mental handicaps that prevent them from working.   But social programs that encourage someone who is not disabled physically or mentally, to remain unemployed should be eliminated.

There is a saying that the “Devil finds work for idle hands”.  In the Living Bible at Proverbs 16:27 it says “Idle hands are the devil’s work; idle lips are his mouthpiece.”

Many of us here are what I call seasoned saints.  Some of us are retired, but you are never retired from the work of the gospel.   Some of us have physical disabilities, some of us are between jobs. However, none of these things are valid excuses from our being witnesses for Jesus and showing His love for all mankind.   You are never retired from being a follower of Christ.  You are never unemployed from being a follower of Christ so what I am going to say today applies to everybody except those who have a physical or mental disability that affects their ability to effectively witness for Christ and there are very very few of those people and to be honest I don’t know even one.

Some people go about their work with energy and joy, giving their best effort to every detail. Others do as little as they can, as slowly as they can, as indifferently as they can. What about us today? Do we work with intensity or indifference—or somewhere in between?

Ok I’ll get out of my soap box now.

Work is not a curse but a gift from God. He wants us to express our uniqueness and creativity and glorify Him through all that we accomplish.  God expects us to work. It is our duty. When God put Adam in the garden of Eden, he charged him to work and care for the garden.

Genesis 2:15 NIV  The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Work is not punishment for Adam’s sin; work is the privilege of man to serve God. Laziness is the opposite of God’s plan for mankind. 

The person who never shows effort, energy, or enthusiasm is not living the godly life God created them for. That person is known in the Word of God as a sluggard, and their approach to life is known as slothfulness.

Proverbs 6:6‭-‬8 NIV Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Diligence and conscientiousness are important for every individual—particularly for those who believe in Jesus Christ. Slothfulness is a landmine with the potential to destroy all that we are and all that we seek to accomplish in this world.  Just like the landmines that the Russians put on the battlefields in Ukraine have slowed the Ukraine counteroffensive to a crawl that what slothfulness does in the life or a person.  It slows or stops the accomplishment of God’s plan for that person’s life.  

What are the characteristics of slothfulness?

The slothful individual is not difficult to recognize. The book of Proverbs gives us many examples of the lazy lifestyle. 

• For one thing, this type of person is prone to procrastinate, finding excuses whenever and wherever possible

Proverbs 20:4 NIV Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

• Someone who is slothful or lazy avoids work constantly

Proverbs 6:9‭-‬11 NIV How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 22:13 NIV The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!”

• Instead of being industrious with their time, they waste it.

Proverbs 24:30‭-‬32 NIV I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:

• The sluggard is indifferent, neglectful, careless, and insensitive to all the activity that occurs around them and would be the last person you would count on to get a job done.

Proverbs 10:26 NIV As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them.

• The slothful person is shortsighted, never thinking of the future, and only interested in their desires for the moment.

God regards laziness as selfishness and rebellion against Him since He commands us to be fruitful and diligent. 

Genesis 1:28 NIV God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

God chose to create humanity to work alongside him to actualize the universe’s potential.  He created humanity to participate in His own work. It is remarkable that God trusts us to carry out this amazing task of building on the good earth he has given us. It’s through our work God brings forth food and drink, products and services, knowledge and beauty, organizations and communities, growth and health, and praise and glory to Himself.

God identifies slothfulness as the sin of wastefulness and sees the sluggard as a poor steward of godly resources.

Jesus told a parable that is recorded in Matthew chapter 25 that tells you what He thought of someone who wasted godly resources through inactivity.

In the parable a man went on a journey, and before he left, he entrusted 3 of his servants with talents.  A talent was an ancient unit of money or weight depending on the time or place. In the NIV it calls these talents bags of gold.  

Matthew 25:15 NIV To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

There are reasons each person got a different amount but that doesn't matter because today we are talking about slothfulness or laziness, so the amount each person got doesn't matter.  I preached a sermon during the pandemic that got into more detail but today I am talking about laziness. If you want a copy of that sermon let me know after service.

Now back to the parable. When the man came back, from his journey, he wanted an accounting of what each servant did with the gold that was left with them to invest and provide a return on that investment. When he asked for a report, he was told that the servants that he gave the five and two bags had doubled them but the one who received one hadn't done anything and was just returning the bag that he got. That man was called lazy, and his bag was given to the guy who though his work now had 10 bags of gold.  In addition to that, the lazy guy was kicked out.  

