SELF-CONTROL - Champions by the Fruit of the SpiritSample

Self-control vs Laziness

Bible story: The wise and foolish builders, Matthew 7:24-27

Theme Verse: James 4:17

We are now coming to the end of this study on the fruit of the Spirit! We have only one lesson remaining: Self-Control against Laziness. It is very exciting to think that if we treat the fruit of the Spirit as something very important to have in our lives, and we work hard on each fruit, as if we were learning a sport, we can achieve “Knock-outs” and win competitions! Our prayer is that each one of you has won many times during the year!

To win against laziness, we must gain control of our own desires and not give up when we get tired. Laziness is when we do not act or exert ourselves, even though we have the ability. Is there an area in your life where you have the ability to succeed, but you are not? Is it possible that you have been lazy in that area? It may seem to us that laziness is a lesser sin, and that it is not all that bad. However, if we do not do what we know God wants of us, because we do not have the self-control to fight our own laziness, then we have not obeyed.

If we disobey because we are against God, or if we disobey because we were too lazy to obey Him, the result is the same. Not doing what God asks, will leave us building with a foundation of sand. Today’s Bible story is about the wise and foolish builders that Jesus talks about at the end of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus says that everyone who hears His words, and PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. When the storms come, the house stands firm. But those of us who DO NOT DO what Jesus says, are like foolish people who have built their house on the sand. When the storm comes, their house falls with a great crash.

We may want this parable to be a warning for those who don’t believe in God. We may want it to say that those of us who attend a Christian church are building on the rock. But that is not what Jesus says. Jesus tells us that this parable is about those who actually DO what He asked. For those of us who believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and attend Christian churches, this is very important. We must not allow our laziness to stop us from obeying the commands of Jesus. Because even laziness can keep us from having our foundation built on the rock!

Will you choose to fight against your own laziness so that you can have your life built on the rock? Do you want your life to stand firm and not collapse when the storms and hard times come at you? If you answered “YES”, then you must DO what Jesus commands.

Questions:

1. Will memorizing the sermon on the mount keep you from building on the sand?

2. How can you build your foundation on the rock?

Life Application:

Fight against your laziness this week, by choosing something to do that you do not want to do. Make sure to complete it, and share your testimony with a friend.

Want more?

This reading plan is taken from Equip & Grow's children’s curriculum, looking at being a champion by putting into practice the fruits of the Spirit. Enjoy this plan at home, and then do the full curriculum at church with student books, games, crafts, songs, decorations, and more!

https://www.childrenareimportant.com/champions/index.php