Topical Bible: Diligence: Seeking to be Found Spotless

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Topical Encyclopedia

Diligence, in the biblical context, is a virtue that encompasses careful and persistent effort in one's duties and spiritual life. It is a quality that is highly esteemed in Scripture, as it reflects a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God. The concept of being "found spotless" is closely tied to diligence, as it implies a life of purity and righteousness, free from the blemishes of sin.

Biblical Foundation

The call to diligence is woven throughout the Bible, urging believers to pursue a life of holiness and integrity. In 2 Peter 3:14 , the apostle Peter exhorts the early Christians, "Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him, without spot or blemish." This verse highlights the importance of being diligent in one's spiritual walk, striving to be found spotless in anticipation of the Lord's return.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of diligence in action. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the necessity of diligently protecting one's heart and mind, as they are the sources of one's actions and character. The diligent person is one who actively seeks to align their life with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of sin and temptation.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, diligence is further emphasized as a key component of the Christian life. Hebrews 6:11-12 states, "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 perseverance and faith, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their pursuit of God's promises.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the importance of diligence in Romans 12:11 , "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This passage calls for an unwavering commitment to serving God with enthusiasm and dedication, reflecting a life that is both diligent and spotless.

Practical Application

Diligence in the Christian life involves a continuous effort to grow in faith and holiness. It requires a disciplined approach to spiritual practices such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. By cultivating these habits, Christians can guard against spiritual complacency and remain vigilant in their pursuit of righteousness.

Moreover, diligence extends to all areas of life, including work, relationships, and personal conduct. Colossians 3:23 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This verse encourages believers to approach every task with diligence, as an act of worship and service to God.

Eschatological Perspective

The eschatological dimension of diligence is evident in the anticipation of Christ's return. Believers are called to live in a state of readiness, diligently preparing for the day when they will stand before the Lord. This preparation involves a commitment to holiness and a desire to be found spotless, as emphasized in 1 John 3:2-3 , "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

In summary, diligence is a vital aspect of the Christian life, calling believers to a persistent and careful pursuit of holiness. By seeking to be found spotless, Christians demonstrate their commitment to living in accordance with God's will, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of His promises.

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The General Service to a Monk.
... In becoming incarnate, the Maker hath found abode in ... Contakion, Tone 2. Similar to :
Seeking the highest ... of this world, thou hast with diligence achieved thine ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xii the general service.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... He is, today, seeking the lost and He would ... Diligence, perseverance, heartiness,
and courage, must all be in it ... Those whose names are to be found bulking large ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

The General Service to one Martyr.
... say this Contakion, Tone 2. Similar to : Seeking the highest ... Thou wast found, O
(mentioned by name), equipped ... thou dost, through thy diligence, carry everywhere ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xiv the general service.htm

The Realization of Selfless Love
... must work with great persistency and diligence upon his ... where alone abiding satisfaction
is to be found. ... proud, the ambitious, the self-seeking, should suffer ...
/.../allen/the way of peace/the realization of selfless love.htm

Of Predestination
... rashness of men be restrained from seeking that which ... of men's sins and impenitency
had been found solid, certainly ... to godliness, all care and diligence in well ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xvi of predestination.htm

Indwelling Sin
... looks around, and it seeth all kinds of men, seeking, if it ... Keep thine heart with
all diligence, for out ... as that;" but after a little while they found, by some ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/indwelling sin.htm

Letter Lxxix. To Salvina.
... a pretext of offering comfort, I am really seeking the friendship ... each one of which
is to be found but in ... you may keep your heart with all diligence [2457] and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxix to salvina.htm

To Alexander, Bishop of the City of Constantinople.
... for peace and concord, but in reality seeking to draw ... in which the "was not" is found,
was made ... said before, because they escape not your religious diligence. ...
/.../i to alexander bishop of the.htm

The Epistle of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria to Alexander ...
... mind with us, under the pretence of seeking peace and ... article, since they are well
known to your pious diligence. ... In the NT it is found five times, twice in 2 ...
/.../chapter iii the epistle of alexander.htm

Who Can Tell?
... look for mercy where you sought it and found it ... that he would use this with the greatest
diligence, and be ... I thought when I was seeking mercy, if God would but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/who can tell.htm