Diligence in the Service of God is not in Vain
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Diligence in the service of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness, commitment, and perseverance in one's spiritual duties and relationship with God. This concept is rooted in the belief that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him and labor faithfully in His service.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the value of diligence in serving God. One of the most direct affirmations of this principle is found in 1 Corinthians 15:58 : "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This verse encourages believers to remain unwavering and to excel in their efforts, assuring them that their work has eternal significance.

In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs frequently highlights the benefits of diligence. Proverbs 13:4 states, "The soul of the sluggard craves yet gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." This proverb contrasts the outcomes of laziness and diligence, suggesting that those who are diligent in their pursuits, including their spiritual endeavors, will find fulfillment.

Examples of Diligence

Several biblical figures exemplify diligence in their service to God. Noah, for instance, demonstrated remarkable perseverance in building the ark despite widespread skepticism and ridicule (Genesis 6-9). His diligence was rewarded with the preservation of his family and the continuation of life on earth.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul is a model of diligence in the New Testament. His tireless missionary journeys, extensive writings, and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel illustrate a life dedicated to serving God. In 2 Timothy 4:7 , Paul reflects on his life of service, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Encouragement for Believers

The Bible encourages believers to remain diligent in their spiritual lives, assuring them that their efforts are not in vain. Hebrews 6:10-12 offers reassurance: "For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured."

This passage highlights God's faithfulness in recognizing and rewarding the diligent service of His people. It also calls believers to persist in their efforts, motivated by the hope of eternal reward.

Practical Application

Diligence in the service of God involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, and service to others. It requires believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to actively seek His will in their lives. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

This call to wholehearted service reminds believers that their ultimate accountability is to God, and their diligent efforts are part of their worship and devotion to Him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thou Shalt not Take the Name of the Lord, Thy God, in Vain.
... great importance of this commandment, that with all diligence we may ... take the name
of the Lord thy God in vain ... all this is bringing it into the service of truth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not take the.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... world are mad with malice when they think that faithful diligence in the service
of Christ is ... time is near, when they will easily confess that God could not ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ...
... to offer up our bodies and spirits both as a reasonable service, Romans 12 ... 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

First Sunday in Lent
... expresses it elsewhere (Ephesians 4, 3), "Giving diligence to keep ... use of both to
the honor of God and the ... This is the true service of God, the service well ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday in lent.htm

The General Service to one Martyr.
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO ONE MARTYR ... the throne of the Master, Christ our God, cease
not ... illustrious victories, thou dost, through thy diligence, carry everywhere ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xiv the general service.htm

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ...
... and yet so wretched and unhappy are we, that we study and endeavour a kind of wisdom
and diligence in other petty ... God calls for a reasonable service: but I ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi for what the.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... it, and it need neither bate his diligence nor hold ... rendered with cheerfulness,
"not with eye-service as men ... but in singleness of heart, fearing God." Let the ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... made on purpose to increase his zeal for his service. ... witness that thou hast shown
great diligence and kindness ... evil and unjust, and that when God had granted ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... Diligence in business."14 ... and family on these occasions, as well as for the service
of the ... Let us take heed, that our hearts be not estranged from God by them ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... God, the doctrine of Christ, or the Gospel,] But the chief service of God ... This diligence
ought to be perpetual, because it has the perpetual command of God. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm

Resources
What is brotherly kindness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about idleness/being idle? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about procrastination? | GotQuestions.org

