Thursday, November 15, 2007

1 Peter 5:8-10


1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

a. ASV: Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
  
b. YLT: Be sober, vigilant, because your opponent the devil, as a roaring lion, doth walk about, seeking whom he may swallow up,
d. Amplified Bible Classic: Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

1.“Be sober, be vigilant…”

a. [Be] sober [Strong: 3525 nḗphō, nay'-fo; of uncertain affinity; to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet:—be sober, watch.] [Zodhiates: To be sober minded, watchful, circumspect. The word does not mean to abstain from the use of alcohol but rather to refrain from the abuse of it which leads to intoxication.] [Bullinger: To be sober, temperate, abstinate, esp., in respect to wine. Here…sober minded, watchful, circumspect.] [Vines: Signifies to be free from the influence of intoxicants; in the NT metaphorically, it does not in itself imply watchfulness, but is used in association with it.]

1). Three times in this epistle Peter tells us to be sober: 1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8. As the definitions point out, he is speaking spiritually, that we are to be alert in our spiritual senses.  

2). Isaiah 29:9, 10 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

b. [be] vigilant [Strong: 1127 grēgoreúō, gray-gor-yoo'-o; from G1453; to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively):—be vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful).] [Vines: Spiritual alertness.] [Zodhiates: To watch, refrain from sleep. It was transferred in meaning from the physical to the moral sphere.]

1). This word also speaks about our spiritual senses. It is used 27 times in the NT, 21 times it is  rendered watch; 1 time wake; 1 time vigilant and 4 times exercise or exercised. All of these uses speak to our spiritual senses.

2). Unforgiveness on our part will give the devil an advantage over us. One of the ways to be vigilant is to learn and prevent the devices or methods he uses to war against us.

a). 2 Corinthians 2:10, 11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

3). We must be vigilant, we must be sober in order to hear what the Spirit or our own spiritual senses tell us and warn us. It is our responsibility. I believe our soberness our vigilance can prevent or minimize Satan’s attacks.

2. “…because your adversary the devil…”

a. because [Strong: 3754 hóti, hot'-ee; neuter of G3748 as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:—as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.]

b. your [Strong: 5216 hymōn, hoo-mone'; genitive case of G5210; of (from or concerning) you:—ye, you, your (own, -selves).]

c. adversary [Strong: 476 antídikos, an-tid'-ee-kos; from G473 and G1349; an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, Satan (as the arch-enemy):—adversary.]

d. [the] devil [Strong: 1228 diábolos, dee-ab'-ol-os; from G1225; a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H7854):—false accuser, devil, slanderer.]

1). The devil is our adversary our enemy.

2. “...as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”

a. as [Strong: 5613 hōs, hoce; probably adverb of comparative from G3739; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):—about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, × with all speed.]
b. [a] roaring [Strong: ōrýomai, o-roo'-om-ahee; middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to "roar":—roar.]
c. lion [Strong: 3023 léōn, leh-ohn'; a primary word; a "lion":—lion.]
d. walketh about [Strong: peripatéō, per-ee-pat-eh'-o; from G4012 and G3961; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):—go, be occupied with, walk (about).]
e. seeking [Strong: 2212 zētéō, dzay-teh'-o; of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):—be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means).]
  
g. whom [Strong: 5101 tís, tis; probably emphatic of G5100; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):—every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.]
h. [he may] devour [Strong: 2666 katapínō, kat-ap-ee'-no; from G2596 and G4095; to drink down, i.e. gulp entire (literally or figuratively):—devour, drown, swallow (up).]

1). There are a couple of interesting passages in John and Job that sheds light on this verse.

a). John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…”

Job 1:6-7 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
1:7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou?  Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

b). If we add some of the words of John and some words of 1 Peter 5:8 onto Job 1:7 we can see the devil’s motives more clearly. “Then Satan answered the LORD and said, From going to and fro in the earth and from walking up and down in it, to steal, to kill, to destroy and seeking whom I may devour.”

1 Peter 5:9
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

a. ASV: Whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.
  
b. YLT: Whom resist, stedfast in the faith, having known the same sufferings to your brotherhood in the world to be accomplished.
d. Amplified Bible Classic: Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.

1.”Whom resist steadfast in the faith…”

a. Whom [Strong: 3739 hós, hos; probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article G3588); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:—one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc.]
b. resist [Strong: 436 anthístēmi, anth-is'-tay-mee; from G473 and G2476; to stand against, i.e. oppose:—resist, withstand.]
c. steadfast [Strong: 4731 stereós, ster-eh-os'; from G2476; stiff, i.e. solid, stable (literally or figuratively):—stedfast, strong, sure.] [Zodhiates: Stable, firm, solid…Figuratively meaning firm, strong immovable.]

1). We can be steadfast in our faith, knowing that the victory is ours.

a). 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

b). 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
d. [in] the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
e. faith [Strong: 4102 pístis, pis'-tis; from G3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:—assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.]

1). It is a Covenant truth that our ability to steadfastly and successfully resist the devil is grounded first and foremost in what God did for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; but underneath that great truth, it is also directly related to our vigilance and soberness and our faith. A verse that relays that truth so clearly is James 4:7. Before we resist the devil we have to submit ourselves to God, resisting by itself is not enough. We have to place ourselves under God’s authority before we can exercise that authority against the devil.

a). ). James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

2. “…knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

a. knowing [Strong: 1492 eídō, i'-do; a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700 and G3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:—be aware, behold, × can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot.]
b. [that] the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
c. same [Strong: 846 autós, ow-tos'; from the particle αὖ aû (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:—her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]
d. afflictions [Strong: 3804 páthēma, path'-ay-mah; from a presumed derivative of G3806; something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence:—affection, affliction, motion, suffering.'] [Zodhiates: Suffering, affliction. The sufferings of a Christian are so called because they are endured for the sake of Christ…”]

1). It is an affliction to resist our adversary and his temptations. In order to grow up in Christ we will have these afflictions.

a). Hebrews 11:24, 25 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

2). Not being ashamed of the gospel will cause us to partake of affliction.

a).  2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

3).  Our affliction is light and short compared to the eternal glory.

a). 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far  more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

b). Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
e. [are] accomplished [Strong: 2005 epiteléō, ep-ee-tel-eh'-o; from G1909 and G5055; to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo:—accomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform(X -ance).] [Zodhiates: To finish, complete, perfect, to undergo, endure.]
  
g. [in] your [Strong: 5216 hymōn, hoo-mone'; genitive case of G5210; of (from or concerning) you:—ye, you, your (own, -selves).]
h. brethren [Strong: 81 adelphótēs, ad-el-fot'-ace; from G80; brotherhood (properly, the feeling of brotherliness), i.e. the (Christian) fraternity:—brethren, brotherhood.]
i. [that are] in [Strong: 1722 en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:—about, after, against, + almost, × altogether, among, × as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), × mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, × outwardly, one, × quickly, × shortly, (speedi-)ly, × that, × there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]
  
j. the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
k. world [Strong: 2889 kósmos, kos'-mos; probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively  (morally)):—adorning, world.]

1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

a. ASV: And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.
  
b. YLT: And the God of all grace, who did call you to His age-during glory in Christ Jesus, having suffered a little, Himself make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you;
d. Amplified Bible Classic: And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.

1.”But the God of all grace…”

a. But [Strong: 1161 dé, deh; a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:—also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]
b. the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]
c. God [Strong: 2316 theós, theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:—X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]
d. [of] all [Strong: 3956 pâs, pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:—all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), × daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]
e. grace [Strong: 5485 cháris, khar'-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):—acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).]
  
1). As we grow in Christ we will need grace, for forgiveness and empowerment.   

a). Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens,  Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast our profession .
4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling our infirmities; but  was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

b). Titus 2:11, 12  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

c). 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

2). The grace of God comes from a relationship with God. It comes through prayer and revelation knowledge.

a). 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

b). 2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

3). Grace comes through revelation knowledge, received through meditating and confessing the word of God.

a). Joshua 1:8  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

b). Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

c). 1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

d). 2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

e). Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

2. “…who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus…”

a. who [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

b. hath called [Strong: 2564 kaléō, kal-eh'-o; akin to the base of G2753; to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise):—bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)).]
c. us [Strong: 2248 hēmâs, hay-mas'; accusative case plural of G1473; us:—our, us, we.]
d. unto [Strong: 1519 eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:—(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, +continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, +perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with.]

e. his [Strong: 846 autós, ow-tos'; from the particle αὖ aû (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:—her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]
  
g. eternal [Strong: 166 aiṓnios, ahee-o'-nee-os; from G165; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well):—eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began).]
h. glory [Strong: 1391 dóxa, dox'-ah; from the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):—dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.]
i. by [Strong: 1722 en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:—about, after, against, + almost, × altogether, among, × as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), × mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, × outwardly, one, × quickly, × shortly, (speedi-)ly, × that, × there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]
  
j. Christ [Strong: 5547 Christós, khris-tos'; from G5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:—Christ.]
k. Jesus [Strong: 2424 Iēsoûs, ee-ay-sooce'; of Hebrew origin (H3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:—Jesus.]

1). Our calling in life is to be conformed to the image of Jesus.

a). Romans 8:28, 29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

2). It is our reasonable service, our spiritual duty.

a). Romans 12:1, 2 I beseech ye therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
    
3). It is our ministry.

a). 2 Corinthians 3:18-4:1 But we all with open face behold as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

3. “…after ye have suffered awhile…”

a. [after ye] have suffered [Strong: 3958 páschō, pas'-kho; apparently a primary verb; to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful):—feel, passion, suffer, vex.]
b. [a] while [Strong: 3641 olígos, ol-ee'-gos; of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:—+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.]
c. [Strong: 846 autós, ow-tos'; from the particle αὖ aû (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:—her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

1). Everyone's salvation experience is different. I am not referring to the new birth in Christ Jesus, there is only one way to heaven and that is according to Romans 10:9, 10. I am referring to the experiences that led you to Jesus. The road leading up to me getting born again was filled with drugs, the occult and carnality. But yours was no doubt different, so that the things I had to deal with initially after salvation were probably different than yours. In my experience some things miraculously just fell off, while some things did not. After salvation I had no temptations with drugs, I was completely delivered. Another example was the profanity I was bound by before I accepted Christ, it too disappeared. Three days after I got born again I quit smoking cigarettes, and that was one of the hardest things I endured, it didn’t just fall off. Resisting the temptation to smoke was suffering, it was not comfortable at all. The suffering experienced because of that temptation diminished over the next few months until it was gone completely. There were other things also I had to deal with and they all fall under the believer’s responsibility of bringing their thought life and their bodies under subjection to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-6; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Romans 12:1, 2). Resisting the temptations within these responsibilities is one form of suffering affliction, and it is one of the things all believers need to engage in and be victorious if they want to grow in Christ.

2). It is here we need to reflect back to the the beginning of verse 10. “But the God of all grace…”. It is the grace of God that we need to rely on for the strength and empowerment to be victorious in all of these afflictions. We can not do it in our own strength. The grace of God is empowerment.

a). Titus 2:11, 12  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

b). 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

3). The suffering in these afflictions are not eternal, they are temporal. I no longer suffer resisting the temptation to smoke or get high speak profanity. I don’t suffer resisting to the temptation to listen to the ungodly music I listened to previous to salvation. But the responsibility of keeping my thought life and my body in subjection to Christ is an ongoing responsibility that will never end, but because of the grace, empowerment of God it is doable.    

4. “...make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
d. Make...perfect [Strong: 2675 katartízō, kat-ar-tid'-zo; from G2596 and a derivative of G739; to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust:—fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect(-ly join together), prepare, restore.] [Zodhiates: The
fundamental meaning is to put a thing in its appropriate condition, to establish, set up, equip, arrange, prepare.]
e. you [Strong: 5209 hymâs, hoo-mas'; accusative case of G5210; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):—ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).
  
g. stablish [Strong: 4741 stērízō, stay-rid'-zo; from a presumed derivative of G2476 (like G4731); to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm:—fix, (e-)stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.] [Zodhiates: To set fast, fix firmly.] [Thayer: make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix; to strengthen, make firm.]

1). Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

h. strengthen [Strong: 4599 sthenóō, sthen-o'-o; from σθένος sthénos (bodily vigor; probably akin to the base of G2476); to strengthen, i.e. (figuratively) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power):—strengthen.] [Zodhiates: To strengthen.]
i. settle [you] [Strong: 2311  themelióō, them-el-ee-o'-o; from G2310; to lay a basis for, i.e. (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate:—(lay the) found(- ation), ground, settle.] [Zodhiates: To found, to lay a foundation for anything.]

1). Settled is founded, the same Greek word is used to describe an individual whose house withstands the storm because he founded it on a rock.

a). Luke 6:48   He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

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