It’s Time to Stand Up (Part 2) | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, August 18
Key Scriptures
Acts 2:14; I Corinthians 14:8; Matthew 22:21; Genesis 12:3-4; Romans 15:27; Luke 7:5; Deuteronomy 1:13; Proverbs 29:2; Exodus 20:9-10; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20; Proverbs 31:16-18; Matthew 25:15-18; Romans 1:21-31
Introduction
One of the biggest lies in America is that people should not talk about politics and religion in the same breath. Extremely liberal lies say America is evil and racist and the nation's heroes are not worth celebrating. The American flag is being spat upon, the national anthem is not reverenced enough to stand for, and capitalism is even being called sinful. Christians must speak out about what is happening in the nation.
What is Laziness?
The Bible consistently portrays laziness as a spiritual issue, rather than just a physical or behavioral problem, exposing the need for a greater transformation through faith and obedience. God has given us talents and abilities and it is God who works in us both to will and to work according to His good pleasure. (Phil 2:23). God strengthens, energizes, and creates in us the longing and the ability to fulfill our purpose. Why then, would anyone not work (heartily) unto the Lord? (Col 3:23). Perhaps because we often see laziness as a habit or character trait, not a sin.
- Why do you think laziness is often viewed as a habit or character trait rather than a sin? How does this affect how we address it?
- Colossians 3:23 urges us to work heartily unto the Lord. What does "working unto the Lord" look like practically in your daily life?
Pitfalls of Laziness
Proverbs 18:9 “Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys”.
There is an active principle of destruction operating here; laziness destroys.
We may think someone who ruins a home through vandalism and outright destruction is a great destroyer, but if the same person allows the home to fall into disrepair and uselessness through neglect and laziness, they also are a great destroyer — they just did it another way.
Proverbs 15:19 “The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.”
The lazy man’s conduct entangles him as if it were hedged up with thorns.
To a lazy man, most work seems insurmountable. He doesn’t even try and won’t persevere.
The “hard things” are as disagreeable to him as breaking though a thorn hedge.
II Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.”
God reinforces earning a livelihood through hard work, rather than relying on others or idleness.
- Has anyone consistently spoke to you about signs of laziness or procrastination? Have you ‘heard’ the message, or have you brushed it off as something else?
- Are there any areas of your secular or spiritual life that have succumb to laziness? If so, what has been the impact to your home, work or relationships (incl. God)?
Blessings of Work
Exodus 20:9-10 “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates”.
The Lord blesses us with a command to rest.
- Rest for earthly labors, rest in Jesus’ finished work on the cross.
Take the rest! “He who idles his time away in the six days is equally culpable in the sight of God as he who works on the seventh.”
Proverbs 31:16-18 “She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good and her lamp does not go out by night”.
The virtuous wife isn’t afraid of (hard) work. She is noted for her strength, and it is strength in action.
Blessings: She is praised by her husband, known as a woman of integrity and the Lord is pleased with her.
- The proverbs 31 wife is a woman of action. Whether you are a man or woman, how has the Holy Spirit been calling you to action this year?
- Regarding Pastor Jentezen's sermon, why is it dangerous if society shrinks back from being as industrious at the Proverbs 31 wife? What can you do to educate others of the pitfalls of apathy?
Work Ethic Comparison
On Sunday, Pastor Franklin discussed the pitfalls of socialism.
Socialism is an economic system with the government in charge. In socialism, the government intervenes in the labor market and gives equal rewards to all, regardless of how hard they work or the risks they take. The Bible teaches responsibility, not entitlement. The Bible does not teach that lazy people should be rewarded.
- How would you explain socialism to a child?
Capitalism ensures everyone gets a chance, regardless of age, race, or background. Socialism makes people a number; capitalism encourages creativity and individuality. Socialism hates the church. Where socialism thrives, the church is destroyed.
Ultimate Authority Belongs to King Jesus
We must know the values of the people we choose to govern our country to maintain continuity with the Bible's teachings. Jesus is the only true King of the land.
Psalm 22:2“For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and he rules over the nations.”
This verse reminds us that Jesus will return to earth and rule as the only sovereign Lord of this world. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, “that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and those under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11.
Our responsibility is to defend our Lord and his teachings, show love to our fellow human beings through kind compassion, and proclaim the truth of the Church to all.
- How can we stand up and support our King Jesus?
- Can we influence our local, state, and national leaders to prevent the adaptation of laws that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible? Would a simple phone call or letter do?
Firefighter Analogy
1 Corinthians 14:8 NIV “Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?”
Imagine being a firefighter called to a blaze, seeing the house in front of us engulfed in flames, but instead of rushing to help, we sit in the truck—perhaps even grabbing a snack—while the fire spreads unchecked. Without decisive action, the fire will consume everything in its path.
What would it take to stir the urgency we need to do our job and fight the fire? Or, more importantly, what are we lacking? Is it a deeper understanding of the consequences of inaction, a stronger sense of leadership, or perhaps a clearer biblical perspective on our responsibilities?
Now is the time to be proactive—in our thoughts, prayers, giving, and actions. If we remain passive, we risk losing the battle, and souls will be lost. As our pastor said, it’s time to stand up and take the lead in whatever way God directs us. If we don’t act, how will people know?
It’s time for the church to lead offensively, not just defensively, by stepping out in faith and taking action. “Why wouldn’t we, as the church, love enough to reach out?”
God, we surrender to Your will and purpose. Help us focus on the tasks You’ve entrusted to us, and empower us to respond to every divine appointment You send our way. Amen.
- Reflecting on the firefighter analogy, what are some areas in your life where you may have been passive instead of taking action? What were the consequences of inaction?
- 1 Corinthians 14:8 speaks about the importance of a clear call. What are some 'clear calls' God may be sounding in your life right now? How are you responding to them?
- How does your identity as a Christian affect your political views?
Key Takeaways:
1. The preservation of America. If a one-world order is going to come to pass, America must fall. As long as the United States stands for freedom and refuses to accept socialism, that system will never be able to work. A one-world government cannot tolerate a free, prosperous, and God-fearing nation.
2. America was built on the foundation of religious liberty. The United States was formed as a religious sanctuary for Christians to worship. Christians must speak up about unbiblical policies as they always have.
3. Stand up and fight. People have fought for the United States with guns and swords, even giving their lives. You must continue the fight, not with guns, but with wills, words, and courage. The government is not made up of democrats, republicans, or Washington D.C.; it is made up of “We the people.”
4. God raised America for a purpose. God raised America for two reasons: (1) to send the gospel all around the world and (2) to stand with the nation of Israel. To this day, the United States is the only real friend of Israel. When you vote against people who are anti-Israel, you are voting against God and His Word.
5. Your identity is always a Christian. When you go to the voting booth, you are not a Republican or Democrat but a Christian. You must maintain a biblical worldview in every area of your life, including voting.
Conclusion
As we close, remember the urgency of God’s call to action. Like a firefighter responding to a blaze, we cannot remain passive while the world around us burns. Whether combating laziness or standing for truth in society, God calls us to be proactive.
America’s purpose is to spread the gospel and stand with Israel, and we must defend these values. Every action we take matters. Let’s commit to leading boldly in our faith, standing for truth, and trusting God to work through us.
May we always put Christ first, standing strong in our identity as Christians, and leading others to Him. Amen.
Resources
YouTube
Audio Podcast
It’s Time To Stand Up – Part 1