ROMANS 16:25

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,”

I remember many years ago helping my dad set some post for a boat dock on a lake near our house. A friend of ours had bought the lot and was building a house but really wanted a dock. So, while the lake was lowered for winter rains, my dad and I started that project. In order to set post that will last and not start to lean or tilt, you have to set them in concrete. That means you have to dig a whole at least 1/3 of the length of the pole. That was hard work, but as far as I know, that dock is still there today.

Paul uses the Greek word stērízō which is translated as “establish.” HELPS Word-studies says it is “(from stēringks, ‘a support that fixes, plants down’; akin to hístēmi, ‘to stand,’ having a duplication of the primitive Greek root/sta, ‘to make stand’) – properly, set fast (fix); give support to secure (firmly establish); solidly plant (which eliminates vacillation).” Paul is closing this letter by reminding these believers that it is God who establishes them, and what He establishes can’t be moved.

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says stērízō “marks a decisive action that renders a person, community, or reality firm, unwavering, and immovable. The verb never implies mere rigidity; it points to divinely enabled stability that equips God’s people to advance in obedience, endurance, and hopeful expectation.” I like that – unwavering and immovable but not rigid. We see this word used in one of my favorite verses, 1 Peter 5:10. “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” The word “confirm” is stērízō.

We also see this word used in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 where Paul writes, “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” Paul uses it again in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

All these uses of the word should encourage us, shouldn’t they? God has our back. He knows what He is doing. He is the One who can set us fast in our beliefs. We have to yield, however, to His touch. Just like those posts my dad and I set all those years ago had to yield to our placing them in those holes. God will establish you where He wants you. Trust Him. He knows best.

Thank You, Lord, for setting me firm in Your truths.  

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