Topical Bible: Diligence: Required in the Service of God

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Diligence, as a concept, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is essential in the service of God. It is characterized by careful and persistent effort or work, and the Scriptures provide numerous examples and exhortations regarding its importance in the life of a believer.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the necessity of diligence in serving God. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse highlights the contrast between diligence and laziness, underscoring the rewards of diligent service.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul often speaks of diligence in the context of Christian living and ministry. In Romans 12:11 , Paul exhorts believers, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Here, diligence is linked with zeal and fervor, indicating an active and enthusiastic commitment to God's work.

Examples of Diligence in Scripture

1. Noah: Noah's diligent obedience to God's command to build the ark is a profound example of faithfulness and perseverance. Despite the ridicule and the enormity of the task, Noah "did everything that God had commanded him" (Genesis 6:22).

2. Nehemiah: Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is another testament to diligence. Despite opposition and challenges, Nehemiah and his team completed the wall in just 52 days, as recorded in Nehemiah 6:15 . His dedication to prayer and action exemplifies diligent service to God.

3. Paul: The Apostle Paul is a model of diligence in ministry. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 , he writes, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Paul's tireless efforts in spreading the Gospel and establishing churches demonstrate his commitment to God's calling.

Exhortations to Diligence

The Bible contains numerous exhortations to practice diligence in various aspects of life, particularly in spiritual matters:

· Spiritual Growth: 2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages believers 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 underscores the need for diligent effort in cultivating Christian virtues.

· Guarding the Faith: Jude 1:3 urges believers to "contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints." This call to diligence involves defending and upholding the truth of the Gospel against false teachings.

· Work and Vocation: Colossians 3:23 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse highlights the importance of diligence in all areas of life, viewing work as an act of worship and service to God.

Consequences of Neglecting Diligence

The Bible also warns of the consequences of neglecting diligence. Proverbs 24:30-34 paints a vivid picture of the results of laziness: "I went past the field of a sluggard and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down." This imagery serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of neglect and the importance of maintaining diligence in all endeavors.

In summary, diligence is a vital attribute for those serving God, encompassing obedience, perseverance, and a wholehearted commitment to His work. The biblical call to diligence is clear, urging believers to pursue their spiritual and earthly responsibilities with unwavering dedication.

Nave's Topical Index

John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work.
Nave's Topical Index

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
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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 ... bodies and spirits both as a reasonable
service, Romans 12:1 ... God tasted and found, will make diligence and pains ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xi the knowledge that.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... most necessary, and highest, which God has required as the ... or the Gospel,] But the
chief service of God is ... This diligence ought to be perpetual, because it has ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm

The Preacher as a Man of God.
... A stronger agent is required, and this is found in ... Self-consecration is the beginning
of His service, and a ... a conscientious man will give all diligence to make ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ii the preacher as.htm

On the Feast of a Holy Confessor
... before all things, man should use all diligence in learning to ... is a willing submission
to the service of God ... and for simple laymen; but more is required of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

Christians, Temples of the Living God
... aspiring after every good; and in a word, use all diligence to walk ... as some think
the word imports, this is the service required of us in the word of God. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christians temples of the living.htm

Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
... friends the apprehension that this journey was required of him ... his mind, were
consecrated to the service of God ... Keep thy heart, with all diligence, for out of ...
/.../chapter xxi last journey and.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... 1. Mercy.2. Humility.3. Modesty.4. Diligence.5. Perseverance. ... By service, I mean
not only that which consists in ... Were it the only thing required of us to seek ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... By service, I mean not only that which consists in ... to the other members, because
it has required more exertion ... it to himself and his own diligence, or industry ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion
... Read the Scripture with yet greater diligence, and especially the ... to thee, and with
zeal for thy service, that it ... soul, even where prudence and duty required it ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxii the case of.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... Study them with diligence; treasure up all useful hints, and apply ... while young, to
fit them for the service of Christ ... We are required to turn away our feet from ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm