The Little Foxes (Base; T. Q. Martin) Song of Solomon 2:15 I. Introudction. A. Some things tend to take joy from service. B. Many disciples seem miserable in their discipleship. C. Often can eliminate barriers to joyful service if work to rid the hindrances. D. Too many speak of "little sins" and "big sins." a. The idea is that some are not bad as others and one can ignore them. b. Some thoughts and actions stand in the way of effectiveness in one's spiritual life. C. However, it is too often the little things that spoil one's faith: Consider Song of Solomon 2:15.(explain). II. Body. A. The "little fox" of irreverence. 1. Defined: To esteem lightly sacred things. 2. Note Hebrews 12:16. 3. Profanity is found in all segments of society. a. The disciple knows better: Colossians 4:6. b. Even in the O. T.: Exodus 20:7. 4. Some contract names to justify speech. 5. "O Lord," "Lordy," etc. 6. The Christian uses clean and rightful language. B. The "little fox" of pride. 1. How deceptive: Jeremiah 49:16. 2. People are often unaware of pride. a. Years ago found people who would not attend services because of their clothes. b. Some are too proud to make correction in admitting a mistake. 3. Humility is to characterize Christians: I Peter 5:6. 4. There is too much pride in the world! C. The "little fox" of jealousy. 1. A feeling in the heart that arise when someone receives something that I felt I should have. 2. Derogatory statements when someone receives something good or worthwhile: honored. 3. Or--Afraid someone is going to get something I do not have. 4. Note James 3:16. 5. Can occur between congregations; preachers; elders, etc. D. The "little fox" of favoritism. 1. Literally taking sides without investigation(explain). 2. What a true friend will do for one in the wrong. 3. "I am your friend, right of wrong"(Note: Galatians 4:16). 4. We should not let affection for individual blind to a need. 5. People say: Be careful when speak to this one so as not to hurt his feelings. 6. Too much: "I am of Paul and I of Apollos." E. The "little fox" of hurt feelings. 1. People permit personal likes and dislikes to control.(consider prejudice) 2. Some have their feelings "on the sleeve." 3. Too many get mad at the preacher or members and quit the Lord. 4. "Did one tell the truth?"--yes--but didn't like the way he said it. 5. "He didn't speak"--"they don't act as friendly as they should"--"I don't feel wanted"--"he insulted me." 6. Remember Matthew 6:33. F. The "little triplet foxes.": Malice, selfishness and unforgiveness. 1. A connection in all three. 2. Ephesians 4:31-32. G. "Little fox" of procrastination. 1. "Putting off" doing right. a. As brethren. b. In regard to work of the church(God's work!) c. Even those who have not obeyed the truth. d. We "put off" that which is of the worldly nature--can invade the religious realm. III. Conclusion. Are there any "little foxes" spoiling our service?