Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Keeping the Souls

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Diligence, as a concept, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is particularly emphasized in the context of spiritual vigilance and the care of one's soul. The term denotes a persistent and earnest effort to accomplish a task, and in the spiritual realm, it is a requisite for maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently underscores the importance of diligence in the life of a believer. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the necessity of a vigilant and proactive approach to spiritual well-being, emphasizing that the heart, as the seat of one's inner life, requires constant attention and care.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to be diligent in their spiritual growth. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 , he writes, "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." Here, diligence is portrayed as an active pursuit of spiritual maturity, involving a continuous effort to cultivate Christian virtues.

Diligence in Spiritual Warfare

The concept of diligence is also crucial in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God, urging believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage implies that spiritual diligence involves being prepared and vigilant against the forces of evil, requiring constant readiness and perseverance.

The Role of Diligence in Salvation

Hebrews 6:11-12 further emphasizes the role of diligence in the assurance of salvation: "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured. Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." This passage suggests that diligence is integral to maintaining the hope and assurance of eternal life, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Warnings Against Negligence

The Bible also warns against the dangers of spiritual negligence. Hebrews 2:1 cautions, "We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." This warning serves as a reminder that neglecting spiritual duties can lead to a gradual departure from the faith, underscoring the necessity of diligence in safeguarding one's soul.

Practical Application

In practical terms, diligence in keeping the soul involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. It requires a disciplined approach to spiritual disciplines and a commitment to living out one's faith in daily life. The diligent believer is characterized by a proactive stance in seeking God's will and a persistent effort to align one's life with biblical principles.

In summary, diligence is a divine requirement for the care and keeping of the soul. It is a vital component of the Christian life, essential for spiritual growth, protection against spiritual adversaries, and the assurance of salvation. The Bible calls believers to a life of earnest effort and vigilance, ensuring that their hearts and minds remain steadfastly focused on God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take heed to yourself, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life: but teach them your sons, and your sons' sons;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

The First Season
... Now, Christian, keep thy heart with all diligence; for it ... house, that thou hast brought
me hitherto?" So indeed God required. ... (3.) The mercies of God have been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

Of Predestination
... persuasions to godliness, all care and diligence in well ... is the only eternal choosing
love of God, which separated ... shouldst look to, but what is required of thee ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xvi of predestination.htm

The Great Reservoir
... "Keep thine heart with all diligence," and entreat ... who, according to the Swiss custom,
was required to be ... And for this purpose give God the keeping of thine ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the great reservoir.htm

The Great Reservoir
... "Keep thine heart with all diligence," and entreat ... who according to the Swiss custom
was required to be ... And for this purpose give God the keeping of thine heart ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the great reservoir.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... fostering and cherishing them with affectionate diligence; as eggs ... his "blood cries
to God," [2701] and will be required. ... no regard to the mercy of God, nor is ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.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

part ii
... If physicians were required to be as diligent as possible in hospitals ... [e] His diligence,
earnestness, and ... life.' He who knoweth that he serveth a God that will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... But then, it is required of a steward that a ... honor as multiplieth your obligations
to diligence and fidelity ... the Church which we oversee: Which God,' says the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

All Saints' Day
... the chosen people; and they used all diligence, that nothing ... also laid down their
lives when God required it of ... the slightest opposing of our will to God in sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm