Let Us Be Diligent “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11). I. What it means to labor: to exert oneself. II. Laboring to enter into God’s rest.     A. We should study (be diligent) to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15).     B. We should be diligent to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). III. Specific areas where diligence is needed.     A. Maintaining unity (Ephesians 4:3).     B. Leadership. “he that ruleth, with diligence” (Romans 12:8).        i. The ones who rule are elders. “Let the elders that rule be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).        ii. Diligence is necessary because of the difficulty of the task. “They watch for your souls” (Hebrews 13:17).    C. Benevolence. (Galatians 2:9-10). “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).    D. Work. “And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you” (2 Corinthians 8:22). “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Are you diligent in the Lord's Service? Copyright, 1998 - 2005. All Rights Reserved. http://www.angelfire.com/al3/thecabin The groovy border, button, and bar are courtesy Windy's Web Designs. The great cabin graphic is courtesy Microsoft's Design Gallery Live.