Topical Bible: Diligence: Saints should Abound In

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Diligence is a virtue highly esteemed in the Scriptures, often associated with the pursuit of righteousness, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's will. It is characterized by a persistent and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken, reflecting a heart committed to the service of God and others.

Biblical Exhortations to Diligence

The Bible frequently exhorts believers to practice diligence in their spiritual lives. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 , the apostle Peter encourages the saints 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 importance of diligence in cultivating a robust and mature Christian character.

Similarly, the writer of Hebrews urges believers to be diligent in their pursuit of spiritual maturity and rest in God. Hebrews 4:11 states, "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience." Here, diligence is presented as a safeguard against spiritual complacency and disobedience.

Diligence in Work and Ministry

Diligence is also emphasized in the context of work and ministry. Proverbs 12:24 declares, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This proverb highlights the practical benefits of diligence, suggesting that it leads to leadership and success, while laziness results in subjugation and hardship.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul commends diligence in ministry. In Romans 12:11 , he writes, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Paul encourages believers to maintain their enthusiasm and commitment in serving God, reflecting a diligent spirit in their ministry efforts.

Diligence in Seeking God

The pursuit of God Himself requires diligence. Hebrews 11:6 affirms, "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 highlights the necessity of diligently seeking God as an expression of faith that pleases Him.

Moreover, Proverbs 8:17 records the words of wisdom personified, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me." This promise assures believers that their diligent pursuit of wisdom and understanding will be rewarded with divine insight and guidance.

Diligence in Guarding the Heart

The Scriptures also call for diligence in guarding one's heart and life. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This instruction emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and proactive in maintaining the purity and integrity of one's inner life, recognizing that it influences all aspects of behavior and decision-making.

Conclusion

Diligence is a hallmark of a faithful and fruitful Christian life. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from personal spiritual growth to practical service and ministry. The Bible consistently presents diligence as a virtue that leads to blessing, success, and a deeper relationship with God. As such, saints are encouraged to abound in diligence, reflecting their commitment to the Lord and His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 8:7
Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... was settled from eternity; but by diligence and growth ... Again: Christians and saints,
and the children and people of ... which he hath given me I should lose nothing ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God ...
... and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in ... men's reprehensions, lest, without witness
of saints associated with him in this ministry, he should be thought by ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 17 on account then.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... Wherefore we ought to minister to the Saints. ... he writes thus to Timothy, "Do thy
diligence to come ... highly reverenced, He preferred that they should be subject ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

A Liberal Church
... fellowship of the ministering to the saints." 2 Corinthians ... and knowledge, and in
all diligence, and in ... The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... that any should perish, but that all should come to ... wife hath made herself ready;
until all the saints that belong ... and wilt not thou by thy diligence help it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... he came to make intercession for the saints before the ... yield remission on God's part,
how should remission be ... throne of grace, that thou give diligence to see ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... of the church makes communion of saints desirable. ... intended hereby to stir up our
diligence, that thereby ... any, especially the professors of it, should fall out ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... of a faithful pastor with great diligence and assiduity. ... was again stretched forth
to vex certain of the saints. ... Guessing by the title that he should find some ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm

The Bliss of the Glorified
... be told us, then, may God grant us diligence to make ... Should not the bride, the married
wife, when she has ... ever tasted of the joys of the saints, as believers ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the bliss of the glorified.htm

A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... In many cases, the saints of God have burnt down to ... With what eager care men should
prize these fleeting ... from the sower's hand, and giving diligence that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiii a burning and shining.htm