13 Awake, O Sleeper: The Sin of Sloth and the Call to Holy Diligence

Romans 12v11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (ESV)

Introduction:
The Nature and Danger of Sloth

1. Defining Sloth Biblically
1.1   Key Biblical Terms
       a. Slothful (oknēros): sluggish, backward in effort.
       b. Idle: refusing labour when duty calls.
       c. Apathy: spiritual indifference, coldness of heart.
       d. Proverbs 13:4.
1.2 A Practical Definition
       a. Sloth is a term for laziness or a habitual disinclination to exertion.
       b. Sloth is the willful neglect of responsibility and duty before God and man.

2. The Roots and Fruits of Sloth
2.1   Pride and Self-Indulgence – Proverbs 26:162.2   Fear and Doubt – Proverbs 22:13
2.3   Worldliness and Comfort – Amos 6:1

3. The Profile of the Slothful in Scripture
3.1   The Sluggard in Proverbs:
       a. Refuses to work (Proverbs 20:4)
       b. Lacks wisdom (Proverbs 24:30–34)
       c. Comes to ruin (Proverbs 21:25)
       d. Proverbs 24:33–34
3.2 The Slothful Servant in Matthew 25:26–27

4. Sloth in the Christian Life: Spiritual Apathy
     Revelation 3:15–16

5. The Profile of the Slothful in Scripture
     2 Thessalonians 3:11–12

6. The Call to Diligence
6.1   Diligence in Sanctification – 2 Peter 1:5,10
6.2   Diligence in Doing Good – Galatians 6:9
6.3   Diligence in Ministry – Romans 12:11
6.4   Diligence in Hope – Hebrews 6:11

7. Christ: Our Perfect Example of Diligence
     John 9:4

8. Practical Applications
8.1   Examine Yourself – 2 Corinthians 13:5
8.2   Confess and Repent – 1 John 1:9
8.3   Renew Your Devotion to Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:14
8.4   Redeem the Time – Ephesians 5:15–16
8.5   Depend on the Spirit – Philippians 2:13

9. Encouragement for the Diligent
9.1   God Sees your Labour – Hebrews 6:10
9.2   The Eternal Reward – Matthew 25:21

Conclusion
– “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  Ephesians 5:14
– “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”  Colossians 3:23