Being Grounded And Settled
I. Introduction:
A. Without a mature faith, one is left to be tossed to and fro (Ephesians 4:7-14).
1. This leaves one vulnerable to spiritual shipwreck (I Timothy 1:19).
2. This leaves one susceptible to being carried away by error (II Peter 3:17).
B. God's desire is for His people to become firmly established in the faith (Hebrews 13:9).
1. Help is certainly permitted (I Thessalonians 3:1-2).
2. What is not permitted is for us to be in a state of crisis of faith (James 1:8; James 4:8).
II. Body: Colossians 1:12-23
A. Defining the terms:
1. Grounded [θεμελιόω]: “1) to lay the foundation, to found; 2); to make stable, establish” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; Strong’s # 2311).
a. Translated “founded” (Luke 6:48).
b. Translated “grounded” in our context and one other time (Ephesians 3:17).
c. Translated “foundation” (Hebrews 1:10).
d. Translated “settle” (I Peter 5:10).
2. Settled [ἑδραῖος]: “1) sitting, sedentary; 2) firm, immovable, steadfast (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; Strong’s # 1476).
a. Translated two other times in the N.T. Both times the word is translated “stedfast” (I Corinthians 7:37). The other time is a verse we will cover soon (*Point C. - I Corinthians 15:58).
b. With the contextual idea of “be not moved away.” The Greek word is derived from “ἕζομαι”, which means “to sit” (Strong’s Dictionary). See: Strong’s # 2516 which includes the prefix “καθ.”
B. Having a stable foundation (Matthew 7:13-28).
1. Being stable, building up, sure in the faith without being influenced by enticing words or doctrines of men (Colossians 2:4-8).
2. Not having to continually lay that foundation over and over again (Hebrews 5:8-6:3).
C. Being stedfast, immovable (I Corinthians 15:58).
1. Holding fast the pattern of sound words (II Timothy 1:13).
2. Knowing where you stand with the Lord (I John 5:12-13; I John 5:20).
3. Having tested all things and holding fast to what is good (I Thessalonians 5:21).
D. With the foundation being Christ (I Corinthians 3:11).
1. The foundation includes the revelation delivered through the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22).
2. That foundation stands sure (II Timothy 2:19).
III. Conclusion: God does not want His people wavering between faith and doubt. Make your calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10).