The Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Heavenly Virtues Series Talk No 3 Lamb of God Community Auckland Branch 2011

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work The consequence of sloth is failure to utilise one’s talents and gifts The opposite virtue of sloth is zeal and diligence Proverbs 15:19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway

Zeal is defined as an ongoing determination towards fulfilling a goal or a mission Zeal is the energetic response of the heart to God’s commands Diligence is defined as careful and persistent work and effort

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we, an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Strategies to Grow in Zeal/Diligence 1) Avoid the habit of procrastination 2) Do not be afraid of doing hard work. 3) Strive for excellence and do not compromise 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

Strategies to Grow in Zeal/Diligence Colossians 3:22-24 Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real master you serve

Strategies to Grow in Zeal/Diligence 1 Corinthians 9:24 Run, then in such a way as to win the prize 4) God calls us to ‘enter through the narrow gate’ (Mathew 7:13). God is not calling us to an easy or convenient life; God is calling us to a life of sacrifice, daily discipleship and life of love for our brothers and sisters in the Christian community

Wrath & Patience/Forgiveness Wrath is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead of fury. It is known as Anger Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil

Strategies in Growing in Patience/Forgiveness Grudges, lack of forgiveness, resentments – from the past and present – can enslave us Learn to restore and reconcile “ as soon as the quarrel begins We need to grow in patience with others faults, idiosyncrasies, weaknesses and mistakes

Strategies in Growing in Patience/Forgiveness Colossians 3:12-14 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony

Strategies in Growing in Patience/Forgiveness Colossians 3:8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you

Strategies in Growing in Patience/Forgiveness Luke 6:27-32 Do not seek revenge. But I tell you hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you…Do for others just what you want them to do for you. If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners love those who love them!

Strategies in Growing in Patience/Forgiveness James 1:19-20 Listen to others well. Know this, my beloved brother: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger: for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God

Strategies in Growing in Patience/Forgiveness Philippians 3:13 If you have forgiven someone but your emotions do not support you, stick to your decision – your emotions will follow. Let us forget the past and move on. “….forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.”

Questions for Group Sharing & Discussion Share one incident in your life that you experienced sloth or wrath trying to work in you or how did you overcome them with zeal and/or patience In what way can I grow more in zeal or diligence and also in patience and forgiveness? Are there things that I am suppressing (not dealing with them, avoiding them) but it is still there, just waiting to erupt?