Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Hearkening to Him

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Definition and Importance

Diligence, in the biblical context, refers to a persistent and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. It is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture, particularly in the context of hearkening to God's voice and commands. The Bible emphasizes the necessity of diligence in the life of a believer, as it reflects a heart committed to seeking and obeying God.

Biblical References

1. Proverbs 4:23 : "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the importance of diligently protecting one's heart, as it is the wellspring of life. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. Diligence in guarding the heart ensures that one's life aligns with God's will.

2. Hebrews 11:6 : "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." Here, the concept of earnestly seeking God is closely tied to diligence. The verse highlights that God rewards those who diligently pursue Him, indicating that such effort is pleasing to Him.

3. 2 Peter 1:5-7 : "For this very reason, 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." The apostle Peter exhorts believers to be diligent in cultivating a series of virtues, beginning with faith. This progression requires intentional and sustained effort, reflecting the necessity of diligence in spiritual growth.

Diligence in Hearkening to God

Diligence is not merely about hard work; it is about a focused and intentional effort to listen to and obey God's voice. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of this virtue in the life of a believer.

1. Deuteronomy 6:17 : "You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you." This command to the Israelites emphasizes the need for careful and consistent obedience to God's laws. Diligence in this context involves a wholehearted commitment to living according to God's standards.

2. James 1:22-25 : "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does." James contrasts mere hearing with diligent doing, highlighting that true hearkening to God involves active obedience.

3. Proverbs 8:17 : "I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me." This proverb speaks to the diligence required in seeking God. The promise of finding God is given to those who earnestly and persistently pursue Him, demonstrating the value God places on diligent effort in the spiritual journey.

Practical Application

Diligence in hearkening to God involves several practical steps for believers:

· Consistent Study of Scripture: Regular and thoughtful engagement with the Bible is essential for understanding God's will and commands. This requires setting aside dedicated time for reading and meditation.

· Prayerful Listening: Diligence in prayer involves not only speaking to God but also listening for His guidance and direction. This requires a quiet and attentive heart.

· Obedience to God's Commands: True diligence is reflected in a life that consistently seeks to align with God's instructions. This involves making choices that honor God and reflect His character.

· Perseverance in Faith: Diligence requires steadfastness, especially in the face of challenges and trials. Believers are called to remain faithful and committed to God's path, trusting in His promises.

In summary, diligence is a critical component of a believer's relationship with God. It involves a committed and earnest effort to listen to, understand, and obey God's voice, reflecting a heart that truly seeks to honor Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 55:2
Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Matt. xiii. 10, 11
... had they pertained to some strange and opposing God, they would ... what we are to receive,
what is required of us, let us show forth all our diligence on the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlv matt xiii 10.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ...
... we prejudge ourselves, by disobliging of God, and provoking ... way of performing them,
without that earnestness and diligence that is required,""cursed is ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter v how christ is.htm

The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
... that faith may acquire what is thus required; nay, more ... to do is the proper work
of God"distinctly intimating ... by the fact, that the very diligence which Paul ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the arguments usually.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... before of Daniel, his comeliness in him into corruption, and that gave him yet greater
sense of the disproportion that was betwixt his God and him, and so a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Gospel Supper
... Nothing is required on man's part, but to come, or ... we do, the more may we do for
God: "To him ... and present success is a great encouragement to future diligence. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm

Matt. vi. 1
... of this nobility, and to exhibit a diligence proportionate to ... Paul also, making mention
of prayer, required nothing so ... not afford to the laws of God so great ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xix matt vi 1.htm

Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election.
... for a Man to do all that is required of him ... my hearty Desire and Prayer to the eternal
God, that every ... it should rather excite us to greater Diligence about it ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon our call and.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... 'And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness."So God created
man in His own image, in the image of God created He him' (Genesis 1:26,27). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... He came at this time, not in old time, [971]277-79; in Him is hid all wisdom,
[972]281; "fullness of Godhead" in Him means that God dwelleth in Him, [973]285 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... thine own consenting thereto: because this is to reject the counsel of God for the ...
his turning thee out of the way, and abhor thyself for hearkening to him. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm