Diligent

Greek Word Pronunciation: spu-DA-zo
Strong’s Number: 4704
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 5079
Key Verse: “… be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed…” -- 2 Timothy 2:15

Spoudazo has the most basic meaning of being diligent, earnest, or eager, suggesting zealous concentration and diligent effort. This verb appears 11 times in the New Testament, and was used by Paul and Peter, both men who had eager, earnest personalities which were reflected in their writings.

In 2 Timothy 4:9 and 21, and Titus 3:12, Paul asks them to make every effort to come to him. In Galatians 2:10, Paul spoke of remembering the poor, which he was also eager to do. And in 1 Thessalonians 2:17, Paul was eager to see the believers in the Thessalonian church. In 2 Peter 1:15, Peter said he would be diligent that the believers would have a permanent reminder of the truth.

Hebrews 4:11 tells the professing Jewish believers to “be diligent to enter into that rest” that the Lord provided to those who believe and obey Him. The example of wilderness wanderers was to deter them from committing the same sin of unbelief.

In Ephesians 4:3, Paul encourages the believers to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit.” We are to guard the unity with each other that is the product of the Holy Spirit. Peace is the binding factor which will preserve the unity which the Spirit has produced.

2 Peter 1:10 tells us to be diligent in the certainty of God’s calling and choosing. We are to be sure that we are saved by seeing to it that the Christian graces superabound in our lives. 2 Peter 3:14 tells us to be diligent in preparation for Christ’s appearance. We are to be living in peace with each other, free from censure and without blame.

Paul told Timothy in 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman …” God’s Word is to be presented rightly, unabridged, and in a straightforward manner. The shame of God’s disapproval awaits those who mishandle His Word. We, as believers, do not have to fear shame before God if we are meeting His specifications for correctly handling His Word.