by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, L, TOPICS
LYING
DEFINITION: A lie is a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth. It is also called bearing false witness in the Bible.
FACTS ABOUT LYING:
Satan is the father of lies. This means all lies are instigated by satanic or demonic influences (John 8:44).
Lying is sin. Leviticus 19:11 declares: “Do not lie. Do not deceive one another” (Leviticus 19:11).
Lying is one of the main sins God hates. See Proverbs 6:16-19.
Lying begins in your heart. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19).
Lying can become compulsive. Lying can become a deeply ingrained habit and you can eventually become what is known as a “pathological liar”–you lie about everything.
DEALING WITH LYING:
Ask God to forgive you. Lying is sin, and as with all sins, forgiveness from God must be sought.
Ask forgiveness of others. Seek forgiveness from the ones you lied to or about. If you lied about finances or your lie resulted in any type of losses for someone, make restitution.
Bind the spirit of lying. In the name of Jesus, bind the demonic spirit of lying from operating in your life. Loose the Spirit of Truth to operate.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT LYING:
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. (Leviticus 19:11)
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. (Deuteronomy 5:20)
You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors. (Psalm 5:6)
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. (Psalm 34:12-13)
You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. (Psalm 52:3)
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. (Psalm 101:7)
I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. (Psalm 119:163)
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (Proverbs 11:3)
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. (Proverbs 12:19)
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. (Proverbs 12:22)
The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. (Proverbs 13:5)
He whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. (Proverbs 17:20)
Better to be poor than a liar. (Proverbs 19:22)
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. (Proverbs 24:26)
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. (Psalm 119:29)
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. (Proverbs 25:18)
Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18-19)
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 26:28)
Keep falsehood and lies far from me. (Proverbs 30:7-8)
O Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? (Jeremiah 5:3)
Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning. (Jeremiah 9:5)
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:37)
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. (Matthew 15:19)
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'” (Luke 18:20)
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:9-10)
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:25)
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:9-10)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, L, TOPICS
LUST
DEFINITION: Lust is a strong or uncontrolled desire for someone or something. It is also called evil desire and a work of the flesh in the Bible.
FACTS ABOUT LUST:
Lust is a work of the flesh. Paul lists several works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 and concludes by saying that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Lust conceives and gives birth to sin. The Bible says that sin starts in the heart with lust, which when conceived, brings forth sin. Sin, when it is finished, results in death (James 1:15).
God does not tempt you to lust. The Bible says: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15, KJV).
You cannot defeat lust in your own strength. Read Romans 7 where Paul describes his struggle in this area.
You can overcome lust through the power of the Holy Spirit. Read Romans 8 where Paul explains how to walk in victory over the flesh.
DEALING WITH LUST:
Ask forgiveness. Lust is sin, and as in the case of any sin, forgiveness from God must be sought. If your lust has affected another person (i.e., led to pre-marital sex), then you must seek forgiveness from the person who was wronged.
Internalize God’s Word. The psalmist said: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). The more of God’s Word you have in you, the less that fleshly lusts will operate.
Pray regularly. Prayer will help you overcome the sins of the flesh.
Control your mind. Lust begins in the mind and culminates in sin. Discipline your mind to think only on good things (Philippians 4:8).
Walk in the Spirit. You lived your old life according to the dictates of the flesh, doing what you wanted when you wanted. Now you must live life in the Spirit according to the Word and will of God: “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:16-17).
Avoid compromising situations. Avoid being alone with someone for whom you have had lustful feelings. Don’t flirt, as this leads to lustful behavior. Stay away from places where lust is being manifested openly, ie., discos, bars, ungodly parties, and places where drugs are being used.
Guard your senses. Be careful about what you view, what you read, and what you listen to, as the ear-gate and eye-gate are often where Satan gains access to your mind.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT LUST:
I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. (Job 31:1)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. (Proverbs 25:28)
You have heard that it was said, “Do not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. (Romans 6:12)
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. (1 Corinthians 10:6)
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. (Galatians 5:16-17)
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet. (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (Titus 2:6)
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15)
You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:2-3)
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, L, TOPICS
LOVE
DEFINITION: Love is a feeling of tender affection and devotion for someone. First Corinthians chapter 13 provides a complete biblical definition of love. The problems you may experience in the area of love are an inability to understand and receive God’s love, love Him in return, and love others–including your enemies and the unlovable.
FACTS ABOUT LOVE:
God is a God of love. He loves you and loves through you. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:8-12). Love originated with God (1 John 4:7). He shows His love by saving, healing, and comforting you and by supplying all of your needs. God even demonstrates His love when it is necessary to chastise and correct you (Hebrews 12:6).
Some people question why they suffer if God loves them. It is because we live in a sinful, fallen world where bad things happen. Just because you are a believer does not mean you are immune to adversity. You will not understand everything that happens to you (Deuteronomy 29:29), but God has promised to work all things–the good and the bad–together for your good (Romans 8:28). You also can develop positive spiritual virtues in times of adversity (1 Peter 5:10).
True love was not really understood until Calvary. The death of Jesus on the cross redefined the meaning of love: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). God so loved the world that He sacrificed His only Son to die for the sins of all mankind (John 3:16).
You love because you are loved. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:10).
Love identifies you as a true believer: Jesus commanded that you love others and said your love would identify you as a believer: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). If you are hostile in your interactions with others, you are not demonstrating the love of God that should be the identifying characteristic of your life.
God’s Word rests on the foundation of love. The entire revelation of God’s Word rests upon this premise: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).
The Bible says you must love others so that you can properly love God. “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 John 4:19-21).
Scriptures direct you to love your enemies. Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” (Matthew 19:43-45).
Love is the most important Christian virtue. It is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit that is to be manifested in all believers (Galatians 5:22). It is greater than any other spiritual quality in a believer’s life (1 Corinthians 13).
Love is the opposite of lust. Love is a strong feeling of affection for another person, while lust centers on meeting your own personal desires. Love is a pure feeling coming from a pure heart. Lust is a passion for something that is wrong and comes from an evil heart. True love would never ask you to do something contrary to God’s Word or anything that would be hurtful or violate your conscience.
You demonstrate your love for God by loving others (1 John 4:21); through devotion to His will and His Word (Psalm 40:8); time spent with Him in prayer (Jeremiah 29:12-14); and your service for Him (1 Corinthians 15:58).
DEALING WITH LOVE:
Confess your lack of love and your need for the love to God to be manifested in your life. Barriers to love include jealousy, pride, bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness, conceit, selfishness, etc. Search your heart and ask God to forgive these attitudes if they are present in your life.
Forgive those who have wronged you. This is the first step towards fulfilling the command to love your enemies.
Make a declaration that you will love God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and love others unconditionally (Matthew 19:43-45). Love is first an act of the will, not an emotion. Remember that confession is not only necessary for salvation, it is also required for other spiritual attainments as well. Just as you first confessed Christ and then learned to live a new life in Him, you must first confess your love for God and others and then learn how to live this love out on a daily basis.
Study 1 Corinthians 13. It is the most complete biblical definition of love. Ask God for these qualities of love to be manifested in your life.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT LOVE:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always. (Deuteronomy 11:1)
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. (Proverbs 10:12)
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven… (Matthew 19:43-45)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:27-31)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:9-14)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:9-10)
1 Corinthians chapter 13
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25)
Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. (1 Thessalonians 4:9)
Keep on loving each other as brothers. (Hebrews 13:1)
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:7-11)
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:19-21)
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. (1 John 5:1-3)
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 6)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, L, TOPICS
LONELINESS
DEFINITION: Loneliness is a sense of separation from people, often accompanied by isolation, depression, and feelings of rejection and self-pity. It is a lack of meaningful relationships with others.
FACTS ABOUT LONELINESS:
Loneliness is not the same as being alone. A person can be alone, and yet not be lonely. Conversely, one can be with many people and still feel lonely.
God never intended for you to live disconnected from others. One of the first things God did was establish a relationship with Adam and then provide him with a wife. God said it was not good to live in isolation (Genesis 2:18). God’s plan was for you to have a meaningful relationship with Him and others.
Alienation was a result of the fall. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were alienated from God and began having problems in their relationship–blaming one another. All broken relationships are rooted in sin.
Intimacy with God is necessary in order to develop proper relationships with others. You will never be able to develop positive horizontal relationships with others until your vertical relationship with God is right. The only time Jesus expressed loneliness was when He was on the cross, alienated from the Father because He was bearing the sins of the world (Matthew 27:46).
Loneliness can be self-inflicted. If you do not try to make friends, you won’t have any:
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly…”(Proverbs 18:24) .
You are never really alone. Jesus promised to be with you always and He sent the Holy Spirit to be with you and dwell within you (John 14:17).
