Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Peter’s command “giving all diligence” is explained as marshalling “all your energy for the kingdom of God” because “you cannot live in both worlds at the same time”; what does that imply about divided loyalties that many evangelicals treat as normal, and how would your schedule/spending/entertainment expose which world you’re serving?
Another way to ask: If we must give “all diligence” and can’t live in two worlds at once, what does that say about split loyalties many Christians accept as normal? What do your time, spending, and entertainment choices show about which world you serve?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
It implies divided loyalties are not normal or acceptable—Peter’s “all diligence” calls for total-energy engagement with God’s kingdom rather than splitting life between God and Mammon. Your daily choices would expose this by showing where your energy is actually “marshalled,” since you can’t truly serve both worlds at once.
- He quotes Peter’s phrase: “Giving all diligence,” then explains: “Put everything into it you’ve got.”
- He defines diligence as mastery and focus: “We master all of our mental and physical energies through…learning and application.”
- He directly connects it to Jesus’ warning: “You cannot serve both God and Mammon. You cannot live in both worlds at the same time.”
- He calls for intentional alignment: “marshal all your energy for the kingdom of God.”
- He admits it’s a daily challenge: “This is a current we face every day…How do we live in the kingdom of God and live in this world?”