“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
Though they have no prince
Or governor or ruler to make them work,
They labor hard all summer,
Gathering food for the winter.
But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
When will you wake up?
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest–––
The poverty will pounce on your like a bandit;
Scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” —Proverbs 6:6-11 NLT
A Habit That Has It
we are
“Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.” —Proverbs 21:25 NLT
“Work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.” —2 Peter 1:10 NLT
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” —Philippians 2:12-13 NLT
Spiritual Laziness can lead to spiritual unpreparedness
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who too their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, the stood outside calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’
But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’
So you too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of My return.” —Matthew 25:1-13 NLT
“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
Though they have no prince
Or governor or ruler to make them work,
They labor hard all summer,
Gathering food for the winter.
But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
When will you wake up?
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest–––
The poverty will pounce on your like a bandit;
Scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” —Proverbs 6:6-11 NLT
introduce
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows opened toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” —Daniel 6:10 NLT
“Morning, noon, and night
I cry out in my distress,
And the Lord hears my voice.” —Psalm 55:17 NLT
Discussion Questions
What are some areas in your life where you feel you might be lazy? How has laziness impacted these areas?
Have you ever encountered a moment where you overcome because you were underprepared? How might a lack of preparedness spiritually leave us vulnerbale to being overcome in spiritual battles and temptations?
What might spiritual laziness look like? What are some ways you may identify that you are spiritually lazy? What are some things you can do to avoid spiritual laziness?
Read 2 Peter 1:10 and Philippians 2:12-13. What are some things you are doing to actively grow and mature in your faith in Jesus? How are you working to develop your faith?
What are some lessons that we can learn from the ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13?
What are some lessons we cna learn and apply from the ants in Proverbs 6:6-11? Especially as it relates to our spiritual disciplines?
Read Daniel 6:10. Daniel made it a habit to pray to God. He prayed three times a day. This habit ensured he had it (spiritual strength) when the time came for him to persevere. What are your thoughts on this? What are some habits you can implement to be sure you have it (spiritual strength) when you need to persevere as well?