How can we show "earnestness" in our spiritual growth and daily walk? Setting our Aim: Hebrews 6 verse 11 “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured.” Cultivating Consistent Diligence • Diligence carries the idea of energetic eagerness—an intensity that refuses to coast. • 2 Peter 1:5–7 urges, “Make every effort to add to your faith virtue….” Effort is the practical face of earnestness. • Philippians 3:14 models the mindset: “I press on toward the goal.” Fueling Earnestness with the Word • “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable… so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Daily reading plan—small portions, faithfully digested. • Memorize key promises that anchor hope (Psalm 119:11). • Journal insights; obedience follows understanding. Prayer: Breathing Out Earnest Desire • Luke 18:1—“They should always pray and not lose heart.” • Keep short accounts with God: confess quickly (1 John 1:9). • Pray Scripture back to Him; this aligns desires with His revealed will. Active Obedience and Service • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Serve the body: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” (1 Peter 4:10) • Everyday work counts: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23) Guarding Against Drift • Hebrews 2:1 warns, “We must pay closer attention… so that we do not drift away.” • Identify spiritual distractions; set boundaries. • Fast periodically to break fleshly routines and renew focus. Encouraging One Another • Hebrews 10:24-25—“Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” • Join a small group; transparent fellowship multiplies zeal. • Share testimonies of answered prayer to stoke collective hope. Finishing Well: Hope Held Firm • 1 Corinthians 15:58—“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” • Review God’s past faithfulness; it fuels perseverance. • Keep eternity foremost: Titus 2:13 speaks of “the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Earnestness flourishes when the heart is fixed on Christ, the mind fed by truth, the knees bent in prayer, and the hands busy in love. |
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