Topical Bible: Diligence: Obeying Him

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Diligence, in the context of biblical teaching, is the earnest and persistent effort to live in accordance with God's commandments and to fulfill His will. It is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture, reflecting a heart committed to obedience and faithfulness. The concept of diligence is woven throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness in one's spiritual journey and daily life.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently underscores the necessity of diligence in obeying God. In Proverbs 4:23, we are instructed, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the importance of being vigilant and intentional in maintaining a pure heart, which is foundational to living a life that honors God.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be diligent in their spiritual endeavors. In Romans 12:11, he writes, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Here, diligence is associated with maintaining enthusiasm and commitment in serving God, suggesting that a lack of diligence can lead to spiritual stagnation.

Examples of Diligence in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify diligence in their obedience to God. Noah is a prime example; he diligently followed God's instructions to build the ark despite the ridicule and disbelief of those around him (Genesis 6:22). His unwavering commitment to God's command resulted in the preservation of his family and the animal kingdom.

Another notable example is the Apostle Paul, whose life and ministry were marked by relentless diligence. In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul reflects on his life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." His words reveal a life dedicated to the diligent pursuit of God's calling, even amidst trials and persecution.

The Role of Diligence in Spiritual Growth

Diligence is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, believers are encouraged to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." This passage outlines a progression of spiritual qualities that require diligent effort to cultivate, indicating that spiritual growth is an active, ongoing process.

Moreover, Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the reward of diligence in seeking God: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse assures believers that their diligent pursuit of God will not go unnoticed and will be rewarded.

Diligence in Daily Life

Diligence is not only a spiritual discipline but also a practical one. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage encourages believers to approach all aspects of life with diligence, recognizing that their efforts are ultimately in service to God.

In the realm of work, Proverbs 10:4 warns, "Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." This proverb highlights the practical benefits of diligence, suggesting that it leads to prosperity and success, while laziness results in lack and poverty.

Conclusion

Diligence in obeying God is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a heart devoted to His will and purposes. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are called to pursue diligence in their spiritual walk and daily endeavors, trusting that their efforts will be rewarded by the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 6:17
You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he has commanded you.
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Deuteronomy 11:13
And it shall come to pass, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
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Library

Diligence.
... love of God, and all because diligence was not ... in doing all we can for him; seeking
opportunities of doing good, carefulness in obeying all his ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/diligence.htm

That Christ is Very God is Proved from the Fact that He is God's ...
... they saw the waves and the winds obeying Him,"then, though as ... lies, seeing that thou
thinkest of Him as mean ... no wound, still wouldst do thy diligence to slay ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvii that christ is.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... servants who honour their masters, or family-fathers, by submission, diligence,
faithfulness, love ... (1) We show honour to our heavenly Father by obeying him. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... "Do thy diligence to come before winter." See ... Moral. But how shall we draw down grace
upon us? By doing what is pleasing to God, and obeying Him in all things. ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... to us the motives which should urge us to diligence in building a ... his father, sounded
in his ears, and gave him no rest till he had set about obeying it (v ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

The one Thing Needful
... Jesus, worshipping him, trusting him, and obeying him"in a ... with Jesus, and feed upon
him, are girded ... produce obedience in children, and diligence in servants ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the one thing needful.htm

Twenty-Fourth Day. Firmness in Temptation.
... Are you bold in repelling him as your Master ... Israelites, on entering Canaan, instead
of obeying the Divine ... Keep," then, "thy heart with all diligence," or, (as ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twenty-fourth day firmness in temptation.htm

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
... wills to God's, and delight out selves in obeying him; to be ... or suffer any thing
we can for him, who hath ... encourage all to a greater care and diligence in the ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon striving to enter.htm

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
... Peter: "Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue . ... kind; he was not transgressing,
but obeying his conscience ... vision, which, when presented to him, he at ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiv obedience to god.htm

Plato's Opinion, that the Chief Good Consists in Assimilation to ...
... is incumbent to reach the unaccomplished end, obeying the commands ... the unrighteous
man his ways; and let him return to ... one of you show the same diligence to the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxii platos opinion that the.htm