Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8239 earnestness

An attitude characterised by seriousness and commitment. Scripture commends earnestness in believers' attitudes towards God and in the concerns of the gospel.

The significance of earnestness

In repentance

Joel 2:12 See also 1 Samuel 7:2-3; Revelation 3:19

In seeking God

Jeremiah 29:13 See also Psalm 119:2; Hebrews 11:6

In salvation

Luke 13:24 See also Matthew 7:24-27 pp Luke 6:47-49; Hebrews 2:3; Hebrews 6:11; James 1:22; James 2:14

In love for God

Deuteronomy 6:5 See also Matthew 22:37 pp Mark 12:30 pp Luke 10:27

In prayer

2 Chronicles 7:14 See also Isaiah 62:6-7; Matthew 6:5-6

In trusting God

Proverbs 3:5 See also Isaiah 26:3-4

In spiritual progress

Philippians 2:12-13 See also 1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1; 2 Peter 1:5-11

In serving God

Matthew 6:24 pp Luke 16:13 See also Deuteronomy 18:6-7; Luke 9:57-62; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Corinthians 14:1; 2 Timothy 2:15

Examples of earnestness

In seeking God

Psalm 63:1 See also 2 Chronicles 15:15; Hosea 5:15

In prayer

Acts 12:5 See also 1 Thessalonians 3:10; James 5:17-18

In evangelism

1 Corinthians 9:19-22 See also 1 Thessalonians 2:2-9

In Christian living

Philippians 3:13-14 See also 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; 2 Corinthians 8:7-8

Regarding personal needs

Matthew 9:18 pp Mark 5:22-23 pp Luke 8:41-42; Luke 7:4

Jesus Christ's own earnestness

Matthew 26:39 pp Mark 14:35 pp Luke 22:42 See also John 2:17; John 4:34

Earnest concern for the people of God

For Israel

Luke 19:41; Romans 9:1-3 See also Nehemiah 1:2-4; Isaiah 22:4; Isaiah 62:1; Jeremiah 4:19-21; Jeremiah 8:21; Jeremiah 9:1; Jeremiah 13:17; Lamentations 3:48; Micah 1:8-9; Matthew 23:37 pp Luke 13:34; Romans 10:1

For the church

2 Corinthians 11:28-29 See also Acts 20:31; Romans 1:11; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Corinthians 11:2-3; Galatians 4:19-20; Colossians 1:24,28-29; Colossians 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:17

Earnestness may be misdirected

Romans 11:7 See also Acts 26:7

See also

5840  eagerness
5847  enthusiasm
8207  commitment
8370  zeal
8653  importunity to God