How does God "establish us with you in Christ" in daily life? Setting the Stage: 2 Corinthians 1:21 “Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us.” What “Establish” Means • The Greek word “bebaióō” pictures a builder setting a cornerstone so the whole structure stays true. • God Himself does this work; we don’t grout our own foundation—He secures it. • The verb is present and ongoing: He keeps on establishing. Ways God Establishes Us in Daily Life • His Living Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Daily reading anchors convictions, exposes lies, and steadies decisions. – Scripture never shifts, so the believer grows steadfast by aligning with it. • The Indwelling Spirit – “He has sealed us and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” (2 Colossians 1:22) – The Spirit whispers sonship (Romans 8:16), convicts, comforts, and supplies power to obey. – The anointing “teaches you about all things” (1 John 2:27), keeping your footing sure. • Ongoing Transformation – “He who began a good work in you will perfect it.” (Philippians 1:6) – Sanctification isn’t weekend renovation; it’s God’s lifelong construction project, shaping character through Scripture, circumstances, and Spirit-led conviction. • Trials and Testing – “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10) – Hard seasons drive roots deeper, proving that Christ—not comfort—is bedrock. • Obedient Practice – “Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.” (Colossians 2:6-7) – Each step of obedience pours concrete around spiritual rebar—habits, attitudes, priorities. • Corporate Fellowship – Paul says “us and you.” God stabilizes believers together. – Mutual encouragement, correction, and shared worship prevent spiritual sway (Hebrews 10:23-25). – Spiritual gifts circulate strength throughout the body (1 Colossians 12:7). • Confident Hope – “He has prepared us for this very purpose and gave us the Spirit as a pledge.” (2 Corinthians 5:5) – The guaranteed future resurrection frees us from panic. Today’s pressures can’t crack a hope anchored beyond death. Practical Snapshot Morning: open the Word, inviting the Spirit to apply truth. Workplace: choose integrity when tempted, trusting God to steady repercussions. Conflict: seek unity in the church, remembering God is establishing “us and you” together. Evening: rehearse promises, thanking Him for progress and pruning alike. Why It Matters A believer established by God is unshaken by cultural drift, personal failure, or spiritual attack. The Father pins our lives to Christ the Cornerstone, the Spirit pours the concrete, and the Word supplies the blueprint. Stand firm—He’s still building. |
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