"THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"
An Exhortation To Diligent Service (12:11)
INTRODUCTION
- The twelfth chapter of Romans contains many exhortations pertaining
to daily Christian living...
- E.g., to be transformed by the renewing of our minds - Ro 12:1-2
- E.g., to utilize what abilities we have as members of the body
- Ro 12:3-8
- E.g., to love the brethren and hate what is evil - Ro 12:9-10
- In our text (Ro 12:11), we find "An Exhortation To Diligent
Service"...
- Contained within a triad of simple commands
- Which are worthy of careful examination
- We might begin by asking: How is a Christian to act...?
- In his or her service to the Lord?
- In his or her business or job?
- Sadly, the word "slothful" would apply to some Christians...
- Who do as little as they can while at work
- Who are similar in their service to the Lord
[As we take a close look at our text, let's first ask...]
- WHAT DOES PAUL SAY?
- "NOT LAGGING IN DILIGENCE..."
- The KJV translates it "not slothful in business"
- Which may give some the wrong impression
- Some may conclude the exhortation is limited to our jobs
- The word "business" in Greek is spoude (from which we get the
word "speed") and denotes "diligence, haste, earnestness"
- The idea is that we should be diligent in all that we do - cf.
Ec 9:10
- In secular work, yes - cf. Col 3:22-23
- Also in the work of the Lord - cf. 1Co 15:58
- Areas of spiritual labor in which we are to be diligent:
- In our efforts to enter the heavenly rest - He 4:11; 6:9-12
- To found without spot, blameless - 2Pe 3:13-14
- In our handling of the Word of God - 2Ti 2:15
- In keeping our hearts pure - Pr 4:23; cf. Mk 7:21-23
- Repenting of sins - 2Co 7:10-11
- Developing Christ-like character - 2Pe 1:5-11
- Keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace - Ep 4:1-6
- "FERVENT IN SPIRIT..."
- This defines the enthusiasm or attitude of mind to have as we
labor
- Some are diligent, but begrudgingly so
- The word "fervent" is zeo and means "to bubble, boil"
- Therefore we are to do our work heartedly - cf. Col 3:23
- "SERVING THE LORD..."
- This is the motivation behind enthusiastic labor
- We are motivated by the fact it is the Lord we serve, even in
secular work! - e.g., Ep 6:5-8
[Since it is the Lord we serve in both secular and spiritual work, we
are to labor with enthusiasm and diligent effort. But let's now ask...]
- WHAT IS TOO OFTEN THE CASE?
- DILIGENT IN OUR OWN PURSUITS...
- Physical necessity often prompts diligence in secular jobs
- Heightened interest often prompts enthusiasm in personal
hobbies
- SLOTHFUL IN THE LORD'S BUSINESS...
-- Some examples of the contrast:
- Some work 40 hours a week (and more) for physical needs, then
balk at spending 4 hours a week in worship and Bible study!
- Some get up early to work or play, yet complain about getting
up even later on Sunday to worship God!
- Some will watch TV an average of 14 hours per week, but can't
find 3 hours a week to read the Bible!
- Some will take courses at night to improve their skills, but
aren't willing to attend gospel meetings or Bible studies!
- Some can learn the stats for their favorite team, but say they
can't memorize scripture!
- Some let or even encourage their children to miss services for
a sports event or school function, but not vice versa!
- Some will make their children brush their teeth, make the bed,
etc., but make them attend services...never!
- CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH SLOTH...
- Apathetic in attitude and service to the Lord
- Of little use to the Lord in His fight against Satan!
[When such is the case, here's a third question to consider...]
- HOW DOES THE LORD FEEL?
- WE KNOW HOW JESUS FEELS...
- He taught that those who put personal pursuits first would not
enjoy heaven - Lk 14:15-24
- He taught the danger of sloth in the parable of the talents
- cf. Mt 25:24-30
- He condemned the church of Laodicea for their lukewarmness - Re
3:14-16
- WE CAN IMAGINE HOW GOD FEELS...
-- Lagging in diligence is:
- A destructive hindrance to the work of His Son, who died for us
- cf. Pr 18:9
- An ungrateful response to the mercy of God, destined for God's
wrath - cf. Ro 2:4-11
CONCLUSION
- If after self-examination, we admit that we have been slothful in our
service to the Lord, then the final question might be:
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
- Some will probably do nothing...
- Being dull of hearing and hard of heart
- Continuing on as before
- Some might make an effort...
- Because their hearts are still tender
- Yet soon grow weary and return to a service of sloth
- My prayers is that all will make whatever changes are called for by
Paul's exhortation...
- Those who have yet to serve the Lord, will begin a new life of
faithful service!
- Those who have been lagging in diligence, will now give the Lord
His due!
Shall we not take to heart this exhortation of the apostle Paul...?