Topical Encyclopedia
The term "strenuously" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept of exerting great effort, diligence, and fervor is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of working diligently and with great effort in various aspects of life, including spiritual growth, ministry, and daily living.
Biblical Context and Usage1.
Spiritual Growth and Discipline: The Apostle Paul frequently uses athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life, emphasizing the need for discipline and strenuous effort. In
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes about running a race to win a prize, highlighting the need for self-control and dedication: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize." . This passage underscores the importance of exerting oneself strenuously in the pursuit of spiritual maturity and holiness.
2.
Ministry and Service: The early church is depicted as being fervent and diligent in spreading the Gospel and serving others. In
Colossians 1:29, Paul speaks of his own ministry efforts: "To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me." . Here, the word "striving" conveys the idea of working strenuously, relying on God's power to accomplish the work of the ministry.
3.
Prayer: The Bible also encourages believers to be fervent and persistent in prayer. In
Colossians 4:12, Paul commends Epaphras for his dedicated prayer life: "Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God." . The term "wrestling" suggests a strenuous effort in prayer, reflecting a deep commitment to interceding for others.
4.
Moral and Ethical Living: The call to live a life of integrity and righteousness often requires strenuous effort against the temptations and challenges of the world. In
Philippians 2:12-13, Paul exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." . This passage highlights the cooperative effort between divine enablement and human responsibility, requiring believers to exert themselves in living out their faith.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of living strenuously in the Christian life is rooted in the understanding that while salvation is a gift of grace, the believer's response involves active participation and effort. This effort is not to earn salvation but to live out the implications of being saved. The strenuous pursuit of holiness, service, and prayer is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who works within believers to accomplish God's purposes.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to approach their spiritual lives with the same intensity and dedication as an athlete preparing for competition. This involves regular spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Additionally, Christians are called to serve others with diligence and to share the Gospel with fervor, relying on God's strength to sustain their efforts.
In summary, while the word "strenuously" may not appear in the biblical text, the concept is deeply embedded in the call to live a life of active faith, characterized by diligent effort and reliance on God's power.
Greek
1619. ektenos -- intently, fervently... fervently. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: ektenos Phonetic Spelling:
(ek-ten-oce') Short Definition: earnestly,
strenuously Definition: earnestly
...Library
Death of Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople. What Eudoxius Said...
... Eudoxius and Acaciusstrenuously sought the Abolition of the Formularies of Faith
set forth at Nic??a and at Ariminum; Troubles which thence arose in the...
The Connection of the Seventh Chapter with the Sixth
... in the preceding verses of the sixth chapter of the epistle to the Romans, the apostle
had exhorted all the believers at Rome to contendstrenuously against sin...
Dedication.
... And, in return, those of their auditors who are enamored with this "truth," are
boundstrenuously to conform themselves to this course of conduct"to pass by...
The Ceremonies and Discipline Op the Church as Illustrated by...
... The other partystrenuously maintained that the eating of the Paschal lamb ought
to be postponed until the night preceding the first Lord's day next following...
The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it...
... The thing I would sostrenuously urge upon you, is,"that, during your undergraduate
period, you should read the whole Bible consecutively through, from one...
Earliest Heretics:
... Martyrdoms, he says, are not to be endured. The resurrection of the flesh he
strenuously impugns, affirming that salvation has not been promised to bodies....
Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse.
... Heathen and Jewish World being justified, or acquitted from all past guilt, by their
Faith, or belief in Jesus Christ, having beenstrenuously asserted, and...
Preface.
... For long he triedstrenuously, though vainly, to make his escape to the refuge of
some other topic wherein he might, less daringly, discharge the...
God's Will and Man's Will
... When we cease, each of us, to maintain our own views of truth, and to maintain those
views firmly andstrenuously, then truth shall fly out of hand, and error...
Shall we Abandon Our Religion?
... Do you doubt this? Then tell us why it is that a falsehood is always detestible
to the mind. Why do menstrenuously avoid contradictory propositions?...
Thesaurus
Strenuously (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Strenuously (6 Occurrences). Acts 12:15 "You are mad,"
they said. But she
strenuously maintained that it was true.
...Stress (3 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would have you
insiststrenuously, in order that those who have their faith fixed on God may...
According (7613 Occurrences)
... before the time of Jerome of the Gospel according to the Hebrews, which was used
by Origen, Clement of Alexandria, and others, isstrenuously affirmed by...
Useful (14 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would have you
insiststrenuously, in order that those who have their faith fixed on God may...
Labor (181 Occurrences)
... 15. (vt) To prosecute, or perfect, with effort; to urgestrenuously; as, to
labor a point or argument. 16. (vt) To belabor; to beat. Int....
Labored (35 Occurrences)
... ineffectual. But I labored morestrenuously than all the rest--yet it was
not I, but God's grace working with me. (WEY ASV WBS NAS)....
Law-teachers (1 Occurrence)
... Law-teachers (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1:7 desiring to be law-teachers, not
understanding either what they say or concerning what they sostrenuously affirm....
Laboured (34 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Romans 16:6 to Mary who has labouredstrenuously among you; (WEY DBY). Romans
16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord....
Greetings (48 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 16:12 Greetings to those Christian workers, Tryphaena and Tryphosa;
also to dear Persis, who has labouredstrenuously in the Lord's work. (WEY)....
Geshem (5 Occurrences)
... or had been settled in or near Samaria by Sargon (Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 6:1, 2,
6). He was a confederate of Sanballat and Tobiah, andstrenuously opposed the...
Resources
What does it mean to contend for the faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is baptismal regeneration? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jehovah the true name of God? | GotQuestions.orgStrenuously: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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