And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
God desires that every believer keep showing the same diligence and hold the full assurance of hope firm unto the end. That diligence is earnest striving after a higher life and a clearer understanding of heavenly things. It is shown in serving God in work and labor of love in ministering to the saints. It is not slothful but is joined to faith and patience in following those who inherit the promises. Holding confidence steadfast unto the end in this way is part of being made a partaker of Christ.
God is not unrighteous to forget such service, but looks with approval on faithful servants, takes account of it, and sustains those who render it, while He is equally exact to mark neglect of duty or its unwilling performance. It has always been the duty of His people to labor unselfishly with each one cheerfully doing his part. Those who neglect the work they ought to do and leave others overburdened, and those who complain and murmur at every step, will receive neither help nor reward.
Progress toward the full assurance of hope is slow and difficult for the mind to rise to. Discouragement often comes in spite of all effort because the flesh wars against the spirit. The assurance is kept by not letting ordinary cheap earthly things engross the mind, lest the presence of Jesus be withdrawn.
It is helped forward when believers forget self, work in harmony with the life-giving power communicated from Christ to the church, and build one another up in the most holy faith. That hope does not put to shame.
God desires that every believer keep showing the same diligence and hold the full assurance of hope firm unto the end. That diligence is earnest striving after a higher life and a clearer understanding of heavenly things. It is shown in serving God in work and labor of love in ministering to the saints. It is not slothful but is joined to faith and patience in following those who inherit the promises. Holding confidence steadfast unto the end in this way is part of being made a partaker of Christ.
God is not unrighteous to forget such service, but looks with approval on faithful servants, takes account of it, and sustains those who render it, while He is equally exact to mark neglect of duty or its unwilling performance. It has always been the duty of His people to labor unselfishly with each one cheerfully doing his part. Those who neglect the work they ought to do and leave others overburdened, and those who complain and murmur at every step, will receive neither help nor reward.
Progress toward the full assurance of hope is slow and difficult for the mind to rise to. Discouragement often comes in spite of all effort because the flesh wars against the spirit. The assurance is kept by not letting ordinary cheap earthly things engross the mind, lest the presence of Jesus be withdrawn.
It is helped forward when believers forget self, work in harmony with the life-giving power communicated from Christ to the church, and build one another up in the most holy faith. That hope does not put to shame.