Scripture Reading: Haggai 1:1–11
Introduction
A. How often do we put off until tomorrow that which we truly ought to do today? Do we do this in matters of religion?
B. There are all sorts of reasons for which people procrastinate, none of which make the practice acceptable to God.
Discussion
I. Procrastination in spiritual matters never leads to any good.
A. The governor Felix waited for a more convenient season (Acts 24:25).
B. Upon their return from captivity, Israel waited for a more convenient time to rebuild the temple (Haggai 1:1–11; cf. Ezra 1:1–3).
C. Procrastination can cost us our souls in the end (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2).
II. A faithful man won’t put off anything God commands him to do.
A. It is often with good intentions that we put things off until another day, but sometimes we wait too late (James 4:13–15).
B. Noah did not procrastinate (Genesis 5:32; 7:6).
C. When God commanded Abraham to offer his son, he didn’t waste any time (Genesis 22:3).
D. Jesus expected immediate obedience from His followers (Matthew 4:20, 22; 8:21–22).
Conclusion
A. Contrary to the opinion of some (Matthew 24:48), our Lord is no procrastinator: He is coming back (2 Peter 3:9).
B. If you have been waiting for a convenient season to obey the gospel, let this be it!