Romans 12:11 in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

'diligence' -'not lagging behind in diligence' (NASV). The KJV has 'business', but Paul isn't talking primarily about our 'business dealings'. The word here means earnestness and zeal. 'Zeal in Christian service must not be allowed to flag' (Erdman p. 148) 'I would see you unwearied in activity' (Knox)

Christians are not to excuse themselves for being 'poky' in the Lord's service, 'Don't excuse yourself for spiritual sloth' (McGuiggan p. 368). (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ecclesiastes 2:10)

'Fervent' -2204. zeo dzeh'-o;. primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): -be fervent.

'Not cold, indifferent, and apathetic; but enthusiastic' (Green p. 14) (Acts 18:25; 1 Peter 1:22; Revelation 3:16) 'The spiritual temperature is to be high in the Christian community.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 692)

When we realize that we have the message that can set people free from the bondage of drugs, booze, lust, pride and selfishness..certainly we have something to be fervent about!

'serving the Lord' -all this energy is to be used in the Lord's service.

We can be 'fervent' about many things in life, but unfortunately when it comes to doing something that God wants us to do, we can be apathetic. Paul says that there should be exuberance and enthusiasm combined with our service to God. 'Many are diligent enough, some have fanatical zeal; many glow and literally boil over in their spirit; but so much of the busy effort and the steam back of it is not at all work for the Lord.' (Lenski p. 769)

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Old Testament