Wisdom: Lessons from an Ant | Rev. Nathan Bell

7 June 2026 Find out more about Jesus ⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠ Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha. ⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠ Can we pray for you? Request prayer. ⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button. To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below ⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠ Sermon Notes: In this message, Pastor Nathan continues our Wisdom series by looking at Proverbs 6 and the simple but powerful lesson we can learn from the ant. The message begins in Genesis, where we see that work was part of God’s design from the beginning. We are created in the image of God, and part of that image includes creativity, responsibility, purpose, and rest. Work is not a result of the fall. God placed humanity in the garden to tend it and care for it. We were created to work, build, serve, create, and rest. Looking at Proverbs 6:6-11, Nathan draws out three key lessons: 1. A healthy work ethic brings healthy rewards The ant works hard in the right season and prepares for what is ahead. A healthy work ethic is not about overworking. Scripture also warns us not to wear ourselves out trying to get rich. Overwork can be just as damaging as laziness. God’s design includes both work and rest. Laziness can lead to poverty, not only financially, but also relationally, spiritually, and physically. When we neglect fellowship, time with God, family, or caring for our bodies, we can experience poverty in those areas too. 2. Initiative will open doors of opportunity The ant does not wait for someone to force it to work. It sees what needs to be done and gets on with it. Initiative is a God-given part of how we are created. It helps us recognise opportunities, meet needs, and take responsibility. This applies to work, marriage, family, church, and discipleship. Instead of waiting for someone else to act, wisdom asks, “What opportunity has God placed in front of me?” 3. Stewardship is wise management of God’s provision The ant gathers in summer to prepare for winter. Wisdom teaches us to steward what God provides. This includes saving wisely, avoiding waste, and being generous with what we have been given. Jesus reminds us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Nathan also reflects on generosity, tithing, and caring for those in need, reminding us that everything we have belongs to God. We are called to use it according to His purposes, not just our own desires. The message closes with a challenge to find the wise middle space God intended. We can overwork and damage ourselves or others. We can underwork and fall into laziness. We can miss opportunities by refusing to take initiative. We can waste what God has given us. But God calls us to wisdom, balance, initiative, stewardship, and trust. Key Scriptures: Proverbs 6:6-11 Genesis 2:2-3 Genesis 2:15 John 5:17 Proverbs 23:4 Luke 12:48 Luke 12:34 Proverbs 22:9 Proverbs 11:24-25 Key Thought: God created us to work, rest, take initiative, and steward well what He has given us. #hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon