Lydia - A Diligent Woman Romans 12:11

Diligent In Business Lydia “was a seller of purple” (v. 14) Jesus approved of honest work (Lk. 10:7) Commended by Paul (Eph. 4:28) Successful enough to have her own house (v. 15)

Diligent In Business Like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 “willingly works with her hands” (v. 13) “provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants” (v. 15) “She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard” (v. 16) “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants” (v. 24) “does not eat the bread of idleness” (v. 27)

Diligent In Devotion Lydia “worshipped God” (v. 14) She sought out the place for worship (v. 13) Though successful in business, she did not let that interfere with her devotion to God Lydia followed the principles of Romans 12:1-2 Gave herself to God (“living sacrifice”) Truly dedicated (“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”)

Diligent In Seeking Lydia “heard us” (v. 14) No faith without hearing (Rom. 10:17) Faith necessary to please God (Heb. 11:6) Faith pre-requisite to baptism (Mk. 16:16) Those who earnestly and honestly seek will find (Matt. 7:7-8) Though very devout, she sought more because she needed more Those on Pentecost did (Acts 2:5, 37) Cornelius did (Acts 10:2, 33)

Diligent In Obedience Lydia was “baptized” (v. 15) As we have noted, hearing and believing are important Yet, hearing and believing is not the end; it is the beginning (Mk. 16:16; Acts 18:8) One learns to be obedient (Heb. 5:8) This needs to be put into practice (Acts 6:7) Obey what is taught (Rom. 6:16) Teaching and practice (Phil. 4:9)

Diligent In Hospitality Lydia invited Paul and his companions to “come to my house and stay” (v. 15) A part of individual (not congregational) fellowship The desire to be together (Rom. 12:10) A genuine desire (Phil. 2:3) A willing desire (1 Peter 4:9) Lydia was going the “extra mile” in her service as a Christian by assisting those who preach