Diligence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Diligence

Diligence in Temporal Matters Leads to Favor

Diligence in Temporal Matters, Leads to Favour

Diligence in Temporal Matters, Leads to Honor

Diligence in Temporal Matters, Leads to Prosperity

Diligence in the Service of God is not in Vain

Diligence in the Service of God: Leads to Assured Hope

Diligence in the Service of God: Preserves from Evil

Diligence in the Service of God: should be Preserved In

Diligence is not in Vain

Diligence: Apollos

Diligence: Apostles

Diligence: Christ, an Example

Diligence: Cultivating Proper Behaviors of a True Christian

Diligence: Discharging official Duties

Diligence: Figurative

Diligence: Following Every Good Work

Diligence: God Rewards

Diligence: Guarding Against Defilement

Diligence: Hezekiah

Diligence: Honor

Diligence: Illustrated

Diligence: Instructing Children

Diligence: Jacob

Diligence: Jesus an Example of

Diligence: Keeping the Heart

Diligence: Keeping the Soul

Diligence: Labors of Love

Diligence: Lawful Business

Diligence: Leads to Assured Hope

Diligence: Listening to Him

Diligence: Making Our Calling Sure

Diligence: Nehemiah

Diligence: Nehemiah and his Helpers

Diligence: Obeying Him

Diligence: Onesiphorus

Diligence: Paul

Diligence: Preserves from Evil

Diligence: Preserving "The Faith" Through Teaching

Diligence: Prosperity

Diligence: Psalmist

Diligence: Required by God in Cultivating Christian Graces

Diligence: Required by God in Discharging official Duties

Diligence: Required by God in Following Every Good Work

Diligence: Required by God in Guarding Against Defilement

Diligence: Required by God in Hearkening to Him

Diligence: Required by God in Instructing Children

Diligence: Required by God in Keeping the Heart

Diligence: Required by God in Keeping the Souls

Diligence: Required by God in Labours of Love

Diligence: Required by God in Lawful Business

Diligence: Required by God in Making Our Call, Sure

Diligence: Required by God in Obeying Him

Diligence: Required by God in Seeking Him

Diligence: Required by God in Seeking to be Found Spotless

Diligence: Required by God in Self-Examination

Diligence: Required by God in Striving After Perfection

Diligence: Required by God in Teaching Religion

Diligence: Required in the Service of God

Diligence: Ruth

Diligence: Saints should Abound In

Diligence: Seeking to be Found Spotless

Diligence: Self-Examination

Diligence: Striving After Perfection

Diligence: Titus

Related Terms

Diligent (33 Occurrences)

Diligently (85 Occurrences)

Decree (82 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Negligence (2 Occurrences)

Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences)

Endeavor (3 Occurrences)

Business (147 Occurrences)

Province (66 Occurrences)

Darius (26 Occurrences)

Yea (867 Occurrences)

Timothy (28 Occurrences)

Quit (12 Occurrences)

Zeal (45 Occurrences)

Needful (17 Occurrences)

Use (620 Occurrences)

Obliged (4 Occurrences)

Levitical (19 Occurrences)

Leadership (4 Occurrences)

Leads (64 Occurrences)

Lagging (2 Occurrences)

Little (2458 Occurrences)

Liberality (7 Occurrences)

Lifts (26 Occurrences)

Liberal (11 Occurrences)

Govern (21 Occurrences)

Generously (12 Occurrences)

Gracious (106 Occurrences)

Goest (79 Occurrences)

Giveth (378 Occurrences)

Guardest (1 Occurrence)

Greeteth (1 Occurrence)

Workman (22 Occurrences)

Wellspring (3 Occurrences)

Worthiness (3 Occurrences)

Imprisonment (15 Occurrences)

Industry (5 Occurrences)

Issues (8 Occurrences)

Industrious (2 Occurrences)

Imperial (14 Occurrences)

Fervent (10 Occurrences)

Fervor (2 Occurrences)

Flag (30 Occurrences)

Tattenai (4 Occurrences)

Trans (4 Occurrences)

Therewith (53 Occurrences)

Tat'tenai (4 Occurrences)

Treasurers (5 Occurrences)

Timbers (8 Occurrences)

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)

Revenues (7 Occurrences)

Rules (160 Occurrences)

Requires (21 Occurrences)

Realizing (7 Occurrences)

Realize (29 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Exhorting (13 Occurrences)

Effort (16 Occurrences)

Exhorts (1 Occurrence)

Exhorteth (1 Occurrence)

Earnestness (14 Occurrences)

Expenses (4 Occurrences)

Eunuch (20 Occurrences)

Encourage (34 Occurrences)

Excusing (4 Occurrences)

Exhortation (16 Occurrences)

Excellence (31 Occurrences)

Encouraging (12 Occurrences)

Ethiopian (11 Occurrences)

Defence (48 Occurrences)

Dispatch (5 Occurrences)

Disobedience (49 Occurrences)

Decreed (33 Occurrences)

Dilemma (1 Occurrence)

Displeasure (12 Occurrences)

Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences)

Moral (5 Occurrences)

Prospers (10 Occurrences)

Properly (11 Occurrences)

Diligence in Temporal Matters, Leads to Prosperity
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