Diligence, as a concept, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and is particularly emphasized in the context of teaching and imparting religious truths. The Bible underscores the necessity of diligence in the instruction of God's Word, highlighting its importance for both the teacher and the learner.

Biblical Foundation

The call for diligence in teaching religion is rooted in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , God commands the Israelites: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the continuous and intentional effort required in teaching God's commandments, emphasizing that it is not a sporadic activity but a constant, deliberate practice.

Proverbs 4:23 further supports this by advising, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse, while addressing personal spiritual vigilance, also implies the necessity of a diligent heart in teaching, as the condition of the heart influences the effectiveness of instruction.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in the pastoral epistles. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul exhorts Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." Here, diligence is portrayed as essential for those who teach, ensuring that they rightly divide and impart the Word of God.

Moreover, Hebrews 6:11-12 encourages believers to "show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." This passage highlights the role of diligence in maintaining faith and hope, which are crucial elements in teaching and living out religious truths.

Role of Diligence in Teaching

Diligence in teaching religion involves several key aspects:

1. Preparation and Study: Teachers are called to thoroughly study and understand the Scriptures. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for their diligence in examining the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received.

2. Consistency and Perseverance: Teaching requires a steadfast commitment, as seen in Galatians 6:9 , "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

3. Integrity and Accuracy: Diligence ensures that the teachings are accurate and faithful to the biblical text. James 3:1 warns, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

4. Modeling and Mentorship: Diligent teaching is not only about words but also about living out the teachings. 1 Timothy 4:12 advises, "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for diligence in teaching religion is clear and multifaceted. It requires a heart committed to God, a mind engaged in understanding His Word, and a life that exemplifies His teachings. Through diligence, teachers fulfill their divine calling to impart the truths of the faith effectively and faithfully.2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... for he answered himself upon oath, when required by a ... or watering what is already
sown, if haply God may give ... he has received, he uses all diligence, either to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 23 upon our lords.htm

Chapter iv.
... the least reason to believe abated in their diligence or courage ... which they underwent
according to the will of God. ... stock, was so far from being required by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iv.htm

A Strong Resolution Necessary in the Beginning. ...
... out of want of courage and diligence to pursue ... in a moment which would otherwise
have required a long ... have almost always attended those whom God hath called to ...
/.../chapter iv a strong resolution.htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... to use the utmost of their Care and Diligence, that their ... necessary a Duty as any
that is required in all ... For God himself by his Apostle, expresly commands all ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

Schools.
... acquired a large acquaintance with the Word of God. ... want of opportunity, of capacity,
and diligence, the great ... made, the pupils being simply required to pay ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xii schools.htm

Faith an Assurance and a Proof.
... let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest ... This is the very notion required
to complete the ... If God is personal, those principles are ideas, thoughts ...
/.../chapter x faith an assurance.htm

The Object of Theology
... Christ thus particular and restricted, which is required from all ... not to cultivate
it merely with diligence, for the ... which is most pleasing to God,) of teaching ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

The General Resurrection
... or who do not apply themselves to study them with diligence and patiently ... But God
said unto him, Thou fool, this night shall your soul be required of you ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlii the general resurrection.htm

part ii
... The times that Paul lived in required more diligence than ours ... Are there such multitudes
round about us that know not whether Christ be God or man, whether ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

Work
... of dirt and refuse; and all the labour required to keep ... breed in you temperance and
self-control, diligence and strength ... of duty, which is for the sake of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xii work.htm

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