Dictionary of Bible Themes – 8239 earnestness
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8239 earnestness

8239 earnestness

An attitude characterised by seriousness and commitment. Scripture commends earnestness in believers’attitudes towards God and in the concerns of the gospel.

The significance of earnestness

In repentance Joel 2:12 See also 1Sa 7:2-3; Rev 3:19

In seeking God Jer 29:13 See also Ps 119:2; Heb 11:6

In salvation Lk 13:24 See also Mt 7:24-27 pp Lk 6:47-49; Heb 2:3; Heb 6:11; Jas 1:22; Jas 2:14

In love for God Dt 6:5 See also Mt 22:37 pp Mk 12:30 pp Lk 10:27

In prayer 2Ch 7:14 See also Isa 62:6-7; Mt 6:5-6

In trusting God Pr 3:5 See also Isa 26:3-4

In spiritual progress Php 2:12-13 See also 1Co 9:24; Heb 12:1; 2Pe 1:5-11

In serving God Mt 6:24 pp Lk 16:13 See also Dt 18:6-7; Lk 9:57-62; 1Co 12:31; 1Co 14:1; 2Ti 2:15

Examples of earnestness

In seeking God Ps 63:1 See also 2Ch 15:15; Hos 5:15

In prayer Ac 12:5 See also 1Th 3:10; Jas 5:17-18

In evangelism 1Co 9:19-22 See also 1Th 2:2-9

In Christian living Php 3:13-14 See also 1Co 9:25-27; 2Co 8:7-8

Regarding personal needs Mt 9:18 pp Mk 5:22-23 pp Lk 8:41-42; Lk 7:4

Jesus Christ’s own earnestness Mt 26:39 pp Mk 14:35 pp Lk 22:42 See also Jn 2:17; Jn 4:34

Earnest concern for the people of God

For Israel Lk 19:41; Ro 9:1-3 See also Ne 1:2-4; Isa 22:4; Isa 62:1; Jer 4:19-21; Jer 8:21; Jer 9:1; Jer 13:17; La 3:48; Mic 1:8-9; Mt 23:37 pp Lk 13:34; Ro 10:1

For the church 2Co 11:28-29 See also Ac 20:31; Ro 1:11; 2Co 2:4; 2Co 11:2-3; Gal 4:19-20; Col 1:24,28-29; Col 2:1; 1Th 2:17

Earnestness may be misdirected

Ro 11:7 See also Ac 26:7

See also

5840eagerness
5847enthusiasm
8207commitment
8370zeal
8653importunity to God