Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Obeying Him

◄ Diligence: Required by God in Obeying Him ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Diligence, as a concept, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and is a quality that God requires from His followers in their obedience to Him. The term "diligence" refers to careful and persistent effort or work, and in the context of Scripture, it signifies a steadfast commitment to God's commandments and a wholehearted pursuit of His will.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of diligence in the life of a believer. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "diligence" is "ḥārîṣût," which conveys a sense of sharpness or eagerness. In the New Testament, the Greek word "spoudē" is used, indicating earnestness or zeal.

Scriptural References

1. Proverbs 4:23 : "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the necessity of diligently protecting one's heart, as it is the source of life and the wellspring of one's actions and thoughts.

2. Deuteronomy 6:17 : "You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you." Here, diligence is directly linked to the observance of God's commandments, highlighting the importance of a committed and careful adherence to His laws.

3. Hebrews 6:11-12 : "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 encourages believers to maintain diligence in their faith journey, ensuring that their hope remains steadfast and that they follow the example of those who have faithfully received God's promises.

4. 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, demonstrating that diligence is essential in the growth and maturity of one's faith.

Theological Implications

Diligence in obeying God is not merely a suggestion but a divine requirement. It reflects a heart fully devoted to God and a life aligned with His purposes. The diligent pursuit of God's commandments is an expression of love and reverence for Him, as seen in John 14:15 : "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

Practical Application

In practical terms, diligence involves a disciplined approach to spiritual practices such as prayer, study of Scripture, and service. It requires believers to be intentional in their walk with God, consistently seeking His guidance and striving to live according to His will. Diligence also calls for perseverance, especially in the face of trials and challenges, as it is through steadfastness that one's faith is refined and strengthened.

Conclusion

Diligence is a vital aspect of the Christian life, integral to the faithful obedience that God desires from His people. Through diligent adherence to His Word and commands, believers demonstrate their commitment to God and their desire to live in a manner that honors Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 6:17
You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he has commanded you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 11:13
And it shall come to pass, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Worldly Folly
... I am resolved to lay out, with all diligence, in additional ... This night thy soul shall
be required of thee ... rich" (or rather, growing) "toward God;" with obeying ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 119 on worldly folly.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... of their persecutors, but that the cause of the Gospel required it, and ... Do thy diligence
to come ... By doing what is pleasing to God, and obeying Him in all things ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

Thoughts Upon Striving to Enter at the Strait Gate.
... No, no, there is a great deal more required than this ... that way to enter into the
Kingdom of God, shall not ... encourage all to a greater care and diligence in the ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon striving to enter.htm

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
... who have influence, to use all diligence in drawing ... little trouble and labor will
be required to accomplish it ... faithfulness to the will of God; obeying it while ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twentieth sunday after trinity the.htm

The Duty of Constant Communion JW
... to those, and those only, who "give all diligence;" that is ... This is no more than
is required of any communicants ... I do it now." Suppose it did; has God ever told ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 101 the duty of.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... flock, and applied himself with the greatest diligence to their ... That which God works
in us, in regeneration and ... grace sufficient for all that is required of us ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

The one Thing Needful
... in a family was love, we should not have required a small ... love will produce obedience
in children, and diligence in servants ... a word to the church of God in this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the one thing needful.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... to the word produces fruit of the required quality ""unfeigned ... neither as being lords
over God's heritage, but ... are to exercise a watchful diligence over the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... to the other members, because it has required more exertion ... so to feel were to murmur
against God, at whose ... it to himself and his own diligence, or industry ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... 1. Mercy.2. Humility.3. Modesty.4. Diligence.5. Perseverance. ... God having been pleased
to bestow honour upon them, it ... Were it the only thing required of us to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm