Established

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

 (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, NKJV)

When we purchase something or agree on a deal, there is a comfort which comes from the assurance that what you have purchased or agreed on is on solid ground.  We go to different lengths to confirm that we are settled in the deal and that there are no chances of losing what has been received as our expectation.  Take an example of purchasing a property where large sums of money are exchanged, wise people will go an extra mile to do due diligence, engage lawyers and property advisers as necessary, all to ensure that they are not cheated of their investment.  This is also true in friendships where one seeks to understand the other person as best as possible so as to avoid disappointments down the line.  How much more brethren do we need the assurance of our faith when we have given our lives to God. Receiving salvation by faith has been challenging to some, arguing that they have no way of proving that what God has presented in His word is solid.  Beloved, we can only receive and please God through faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), faith is the currency at work.  We receive faith by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17) and failing to believe God as His word has stated is in effect doubting God Himself.  Before we get to judge others, let us be gentle and remember that faith is a gift which is given to us according to the will of God, maybe we need to stand in the gap and pray for those who do not believe that they might receive the gift of faith and so believe in God.  Jesus said that no one comes to Him, or believes in Him except the Father has drawn him (John 6:44).

As believers in Jesus, we have the assurance of God that we are His children, our reference verse confirms to us that God has not just established us in Christ, but He has also sealed us with the Holy Spirit.  We also are given the assurance that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God (Romans 8;16), this position is established by God Himself.  The confirmation within our own spirits by the Holy Spirit who lives within us is a personal revelation of one’s identity as a child of God.  Beloved, God has given us the assurance of His word as the ultimate authority and our part is believing it as already fulfilled.  The word says that God has exalted His word above His Name (Psalm 138:2).  His word is His guarantee to us, and we know that He watches over it to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12).  We do not have any reason to doubt what God’s word says, He is faithful, and He reminds us that He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).  Beloved, God’s word is settled in heaven and so when He calls us His own, we know we are and need no other assurance outside of His word.  We can find our rest in what He says to us, for His word is settled and established (Psalm 119:89), He means what He says in His word.  It is no wonder that Paul in our reference verse above, continues to tell us that the promises of God are yes and Amen to His glory (1 Corinthians 1:20). My brother my sister, your position in God is fully settled, you have been established in Him by faith.  Step into that space that God has given you, do not doubt or be hesitant to take your place, God has dealt with all what is needed for your belonging, it is not by our doing but by His grace upon our lives, ours is to receive in faith and allow the Holy Spirit to lead the way for the glory of God.

Thoughts:

How settled are you in God?

Are you walking in the fullness of His establishment for your life?

Do you have any doubts?  If you do, how do you receive this message?