“Cursed Be the One Who Does the Lord’s Work Negligently”

Text: Jeremiah 48:10

Verse is found in the prophecy against Moab. In this context, those doing the Lord’s work were the Babylonian soldiers – they were not to be negligent in warring against them. This is a Scriptural principle – we must do the Lord’s work diligently, not negligently (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Be Diligent in Studying the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15)

  • God has revealed His will to us (1 Corinthians 2:10) – revealed it so that we can understand it (Ephesians 3:4); it is intended for everyone (Mark 16:15)
  • God wants us to know & understand His will – takes effort on our part
  • Studying is tiring (Ecclesiastes 12:12) – yet we must have a regular habit of studying the Scriptures (Acts 17:11)

Be Diligent to Preserve the Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)

  • Platform for unity (Ephesians 4:4-6) – one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God & Father
  • Be diligent to maintain the unity that God desires – do not divide over opinions (Romans 14:1), past conflicts (Colossians 3:13), personality differences (Philippians 4:2-3)
  • Be diligent not to pervert unity into something that God does not desire – by accepting sin (Ephesians 5:3,11) & false doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-14)

Be Diligent in Striving to Overcome Sin (2 Peter 3:14)

  • Peter was discussing the end of the world – knowing that this is coming, we should live a certain way
  • Strive to be “spotless and blameless” – this is not a contentment in sin or tolerance of sin
  • Look for the way of escape present in every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Be Diligent to Grow Spiritually (2 Peter 1:5-10)

  • Be diligent to add to our faith these qualities – moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love
  • This is an ongoing process
  • Be diligent to make certain about His calling by working to perfect these qualities – as long as we do this, we will never stumble

Be Diligent in Trying to Reach Heaven (Hebrews 6:11-12)

  • This requires a lifetime of serving God (Revelation 2:10)
  • Some will not do this, but will fall away (Hebrews 6:4-6; 4:11)
  • Imitate the faithful & patiently endure (Hebrews 12:1)