Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Seeking to be Found Spotless

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Diligence is a consistent and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken, and in the context of Christian living, it is a vital attribute required by God. The Bible emphasizes the importance of diligence in the pursuit of holiness and being found spotless before the Lord. This entry explores the biblical basis for diligence as a divine requirement and its implications for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The call to diligence is rooted in the Scriptures, where believers are exhorted to pursue a life of holiness and purity. In 2 Peter 3:14 , the apostle Peter writes, "Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him, without spot or blemish." This verse underscores the necessity of diligence in maintaining a life that is pleasing to God, especially in anticipation of the return of Christ.

The Nature of Diligence

Diligence involves a proactive and intentional approach to spiritual growth and moral integrity. It is not a passive attribute but requires active engagement in the disciplines of faith, such as prayer, study of the Scriptures, and obedience to God's commandments. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This highlights the importance of vigilance in safeguarding one's spiritual well-being.

Diligence in Spiritual Growth

The pursuit of spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey that demands diligence. Hebrews 6:11-12 encourages believers, "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." Here, diligence is linked to the assurance of hope and the inheritance of God's promises.

Diligence and Holiness

Holiness is a central theme in the Christian life, and diligence is essential in striving for a spotless character. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , believers are called to holiness: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness requires a diligent effort to align one's life with the character of God.

The Role of Diligence in Perseverance

Diligence is also crucial in the perseverance of faith. The Christian journey is fraught with challenges and temptations, and it is through diligent effort that believers can remain steadfast. 2 Peter 1:5-7 instructs, "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." This passage outlines a progression of virtues that require diligent cultivation.

Diligence in the Context of the End Times

The anticipation of Christ's return adds urgency to the call for diligence. Believers are to live in a state of readiness, striving to be found spotless and blameless. In Matthew 24:42 , Jesus warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." This vigilance is a form of diligence, ensuring that one's life is in order when the Lord returns.

Conclusion

Diligence is a divine requirement for those who seek to be found spotless before God. It encompasses a range of spiritual disciplines and virtues that contribute to a life of holiness and readiness for the return of Christ. Through diligent effort, believers can grow in faith, maintain moral integrity, and persevere in their spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 3:14
Why, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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 Epistle of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria to Alexander ...
... derived from Mary the mother of God [313] ; in ... since they are well known to your
pious diligence. ... But as the subtilty of controversy required greater nicety of ...
/.../chapter iii the epistle of alexander.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... very Spirit of God and the utmost diligence of a ... all their inquiring of God, nor
their seeking and praying ... 1) Without faith a man cannot please God, because he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus ... and in his truth and
faithfulness, God resteth well ... his blood was, by Divine justice, required for their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... Behold with what diligence, even to a circumstance, the Holy ... him to do what the law
required of them ... God gave the law, that complete righteousness should by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... approachest the throne of grace, that thou give diligence to see ... what a reviving
cordial the grace of God in Christ is, shall be, and will be found to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... us in every point with all caution and diligence, in order ... arising again, and everything
is required which they ... filled with the Spirit of God, decreed should ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the ... that is, if you be born
again by seeking those things ... the mother; so he that is born of God, it is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part i
... 38] And after lively faith in God's truth we always go from God in peace ... that there
are spirits of evil hovering around us and constantly seeking our destruction ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm