In this message, Stephen emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness and diligence as foundational pillars in the Christian faith. He begins with a prayer of gratitude for the life of Christ within believers, acknowledging that it is through Him that they can live righteously. Stephen explains that wisdom, personified as Jesus, builds His house with seven pillars, the first being righteousness. He stresses that living righteously requires following a renewed conscience and being attentive to small details in life. The second pillar, diligence, is explored through various Proverbs that highlight the consequences of laziness and the rewards of hard work. Stephen illustrates that God desires diligence, as seen in the creation of man, who was tasked with tending the Garden of Eden. He warns against idleness, which can lead to temptation and sin. Stephen encourages believers to confess their laziness, rely on the Holy Spirit for strength, and actively pursue diligence in their spiritual lives, including keeping their hearts, seeking God, and serving others. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to build the character of diligence for the glory of God.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
27 And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. 32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.