Diligence in Faith
Diligence in Faith11
2 Peter 1:5
By John Gill02PE 1:5John Gill emphasizes the importance of diligence in the Christian faith, urging believers to actively cultivate virtues alongside their faith. He explains that while faith is a gift from God, it should not stand alone but be accompanied by good works that reflect true belief. Gill highlights the necessity of knowledge in understanding God's will and performing good works, warning against zeal without knowledge. He encourages Christians to embody virtues that stem from the grace of God, which differ from mere moral actions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a holistic approach to faith that integrates belief, virtue, and knowledge.
He Did It With All His Heart and Prospered
By C.H. Spurgeon0COL 3:23C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of wholeheartedness in both secular and spiritual endeavors, asserting that true prosperity comes from diligent and passionate work. He argues that God rewards those who labor earnestly, whether in business or in their service to Christ, and that half-hearted efforts lead to failure. Spurgeon highlights that the most effective Christians are those who approach their tasks with zeal and commitment, mirroring the earnestness of Jesus, who exemplified true heart-work. He challenges believers to reflect on their dedication and to serve their Master with the same fervor that Jesus displayed. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a revival of passion in the Christian life, urging believers to avoid lukewarmness.
Do Not Be Dull of Hearing or Sluggish
By Richard Owen Roberts1.5K1:28:36HEB 5:1Richard Owen Roberts emphasizes the critical importance of being attentive and responsive to God's word, warning against the dangers of becoming dull of hearing and stagnant in spiritual growth. He highlights that believers should progress beyond the elementary teachings of Christ and actively engage in their faith, lest they remain in an infantile state. The sermon calls for self-examination regarding one's spiritual maturity and the necessity of bearing fruit in response to God's blessings. Roberts urges the congregation to heed the warnings in Hebrews and to strive for a deeper relationship with Christ, ensuring that they are not merely tasting the heavenly gifts but fully partaking in the life of faith. He concludes with a hopeful reminder that growth is always possible through diligence and faithfulness.
Timeless Truths From Rend the Heavens
By Shane Idleman1749:18DEU 28:232CH 7:14PSA 34:18ISA 40:31MAT 17:21ROM 8:28GAL 5:16HEB 11:6JAS 5:151PE 5:7Shane Idleman shares 'Timeless Truths From Rend the Heavens,' emphasizing the spiritual battles we face and the importance of seeking God diligently. He recounts testimonies of healing, restoration, and the transformative power of prayer and fasting experienced during the revival nights. Idleman highlights the necessity of obedience to God's Word and the dangers of complacency, urging believers to remain fervent in their faith and to actively pursue a relationship with God. He encourages the congregation to bring their struggles to God, reminding them that nothing is too hard for Him and that true healing and restoration come from a humble heart seeking His presence.
2 Peter 1:10
By John Gill0ROM 8:30EPH 1:42PE 1:10John Gill emphasizes the importance of diligence in exercising the graces of faith and performing good works to ensure one's calling and election in Christ. He clarifies that this calling is an internal and effectual call to grace and glory, not merely an external or church-related call. Gill explains that while believers cannot make their election surer in God's eyes, they can demonstrate their calling to others through their actions and testimonies. He reassures that through diligence in these practices, believers can avoid falling into sin and maintain their spiritual integrity. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to actively live out their faith as evidence of their divine election.
Epistle 405
By George Fox01CH 29:15JER 9:3MAT 5:15MAT 25:3LUK 19:201CO 7:291CO 7:311TI 2:41TI 6:9HEB 13:17George Fox encourages his friends to actively engage in spreading the truth of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not hiding their gifts and talents. He urges them to be diligent in their service to God and to be mindful of their time on earth, reminding them that they are sojourners and should live in the fear of God. Fox warns against the distractions of worldly desires and calls for unity among Friends in ministry to effectively share the truth with others. He expresses a desire for them to be valiant in their efforts and to give a joyful account to God at the end of their lives.
Growth
By J.C. Ryle0PSA 35:27JHN 15:2EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:101TH 4:102TH 1:3JAS 4:61PE 2:22PE 3:18J.C. Ryle emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth in the life of a true Christian, urging believers to examine their progress in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He highlights that growth in grace is not about increasing one's justification but rather about deepening one's faith, love, and holiness. Ryle warns against complacency and encourages believers to actively pursue growth through diligent use of private and public means of grace, self-examination, and communion with Christ. He outlines the signs of growth, such as increased humility, faith, and zeal for doing good, and stresses that neglecting growth can lead to spiritual stagnation. Ultimately, Ryle calls Christians to strive for continual growth, reminding them that their spiritual health is vital for their own joy and for the benefit of others.
Giving All Diligence, Add to Your Faith Virtue
By Octavius Winslow02PE 1:5Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of diligently adding virtues to our faith, urging Christians to move beyond the basic elements of truth and to grow in the knowledge of God and Christ. He highlights the importance of individual responsibility in spiritual growth, encouraging believers to actively pursue their faith and not remain stagnant. Winslow reassures that as we cultivate these virtues, we will be fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ, ultimately leading to a more profound understanding of His glory and grace. He calls on Christians to persevere in their spiritual journey, reminding them that their efforts are not in vain and that divine power supports their endeavors.
2 Peter 1:12
By John Gill0HEB 10:242PE 1:12John Gill emphasizes the importance of continual reminders in the Christian faith, as the Apostle Peter expresses his commitment to keep the believers aware of their duties and the exercise of grace. He acknowledges that even those who are knowledgeable and established in their faith can benefit from regular reminders of the truths of the Gospel. Gill highlights that the 'present truth' refers to the unchanging nature of the Gospel and the significance of Christ's return, urging ministers to diligently teach and reinforce these truths to prevent complacency among believers.
2 Peter 3:14
By John Gill0MAT 5:9ROM 5:1EPH 5:27PHP 3:9COL 1:201TH 5:23HEB 12:142PE 3:14JUD 1:24REV 21:1John Gill emphasizes the importance of being diligent in our faith as we await the coming of Christ and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. He explains that believers must strive to be found in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and living in peace, both with God and one another. Gill reassures that those who are reconciled to God through Christ will not face judgment with fear but with joy and satisfaction. He highlights that while sanctification is imperfect, believers are ultimately presented as faultless before God through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon encourages believers to focus on their spiritual state and relationships as they anticipate eternal glory.
Thoughts for the Quiet Hour - June 12
By D.L. Moody0PRO 16:3EPH 2:10COL 3:232TI 2:15JAS 1:5D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of diligent study and preparation in the life of a believer, urging Christians to be workmen approved by God who can rightly handle the Scriptures. He highlights that being equipped with the right tools and knowledge is essential for effective ministry and service. Moody encourages believers to be proactive in their spiritual growth, assuring them that God will provide opportunities for their work as they prepare themselves.