“Sloth; Being Lazy about Love”
II Peter 1:3-11 NIV
Sermon Outline:
Introduction:
Seven Deadly Sins;
a journey of courageous introspection and amazing grace.
1. The least offensive of the Seven Deadly Sins, appears to be s_______.
The s____________ version of sloth is to be lazy.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” Proverbs 6:6
The s__________ version of sloth is to be lazy in love.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another,
for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
2. The Greatest command is described in the S_______.
“Hear Oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4,5
The second is like it; Love your neighbor as your-self. Matthew 22:39
3. The demands of love call for s___________ commitment.
“For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-7
The demands of love often call for s_____________.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:1,2
4. Resistance to the demands of love are found in a____________.
Resistance to the demands of love are found in a____________.
5. The antidote to sloth: a) is s_________ - put.
b) is reclaiming S___________ rest.
c) is being s___________.
6. The rewards of love are s_____________ in the new-______. 2 Peter 1:5-7
Small Group Questions
1. What do you think of when you picture a sloth, or a slug?
2. Where did you learn how to work hard?
3. Do you know love more as a feeling, or more as an action?
4. What does “Shema” mean in Hebrew? And what is “the Shema?
5. Where have you learned the “serious commitment” of love?
6. How do you understand Paul’s challenge to “be a living sacrifice to God?”
7. With love, do you find yourself drawn more to apathy or avoidance?
8. What practical steps can you take to “love God” more?
9. What practical steps can you take to love someone else more?
