Settle (Def): (Gr.): Themelioo from Themelios: The basis on which to build, erect, consolidate; a substructure, foundation

It takes resolve to stand in the midst of contention, strife, controversy; and that resolve is not founded upon whimsical feelings, thoughts, or ideas. Resolve has its basis on a foundation of bedrock truth, a substructure that will carry the weight and will withstand the turbulence of the winds of change.

Jesus said the wise build on solid rock and dig deep and lay a strong foundation on that rock; then whether the flood comes, or the strong winds blow, the house will not be shaken because it is settled upon the rock (cp. Luke 6:48).

The Apostle encouraged the church at Ephesus with the words:

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you being rooted and settled in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Being settled is a strong position in an ever-changing world where yesterday’s values, principles and beliefs are discarded for a new generation to be enticed with the latest philosophy, fad, innovation and change that leaves one drifting, aimless, purposeless, and only living for the moment.

The Apostle Peter expressed well the heart of the Father in his first Epistle with the words:

“But the God of all Grace, Who has called us to His Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect being established, strengthened and settled.” (I Peter 5:10).

Being established, strengthened and settled are powerful aspects of living in the Kingdom of God as saints. This is our safeguard against “the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11); and the “winds of doctrine by the fraudulence of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).

Academia, political philosophers, false prophets, false teachers, secularist of all stripes are continually producing a new agenda. Their modifications are produced from a hybrid plant of deception that is barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of God. It is as Peter expressed:

“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower thereof falls away; but the Word of the Lord endures forever; and this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached to you” (I Peter 1:24-25).

It is that which is settled which endures. As the Psalmist has said:

“Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).

Christ, the Word, has been established forever. The Chronicler has written in accordance with the word of the prophet:

“I will settle Him in Mine House, and in My Kingdom forever, and His Throne shall be established forevermore” (I Chronicles 17:14).

Have you settled the matter? Have you resolved the course you will take, the race you will run? Have you determined in your heart the way you will go? Let wisdom direct your decisions. Let the Word of the Lord be your guide. Surely you will prosper in your way:

“If you continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which you have heard, which Gospel was preached unto every creature under the heavens” (Colossians 1:23).

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