Topical Bible: Faith: Saints should be Grounded and Settled In

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Faith is a foundational element of the Christian life, serving as the bedrock upon which believers build their relationship with God. The Bible emphasizes the importance of being grounded and settled in faith, urging saints to remain steadfast and unwavering in their trust in the Lord.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, exhorts believers to be "rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (Colossians 2:7). This imagery of being rooted suggests a deep, unshakeable foundation, akin to a tree whose roots are firmly planted in the soil, drawing nourishment and stability.

Similarly, in Ephesians 3:17, Paul prays that Christ may dwell in the hearts of believers through faith, so that they, "being rooted and grounded in love," may have the strength to comprehend the vastness of God's love. This grounding in faith is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, heart-level trust in God's promises and character.

The Call to Steadfastness

The call to be grounded and settled in faith is echoed throughout Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul encourages the Corinthians to be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord," knowing that their labor is not in vain. This steadfastness is a hallmark of mature faith, reflecting a life that is consistently aligned with God's will, regardless of external circumstances.

James, the brother of Jesus, also underscores the necessity of unwavering faith. He warns against being "like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" (James 1:6), highlighting the instability that comes from doubt. Instead, believers are called to approach God with confidence, trusting in His wisdom and provision.

Faith as a Shield

In Ephesians 6:16, Paul describes faith as a shield, "with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." This metaphor illustrates the protective power of faith, enabling believers to withstand spiritual attacks and remain firm in their convictions. A grounded and settled faith acts as a defense against doubt, fear, and temptation, empowering saints to live victoriously in Christ.

The Role of the Church

The community of believers plays a crucial role in nurturing and strengthening faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages Christians to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together." The fellowship of the church provides support, accountability, and encouragement, helping individuals to remain grounded in their faith.

Faith and Perseverance

The journey of faith is marked by perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This perseverance is fueled by a deep-seated trust in God's faithfulness and a commitment to follow Christ, regardless of trials or tribulations.

Conclusion

The call to be grounded and settled in faith is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of a steadfast, unwavering trust in God. Through deep roots in Christ, the support of the church, and the protective power of faith, believers are equipped to navigate the challenges of life and remain faithful to their calling.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:23
If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Perseverance of Saints.
... Why, then, I ask again, should these cases be taken as ... Peter says, of all the elect
or saints, 1 Peter ... are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... love, quicken thy desires, and confirm thy faith; be a ... If God should set before thee
an eternity of earthly pleasure on the one hand, and the saints' rest on ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... First, then, all must be grounded and based on faith ... hearts, than our dimmed and
dull faith with"it ... to have conceived that the Lord's saints should be caught ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vii but whilst the.htm

Justification.
... Should it be objected, as it may be, that the ... after regeneration, and as that which
the saints are to ... state of being settled, established in faith, rooted and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvi justification.htm

The Form of Sound Words
... prostrating himself before the Virgin Mary and all saints; and the ... coming to those
in the text, I should say, in ... why many of you are weak in the faith is this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the form of sound words.htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... bring up their Children in his true Faith and Fear ... be Partakers of the Inheritance
of the Saints in Light ... how can they expect their Children should perform their ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

Sanctification.
... other hand, the perseverance of the saints is certain ... If in either case there should
be a ... of entire sanctification are conditioned upon faith, they therefore ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xli sanctification.htm

Prefatory Notice
... in its daily work, as my Life of Faith, this of Self-Denial, and the last part of
the Saints' Rest." On ... I should never have thought of attempting this work, if ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the saints everlasting rest/prefatory notice.htm

Hidden Manna
... The saints were taken to the stake, but the fires which ... in Christ Jesus, and established
in the faith as ye ... have not eaten God's word as they should; they do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm

The Song of a City, and the Pearl of Peace
... of the believer; the shield of faith should quench every ... you have fellowship with
all the saints: personal jealousies ... to feel it: God means you should; and you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the song of a city.htm