Settle
By Pastor Mitch
February 07, 2020
BEING IMMOVABLE IN THE FACE OF SUFFERING
The work of the Lord in our life should cause us ultimately to be immoveable in the face of suffering. The challenge from the apostle Peter was for the Christians in the dispersion to be steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:9). These Christians had gone through much suffering. The devil was their adversary who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He would always seek to shake the faith of Christians and he could also destroy lives if he had the opportunity. The Christians in the dispersion were being persecuted and severely ill-treated. They were emotionally shaken by their ordeal. Some were also put to death. The remaining Christians had to learn to be strengthened and to be unmovable in their faith as they face further challenges.
THE LORD SETTLING US WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, established, strengthen and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
Peter’s wish and prayer was for the Lord to settle these Christians. The word “settle” is the Greek word “themelioó.” It means “to lay a foundation.” It has the idea of being founded on something really strong and steadfast.
1. Theoretical understanding of “foundation”
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise men who built his house on the rock;…for it was founded on the rock.” Matt. 7:24:25
The Lord Jesus had taught earlier about laying a strong foundation for one’s life. The word “founded” in the Greek is the same Greek word “themelioó.” In order to be strong, we need to learn all the teachings of the Lord Jesus and to practise them consistently. When we do this, we would be like this wise man who founded his house on a solid rock. This is a theoretical understanding of laying a strong foundation for ourselves.
2. Life application of foundation
Peter explained further practically how this foundation is laid in the midst of life’s challenges
a. Suffering part
The pilgrims in the Dispersion had to go through some sufferings. It is in the midst of their suffering that the Lord would work in their life.
b. Strengthening part
He will also strengthen what is weak in their life.
c. Perfecting part
He will do a perfecting work in one’s life and mend what had been weakened or broken as they go going through suffering. We need to learn to be more mature in our faith and life.
d. Establishing part
He will establish each person by helping them to be strong in the Lord and His word. He will lay a strong foundation for our life.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
As I reflected over this, I realise even more that before we can be a product of strength, we need to go through the process of strengthening in the midst of life challenges. Let’s pray that the Lord would do this work of strengthening and establishing us with an immovable foundation for life. No matter what we may face in life and in ministry, even facing this coronavirus outbreak, let’s not be shaken or fearful. Let’s learn to be strong and steadfast in Christ and His word.