Matthew 25:26‭-‬30 NIV “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “ ‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Laziness is a violation of Christian living.

A. You might ask, “How can doing nothing be a sin?”  Well in theology there are two kinds of sins: sins of commission and sins of omission. Sins of commission are the sins we commit; sins of omission are the things we know to do and don’t.

For example, those who do absolutely nothing about their salvation will be lost.  Now I don’t mean you work for your salvation because it is given to you as a a gift.   

Ephesians 2:8‭-‬10 NIV says For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Salvation is the gift of freedom from our sins that Jesus made possible by taking the punishment for our sins on the cross.  It is the gift of God, not a result of works.  You cannot earn it, it is a gift. It is yours to receive or reject.  So you can’t just do nothing which is what a sloth does, you have to accept the gift. 

Romans 10:9‭-‬10 NIV tells you what this is If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

B. Some Christians are slothful in their prayer life, Bible study, church attendance, witnessing, financial support, and Christian service. The reason our world does not have an effective Christian witness can be directly traced to laziness and inactivity by Christians throughout Christian history. We do not work as hard as we should to live as Christian examples.

We should be able to say like Paul

1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

There are consequences for slothfulness.

As Dr. Charles Stanley said, “We reap what we sow, more than we sow, and later than we sow”, and you’ll reap a terrible harvest of consequences from the negative lifestyle of slothfulness.

• First, it creates problems in your life. The lazy person has troubles at work, at home, and in every area of his or her life.

• Second, slothfulness generates pressure in a person’s life. The lazy person is sure to experience stress in their finances, job, and relationships due to their lack of care and concern.

• A third product of slothfulness is pain. Lazy people often lack discipline in their exercise and diet, and their overall medical condition is neglected. This eventually produces physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering.

• Fourth, the sluggard experiences poverty. The lazy individual faces penalties now and in the future because of their lack of preparation.

As a committed believer, you are to work at your job, if you have one, and with your witness for Christ by your life, with passion and resolve, even when conditions seem discouraging. When you have done your best in obedience to God—wherever you are, in whatever you’re doing God assumes responsibility for your future and the results of your efforts. 

One of Charles Stanley’s 30 Life Principles” is “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

That realization alone should motivate you to do whatever you do with joy and enthusiasm.

Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

That means that nothing at all, not your circumstances, discomfort, or anything else, makes any difference. You do your best and work hard, because in all that you do, it’s the Lord Himself you are serving.

Conclusion

Slothfulness is found in the workplace, schools, government offices, churches, everywhere. Every one of us should always do our best. We should work as though God were our employer.

Ephesians 6:7‭-‬8 NIV Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Maybe being slothful is more about our relationship with God.  Jesus Christ has commanded us to be active and effective witnesses for him. 

Matthew 28:19‭-‬20 NIV Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

To do less is wrong. If you want to have the joy of living, you must obey the commands of Christ.

You know time is one of the most precious commodities you have. If you could only study the moments of your day through God’s eyes, you might be startled and humbled by the time you waste. God has given us so many resources, privileges, gifts, and opportunities to serve Him with all your heart, and when we truly understand the work He has given us to do, it will change your attitude toward every task—and toward everyone you serve.

Sluggishness produces a legacy of despair, but productivity brings a very pleasing reward, both now and in the future. Your obedience to God will bring joy to you and to the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 3:12‭-‬15 NIV If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

When you stand before the Lord someday, presenting the fruit of your life, what will He say? I pray that in your case and mine, He will smile and repeat the precious words of the parable, we talked about today;

Matthew 25:21 NIV … ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Prayer

May our attitudes reflect the joy of the Lord so that others may see your glory and be blessed. Grace us with enthusiasm to overcome any form of laziness in our daily lives. Lord, I pray that we would lean on, trust in, and be confident in You, with all our hearts and minds. May we not rely on our own insight or understanding? Be our guide. Fill us with Your inspiration every day. 

Thank You for Your great gift of focus. Guide us to have Your mindset each and every day. When we are attacked with distractions and scattered in thought, quiet out spirits and slow our minds from wandering. Give us the determination and the discipline that we need to accomplish Your will. In Your powerful name, I pray Jesus, Amen

Sermon Audio