Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Seeking Him

◄ Diligence: Required by God in Seeking Him ►

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Diligence, as a concept, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of seeking God. The Bible emphasizes that a sincere and persistent pursuit of God is not only encouraged but required. This diligence is characterized by a steadfast commitment, an earnest effort, and a wholehearted devotion to understanding and following God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The call to seek God diligently is rooted in several key passages throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's promise to those who earnestly seek Him: "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). This verse underscores the necessity of wholeheartedness in the pursuit of God, suggesting that a half-hearted or superficial search will not suffice.

Similarly, the book of Proverbs highlights the value of diligence in seeking wisdom, which is often equated with seeking God Himself. Proverbs 8:17 states, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me" . Here, the early and earnest pursuit is rewarded with the promise of finding wisdom, which is a reflection of God's character and truth.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the theme of diligence in seeking God is further developed. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers to be diligent in their faith, warning against complacency: "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" (Hebrews 11:6). This passage highlights the integral role of faith in the diligent pursuit of God, emphasizing that such a pursuit is both a requirement and a source of divine reward.

Jesus Himself, in His teachings, encourages a persistent and active seeking of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). The progression from asking to seeking to knocking illustrates an increasing level of diligence and persistence in the pursuit of God and His kingdom.

Practical Implications

The requirement of diligence in seeking God has practical implications for believers. It calls for a disciplined approach to spiritual practices such as prayer, Bible study, and worship. The psalmist exemplifies this attitude in Psalm 119:10: "With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments" . This verse reflects a deep commitment to aligning one's life with God's word and commands.

Moreover, diligence in seeking God involves a continual and active engagement with His presence and guidance. It is not a one-time effort but a lifelong journey of growing closer to God and understanding His purposes. The apostle Paul captures this ongoing pursuit in Philippians 3:13-14: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus" .

Conclusion

While a conclusion is not provided, the exploration of diligence in seeking God reveals its critical importance in the life of a believer. The biblical mandate to seek God with all one's heart, mind, and strength is a call to a vibrant and committed faith journey, marked by perseverance and a deep desire to know and experience the fullness of God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 22:19
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build you the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
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Library

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ...
... If the Lord required truth of old, much more now, when he hath abolished ... The pleasure
and sweetness of God tasted and found, will make diligence and pains ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xi the knowledge that.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... directed to "keep the heart with all diligence." Now we ... 2. We are required to watch
not only unto but ... proceed without distraction, turn and beseech God to give ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

On God's vineyard
... they maintain, with equal zeal and diligence, the doctrine ... this is the only condition
required) with them. ... which whosoever liveth is counted dead before God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 107 on gods vineyard.htm

Sojourners with God
... all that He has given to us, increased by our diligence, must be ... 'It is required
in stewards ... sweep across the solemn mountain's side, and that only God and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/sojourners with god.htm

Preface.
... and drawing men from the faith of Christ; equal diligence is required of those ... papers
(mostly the author's) on the being and perfections of God, the nature ...
/.../the evidences of the christian religion with additional discourses/preface.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Confessor
... before all things, man should use all diligence in learning ... himself earnestly to
the keeping of God's commands. ... for simple laymen; but more is required of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

On Worldly Folly
... I am resolved to lay out, with all diligence, in additional ... This night thy soul shall
be required of thee ... for himself, and is not rich toward God," " such a ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 119 on worldly folly.htm

Homily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob.
... as much as in him lay, he rooted them out by his diligence. ... voice to cease [3313]
from the teaching of the house of God. ... What, I ask, have they required of thee ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents homily on.htm

Prayer and Faith
... on to declare that we are to give diligence to making ... How much patience is required
when these times of testing ... God has to do many things, antecedent to giving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/i prayer and faith.htm

Matt. xiv. 13
... void of virtue, who spends all his diligence on them ... even skins (for indeed these
too are God's works), but ... down towards the earth, he that is required to seek ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlix matt xiv 13.htm