Be Diligent

I. Introduction: Many brethren understand the danger of being rash, but they can swing so far in the other direction that they become hesitant, indecisive, and inactive.

A. In some things we are taught of God to be slow (Proverbs 16:32 and James 1:19).

1. Being hasty can be dangerous (Proverbs 14:29 and Proverbs 19:2).
2. Many things require time consuming efforts such as testing what is good (I Thessalonians 5:21).

1. There is a time wherein we must stand fast (I Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 5:1, and Philippians 4:1).
2. We have to reach a time wherein we move forward without hesitation, without looking backwards (Luke 9:57-62).

1. “σπουδάζω” pronounced spoudazō means: “to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study” (Strong’s # 4704).
2. Also translated: “forward” (Galatians 2:10), “endeavouring ” (Ephesians 4:3), “endeavoured” (I Thessalonians 2:17), “diligence” (II Timothy 4:9; 4:21), “labour” (Hebrews 4:11), etc.

1. It takes work to be accepted of Him (II Corinthians 5:6-10).
2. The question is not whether we are approved of men or ourselves, but whether or not we are approved of God (II Corinthians 10:18).
3. Putting in the work matters (I Corinthians 15:58 and Philippians 2:12).

1. Today matters (Hebrews 3:7, Hebrews 3:13-15, Hebrews 4:7, and James 4:13-17)?
2. What happens if we die unprepared (Luke 12:13-21)?
3. So, don’t have a I will wait for a more convenient time mentality (Acts 24:24-25).