Topical Bible: Diligence: Listening to Him

◄ Diligence: Listening to Him ►

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Diligence, in the context of listening to God, is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. It involves a committed and attentive effort to hear, understand, and obey the voice of God as revealed through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This entry explores the biblical foundation and significance of diligence in listening to God, drawing from various passages in the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of listening to God with diligence. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5 , the Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith, begins with the call to hear: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This passage underscores the necessity of attentive listening as a precursor to loving and obeying God fully.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently calls His followers to listen diligently. In Matthew 7:24 , He states, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Here, Jesus links hearing His words with acting upon them, illustrating that true listening involves both understanding and obedience.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in aiding believers to listen diligently to God. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." The Holy Spirit acts as a divine guide, helping believers discern God's voice amidst the noise of the world.

Practical Aspects of Diligence in Listening

Diligence in listening to God requires intentional practices. Regular engagement with Scripture is foundational, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." By immersing oneself in the Word, believers position themselves to hear God's voice clearly.

Prayer is another essential practice. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, believers communicate with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom.

Challenges and Encouragement

Listening diligently to God can be challenging in a world filled with distractions and competing voices. Hebrews 2:1 warns, "We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." This verse serves as a reminder of the constant effort required to remain attentive to God's voice.

Despite the challenges, believers are encouraged by the promise of God's presence and guidance. James 1:5 assures, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This promise highlights God's readiness to provide wisdom to those who seek Him diligently.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who exemplified diligence in listening to God. Samuel, as a young boy, responded to God's call with attentiveness and obedience (1 Samuel 3:10). Similarly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, demonstrated a heart of listening and submission when she accepted the angel's message with faith (Luke 1:38).

These examples serve as models for believers, illustrating the blessings and spiritual growth that result from a diligent commitment to listening to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 55:2
Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... you of wrath to come, you left him." He is ... should prize these fleeting opportunities,
not listening to the ... from the sower's hand, and giving diligence that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiii a burning and shining.htm

The Teacher Spirit
... Whilst they were listening to Him at that table they ... us God's truth, instead of waiting
before Him and letting ... Let it fill us with desire and with diligence. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the teacher spirit.htm

John vi. 26, 27
... that she ought not in the season for listening be busy ... things which it is meet for
us to ask of Him. ... then in regard of these things use much diligence to avoid ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xliv john vi 26.htm

John i. 14
... 279] and you are not willing to manifest the same diligence in listening your future ...
that we might be able with much fearlessness to approach Him, speak to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xii john i 14.htm

We are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of ...
... Thy part is diligence in sowing, the harvest return is God's care ... Has the writer,
after all, been listening to another Voice that has taught him what is ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter xi we are drawing.htm

Matt. xiii. 10, 11
... we also do; when we see any one listening carelessly, and ... covering of thy roof, give
house-room to Him at least ... us, let us show forth all our diligence on the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlv matt xiii 10.htm

The Home Scene.
... if not a noble character, combining diligence in business ... penmen, which sunk deep
into those listening spirits, and ... Not seeing Him, as we see Him, "behind the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/ii the home scene.htm

All Saints' Day
... chosen people; and they used all diligence, that nothing ... Martyrs, and of these a
great company followed Him. ... truth within, in silence, and listening to what God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
... who have influence, to use all diligence in drawing ... to our own injury, even while
listening to the ... his factions and followers, and our own flesh supports him. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twentieth sunday after trinity the.htm

Matt. xxiii. 1-3.
... they should suppose, because of their listening to them ... is the disposition of him
who praises him. ... He brings forward, and corrects with diligence, touching this ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxii matt xxiii 1-3.htm