Rooted, Built Up, Established And Steadfast

"The full counsel of God", His Word, was never meant to be studied by the cramming of facts, but intended to be meditated upon and grasped and written on the tablet of our hearts, that we might be STEADFAST and SECURE in all His ways, being changed and transformed into the likeness of Christ. It's one thing to believe the scriptures are the inherent Word of God and another to live under their divine authority. It's one thing to understand the doctrine of grace, but quite another to, actually, know and live in it's freedom!

The knowledge of scripture, may only puff up, but when grasped, in it's entirety, by the heart, one is humbled before an Almighty God, recognizing that we fall short of His standard and is in awe of the magnitude of His mercy and grace! Pride only demands from Him, our every wish, while humility, brings into perspective our sinfulness, in comparison to His Holiness. Recognizing the cost and extent of His love in the sacrifice of His Son and desiring to live out that which we've already attained, the righteousness of Christ, is our calling by a Holy God.

The scriptures call us out of our alienation from God to a place of forgiveness and reconciliation by Christ death, to present us as holy in His sight, without blemish; and to establish us in our faith, making us STEADFAST in our hope, which is Christ.

Colossians 1:21-23 says,

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body, through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation ~ if you continue in your faith, ESTABLISHED and FIRM, NOT MOVED from the hope held out in the gospel."

Colossians 2:6-7 says,

"So, then just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

1 Peter 3:17  says, 

"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose you own STABILITY."

We can find several key phrases in this passage that teach us how to remain steadfast:

The first being, the "knowing beforehand" which means to foreknow or knowing something before it comes to pass. There's a warning, as we are instructed to "take care" to keep watch of the false doctrine of lawless people. These people show no restraint when it comes to God's laws and seek to lead others astray, in order that, they may lose stability and the steadfastness that comes from being rooted in Christ and His Word.

This verse lies firmly planted in Peter's final words, in which he seeks to instruct the church to be diligent and steadfast in their faith, to beware of false teachers and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:12 says, 

"Therefore, I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are ESTABLISHED in the truth that you have."

2 Peter 1:10 says, 

"Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure for if you practice these qualities you will NEVER FALL."

James 1:12 says,

"Blessed is the man who REMAINS STEADFAST under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life."

Psalm 16:8 says,

"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is my right hand. I shall NOT BE MOVED."

1 Corinthians 15:58 says,

"Therefore, my dear brothers, STAND FIRM. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.'

I encourage you, my friend, to continue in the Lord, seeking after Him, to be rooted and built up and established in your faith ~ giving thought to His Word and hiding it in your heart. It will hold you fast when the winds and torrents of life's hardships roar and will secure your faith, as you continue to live in the light of His very Presence. He is with you and will hold you fast! Continue in your pursuit, I'm praying for you daily!

Some have asked me to open this sight up to all for comments. I've made that change and would love to hear how you are progressing in your walk with Him. You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below any of the posts. Thank you!