the lord requires and blesses diligence (deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Introduction:
1. Moses wrote these words for the Israelites when they were about to go into the Promised Land. a. They were to be "diligent" in fulfilling their responsibilities to the Lord. b. The Lord would bless them for doing so. c. Under the old covenant the Lord required diligence from His people, and He blessed His people for being diligent. 2. These principles apply to Christians who live under the new covenant. 3. Looking forward to the blessings that the Lord will provide when He returns should motivate us to be diligent as we serve Him. 4. In our lesson we are examining 3 important activities that require diligence.
Discussion:
I. ACCORDING TO PROVERBS 4:23, WE ARE TO BE DILIGENT IN KEEPING OUR HEARTS
A. It is essential for us to understand what Solomon was teaching us to do. 1. The "heart" is the inner part of our being. 2. To "keep" the heart is to guard it and protect it. 3. We are to put forth "all diligence" in guarding and protecting our hearts. B. Solomon also teaches why we must follow his instruction. 1. Each child of God must keep his heart because "out of it are the issues of life." 2. The things we do and say originate in the heart (Matthew 12:35). 3. Diligently keeping the heart is the key to doing and saying the right things. C. In order to keep our hearts as Solomon wrote,: 1. we must think properly (Proverbs 23:7) 2. a list of things to think on is given in Philippians 4:8 3. a great blessing is in store for those who do (Matthew 5:8).
II. ACCORDING TO 2 PETER 1:5-11, WE ARE TO BE DILIGENT IN MAKING OUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE
A. To accomplish this we must develop the graces listed in vs.5-7 with "all diligence." B. We learn from vs.10 that a special blessing is in store for those who do -- we will never fall. C. Vs.12 shows that we need to be constantly reminded of these instructions.
III. ACCORDING TO 2 PETER 3:13-14, WE ARE TO BE DILIGENT TO BE FOUND OF THE LORD "IN PEACE, WITHOUT SPOT, AND BLAMELESS"
A. This describes our spiritual condition before the Lord when we become Christians (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:27). B. We are to be diligent in remaining this way (1 John 1:7). C. We learn from vs.13 that a special blessing is in store for those who do -- a new dwelling place where righteousness dwells.
Conclusion:
1. The Scriptures teach that "the Lord requires and blesses diligence." 2. Since this is the case,: a. let us keep our hearts with all diligence b. let us develop the Christian graces with all diligence to make our calling and election sure c. let us be diligent that we may be found of the Lord in peace, without spot, and blameless.
