Topical Bible: Diligence: Preserving "The Faith" Through Teaching

◄ Diligence: Preserving "The Faith" Through Teaching ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Diligence, as a biblical principle, is a steadfast commitment to a task or duty, characterized by careful and persistent effort. In the context of preserving the faith, diligence is essential for teaching and upholding the doctrines and truths of Christianity. The Bible emphasizes the importance of diligence in various aspects of life, particularly in the transmission of faith from one generation to the next.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of diligence is woven throughout Scripture, underscoring its significance in the life of a believer. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the necessity of vigilance and careful attention in maintaining one's spiritual well-being, which is foundational for teaching others.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be diligent in their spiritual duties. In 2 Timothy 2:15, he instructs, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This call to diligence in handling Scripture is crucial for those tasked with teaching and preserving the faith.

The Role of Teaching

Teaching is a primary means by which the faith is preserved and passed on. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, commands believers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mandate underscores the responsibility of believers to diligently teach the truths of the faith.

The early church exemplified this diligence in teaching. Acts 2:42 states, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The commitment to apostolic teaching was a cornerstone of the early Christian community, ensuring the faithful transmission of doctrine.

Challenges and Encouragement

Diligence in teaching the faith is not without challenges. False teachings and cultural pressures can threaten the integrity of biblical doctrine. Jude 1:3 urges believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," highlighting the need for vigilance and perseverance in the face of opposition.

Despite these challenges, Scripture offers encouragement. Hebrews 6:10-12 reminds believers, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured." This assurance of God's faithfulness motivates believers to remain diligent in their teaching efforts.

Conclusion

Diligence in preserving the faith through teaching is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It requires a commitment to accurately handling Scripture, a dedication to the Great Commission, and a readiness to contend for the truth. By embodying diligence, believers ensure that the faith is faithfully transmitted to future generations, honoring the legacy of those who have gone before and fulfilling their divine calling.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
Nave's Topical Index

Jude 1:3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Teaching of the Apostles.
... imprisonment for the confession of their faith in Christ ... to teach to the multitude
through the whole ... Luke, moreover, the evangelist had such diligence that he ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching 2.htm

The Excellence and Utility of Faith.
... one"the old and the new, are dispensed through the Son ... I have received I have done
my diligence to send ... and little to you; that along with your faith you may ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the excellence and utility.htm

Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches ...
... continually reflecting on the articles of faith; as also ... also because the miracles
of God through the means ... Finally, let so great care and diligence be used by ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the present teaching.htm

"If I Look Singularly to Myself, I am Right Nought"
... never had Shewing nor sight but of the common teaching of Holy ... For the Faith of Holy
Church, the which I had ... I beheld the Shewing with all my diligence: for in ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter ix if i look.htm

The Definition of Faith.
... Preserving therefore the inconfusedness and indivisibility, we make ... These things,
therefore, with all diligence and care ... think, or to teach a different faith. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the definition of faith.htm

Arguments Drawn Even from Heathenish Laws to Discountenance ...
... been given them by the Lord through His own ... madness, except the weakness of faith,
ever prone ... attended) without scruple; daily diligence (discharged) without ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter viii arguments drawn even from.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... who would not make void the law through faith,") that faith ... Now, then, do all diligence
to walk, in every respect ... shall you continually go on from faith to faith ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 36 the law established.htm

The Epistle of Cyril to Nestorius.
... a brother in the Lord, to propose the word of teaching and the doctrine of the faith
with all ... And of how great diligence and skill there is need when the ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the epistle of cyril to.htm

Letter vii. To the Bishops Throughout Italy.
... the Lord is driven off from our flocks through our care ... of this, and see fit to act
with diligence and caution ... us unless we pursue with the zeal of faith in the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter vii to the bishops.htm

Fruits and the Two Works.
... by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord ... The individual thus increases in
faith, in humility, in gentleness ... sure.2 Pet.1. By giving diligence the soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vi fruits and the.htm