Diligence is a fundamental virtue emphasized throughout the Bible, reflecting a commitment to steadfastness, perseverance, and careful attention in fulfilling God's commands and pursuing righteousness. It is a quality that God requires from His followers in every good work, underscoring the importance of wholehearted devotion and effort in the Christian life.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of diligence is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting its significance in the life of a believer. In the Old Testament, Proverbs frequently extols the virtues of diligence, contrasting it with laziness and sloth. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This verse underscores the principle that diligence leads to leadership and success, while laziness results in subjugation and hardship.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to exhibit diligence in their spiritual walk. In Romans 12:11 , Paul instructs, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Here, diligence is linked with zeal and fervor, emphasizing the need for continuous and enthusiastic service to God.

Diligence in Good Works

Diligence is not merely an abstract concept but is to be manifested in concrete actions and good works. 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 highlights the progressive nature of spiritual growth, requiring diligent effort to cultivate these virtues.

Moreover, Hebrews 6:10-12 reassures believers that "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 passage emphasizes that God recognizes and rewards the diligent efforts of His people in serving others and maintaining their hope in Him.

Diligence in Spiritual Growth

Diligence is also crucial in the pursuit of spiritual maturity and understanding. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul advises Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This verse underscores the importance of diligent study and accurate handling of Scripture, which is essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry.

Furthermore, diligence in prayer and seeking God's will is vital for a vibrant spiritual life. Colossians 4:2 exhorts believers to "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This call to devotion in prayer reflects the necessity of persistent and attentive communication with God.

The Reward of Diligence

The Bible assures believers that diligence is not in vain but is rewarded by God. Proverbs 13:4 declares, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." This promise of satisfaction and fulfillment is a testament to the blessings that accompany diligent pursuit of God's purposes.

In conclusion, diligence is a divine requirement for those who seek to follow God and engage in every good work. It is a virtue that encompasses zeal, perseverance, and careful attention, leading to spiritual growth, effective service, and ultimately, the reward of God's approval and blessing.1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... much is given, of him much shall be required'?" If you ... Remember, God is no respecter
of persons. ... you excel others in piety, compassion, and diligence in God's ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Baptists.
... being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the ... it with regard to
ourselves, demands and deserves our utmost diligence. ... "And may the God of peace ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

I Reject this Predestination for the Following Reasons:
... it were impossible for all their diligence to be ... is, secondly, that by which he hath
required obedience, not ... the Hebrews: "He that cometh to God, must believe ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/3 i reject this predestination.htm

How Internal Exercises are to be Practised in Times Improper and ...
... more solicitude than shall necessarily be required, performing them ... her task with
such care and diligence, that towards ... one hour each day to be given to God. ...
/.../chapter iv how internal exercises.htm

Christians, Temples of the Living God
... good; and in a word, use all diligence to walk ... the word imports, this is the service
required of us ... happy experience, that the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christians temples of the living.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... first, what is the honor towards parents required by this ... be thus [with such care
and diligence] commended, but ... well how great a thing in God's sight obedience ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Preacher as a Man of God.
... A stronger agent is required, and this is found in ... also the work of the Spirit of
God overflows our ... other, 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 ... 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

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... on their respective districts to activity and diligence in their ... 6. In time of preaching
all are required to attend ... in the faces of the people of God; while the ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
... those who have influence, to use all diligence in drawing ... little trouble and labor
will be required to accomplish ... while still in possession of God's Word, his ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twentieth sunday after trinity the.htm

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