DEALING WITH LONELINESS:
Determine the cause for your loneliness. Deal with the root cause. Are you isolating yourself from others? Do you harbor unforgiveness? Are you staying too busy and disconnected from people? Have difficult circumstances–such as a tragedy or death–caused you to withdraw from others? Are you depressed?
Pray about your loneliness. Bind the spirits of isolation and self-pity that develop through loneliness. Release the comfort of the Holy Spirit who lives within you to operate in your life.
Restore broken relationships. If your loneliness is because of alienation from someone, seek to restore the relationship through forgiving and seeking forgiveness.
Develop godly friendships. Foster positive relationships with other believers. Do not be unevenly yoked in a friendship with an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Get involved with the Body of Christ. Join a church, attend a Bible study, or become part of a prayer group. Many friendships are formed through association with others in the Church. Start a special interest group in your church and recruit others who enjoy doing what you like to do.
Serve others. Squash self-pity and isolation by serving others. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or a food kitchen. Visit the elderly and shut-ins. Tutor a child. Volunteer for missions, prison ministry, or for service in your church. The opportunities are endless, and as you put yourself out there to serve, you will develop positive relationships with others.
Learn how to be a true friend. The biblical emphasis on relationships is evident when we note the number of times the words “one another” occurs, particularly in Paul’s letters. We are commanded to:
-love one another: John 13:35
-be devoted to one another: Romans 12:10
-honor one another: Romans 12:10
-live in harmony with one another: Romans 12:16
-comfort one another: 1 Thessalonians 4:18
-encourage one another: Hebrews 3:13
-stir up one another to love and good works: Hebrews 10:24
-show hospitality to one another: 1 Peter 4:9
-employ the gifts of God for the benefit of one another: 1 Peter 4:10
-clothe yourself with humility towards one another: 1 Peter 5:5
-pray for one another: James 5:16
-confess your faults to one another; James 5:16
-speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs: Ephesians 5:19
-submit to one another: Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5
-consider others better than yourself: Philippians 2:3
-be concerned about the interests of others: Philippians 2:4
-bear with one another: Colossians 3:13
-teach one another: Colossians 3:16
-build up one another: Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
-be likeminded towards one another: Romans 15:5
-accept one another unconditionally: Romans 15:7
-admonish one another: Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16
-care for one another: 1 Corinthians 12:25
-serve one another: Galatians 5:13
-bear one another’s burdens: Galatians 6:2
-forgive one another: Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13
-be patient with one another: Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13
-be kind and compassionate to one another: Ephesians 4:32
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT LONELINESS:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (Psalm 27:10)
A man who has friends must himself be friendly… (Proverbs 18:24) .
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:16-18)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Romans 8:35)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
See also Psalm 139. You were never alone–not even in your mother’s womb!
(See also “Friendship” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, L, TOPICS
LAZINESS
DEFINITION: A lazy person is one who is resistant to or refuses to work and is disposed to idleness and worthless pursuits. The Bible refers to a lazy person as a “sluggard.”
FACTS ABOUT LAZINESS:
Work was instituted by God. When He created Adam and Eve: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).
The Bible condemns laziness, slothfulness, and idleness. For examples see Proverbs 15:19; 19:24; 22:13; and 26:13-16.
If you refuse to work when you are physically and mentally able to do so, there should be consequences. The Bible teaches that if a man does not work, he should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Failure to provide for your family is equated with denying the faith. First Timothy 5:8 warns: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
DEALING WITH LAZINESS:
Pray about your laziness. Laziness is a habit and/or a learned behavior that can be corrected. Ask God to forgive you and to help you be an example of industriousness.
Provide for yourself and your family. If you are physically and mentally able, get a job and provide for yourself and your family. Don’t borrow money, steal, or live off of other people.
Do everything as unto the Lord. Any legal, legitimate job is something to be proud of and you can do it as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17).
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT LAZINESS:
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15).
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. 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 bandit and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:6-11)
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4)
As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him. (Proverbs 10:26)
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. (Proverbs 12:24)
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. (Proverbs 13:4)
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)
Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry. (Proverbs 19:15)
A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. (Proverbs 20:4)
Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. (Proverbs 20:13)
The fool folds his hands and ruins himself. (Ecclesiastes 4:5)
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks. (Ecclesiastes 10:18)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 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)
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and who does not live according to the teaching you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6:12)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 23, 2014 | A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
