Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Resolve, in a biblical context, refers to a firm determination to carry out a particular course of action, often in alignment with God's will and commandments. It involves a steadfastness of purpose and a commitment to act according to one's convictions, despite challenges or opposition. This concept is closely related to faithfulness, perseverance, and obedience in the Christian life.
Biblical Examples:1.
Daniel's Resolve: One of the most notable examples of resolve in the Bible is found in the life of Daniel. In
Daniel 1:8 , it is written, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way." Daniel's resolve to maintain his dietary laws, despite being in a foreign land, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God's commandments.
2.
Paul's Determination: The Apostle Paul exemplifies resolve in his missionary journeys and his dedication to spreading the Gospel. In
Acts 20:24 , Paul states, "But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Paul's resolve is evident in his willingness to face persecution and hardship for the sake of his mission.
3.
Jesus' Steadfastness: Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of resolve. In
Luke 9:51 , it is recorded, "As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." Despite knowing the suffering and crucifixion that awaited Him, Jesus was determined to fulfill His Father's will and complete the work of salvation.
Theological Significance:Resolve is a critical aspect of the Christian faith, as it reflects a believer's commitment to live according to God's will. It requires reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, as human resolve alone is often insufficient. The Bible encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to persevere through trials, as seen in
James 1:12 : "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
Practical Application:Christians are called to cultivate resolve in their daily lives by:
·
Prayer and Scripture Study: Regular engagement with God's Word and prayer strengthens resolve by aligning one's heart and mind with God's purposes.
·
Community Support: Fellowship with other believers provides encouragement and accountability, helping individuals to remain resolute in their faith.
·
Obedience and Action: Resolve is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands and active participation in His work, even when faced with difficulties.
Conclusion:While a conclusion is not provided, the concept of resolve is integral to living a faithful Christian life, as it empowers believers to pursue God's will with determination and courage.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent elements; -- said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or dissolve.
2. (v. i.) To reduce to simple or intelligible notions; -- said of complex ideas or obscure questions; to make clear or certain; to free from doubt; to disentangle; to unravel; to explain; hence, to clear up, or dispel, as doubt; as, to resolve a riddle.
3. (v. i.) To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain.
4. (v. i.) To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle; as, he was resolved by an unexpected event.
5. (v. i.) To express, as an opinion or determination, by resolution and vote; to declare or decide by a formal vote; -- followed by a clause; as, the house resolved (or, it was resolved by the house) that no money should be appropriated (or, to appropriate no money).
6. (v. i.) To change or convert by resolution or formal vote; -- used only reflexively; as, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole.
7. (v. i.) To solve, as a problem, by enumerating the several things to be done, in order to obtain what is required; to find the answer to, or the result of.
8. (v. i.) To disperse or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a tumor.
9. (v. i.) To let the tones (as of a discord) follow their several tendencies, resulting in a concord.
10. (v. i.) To relax; to lay at ease.
11. (v. i.) To be separated into its component parts or distinct principles; to undergo resolution.
12. (v. i.) To melt; to dissolve; to become fluid.
13. (v. i.) To be settled in opinion; to be convinced.
14. (v. i.) To form a purpose; to make a decision; especially, to determine after reflection; as, to resolve on a better course of life.
15. (n.) The act of resolving or making clear; resolution; solution.
16. (n.) That which has been resolved on or determined; decisive conclusion; fixed purpose; determination; also, legal or official determination; a legislative declaration; a resolution.
Greek
1949. epilambanomai -- to lay hold of... 1949 (from 1909 , ", fitting" intensifying 2983 , " take") -- properly, lay hold
of something, showing ("
resolve") that "matches" the seizing (ie laying hold
...1011. bouleuo -- to take counsel, deliberate
... From boule; to advise, ie (reflexively) deliberate, or (by implication)resolve --
consult, take counsel, determine, be minded, purpose. see GREEK boule....
1106. gnome -- purpose, opinion, consent, decision
... From ginosko; cognition, ie (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively)resolve (counsel,
consent, etc.) -- advice, + agree, judgment, mind, purpose, will....
1013. boulema -- purpose, will
... purpose, will. From boulomai; aresolve -- purpose, will. see GREEK boulomai. (boulema)
-- 1 Occurrence. (boulemati) -- 1 Occurrence. (boulematos) -- 1 Occurrence...
Strong's Hebrew
3289. yaats -- to advise, counsel... A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or
resolve -- advertise,
take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine
...Library
Experience,Resolve, and Hope
... VOLUME II: PSALMS LI to CXLV EXPERIENCE,RESOLVE, AND HOPE. 'Thou hast
delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my...
The Life of Faith theResolve.
... The Life of Faith TheResolve. V. TheResolve. 7,7,7,7,7,7. Nun so will ich denn
mein Leben. [322]Tersteegen.1731. Now at last I end the strife,....
The Servant's InflexibleResolve
... THE SERVANT'S INFLEXIBLERESOLVE. 'For the Lord God will help Me... as Thou wilt.'.
II. The perfect inflexibleresolve. 'Face like a flint...
The Christian'sResolve.
... DEVOUT EXERCISES. 443. " The Christian'sResolve. 443. LM Mrs. Steele.
The Christian'sResolve. 1 Ah wretched souls, who strive...
If any Woman Shall Forsake Her Husband, andResolve to Depart from...
... Canon XIV. If any woman shall forsake her husband, andresolve to depart
from him because she? If any woman shall forsake her...
A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
...Resolve to leave all thy sinful lusts and pleasures; renounce, forsake, and abhor
thy old sinful course of life, and serve God in holiness and righteousness...
Fear and Faith
... Foolish confidence opposes to natural fear a groundlessresolve not to be afraid,
as if heedlessness were security, or facts could be altered by resolving not...
What Constitutes Disobedience to Moral Law?
... 2. When we come to the consideration of the attributes of selfishness, it will be
seen that every form of sin, not only may, but mustresolve itself into...
A Godly Reformation
... prophet. The exposition of the sin and its fruit is followed by the king's
resolve for himself, and, so far as may be, for his people....
The Battle of Life
... There is the world. Do youresolve to do the right and to love the true,
depend upon it you will get no assistance from this world....
Thesaurus
Resolve (3 Occurrences)... to make clear or certain; to free from doubt; to disentangle; to unravel; to explain;
hence, to clear up, or dispel, as doubt; as, to
resolve a riddle.
...Determine (13 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) Toresolve on; to have a fixed intention of; also, to cause to come to a
conclusion or decision; to lead; as, this determined him to go immediately....
Resolved (15 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) ofResolve. 2. (pp & a.) Having a fixed purpose; determined; resolute; --
usually placed after its noun; as, a man resolved to be rich....
Swear (99 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth
of what is affirmed; to make a promise, threat, orresolve on oath; also...
Act (204 Occurrences)
... of public deliberation; the decision or determination of a legislative body, council,
court of justice, etc.; a decree, edit, law, judgment,resolve, award; as...
Resolution (1 Occurrence)
Unmarried (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if a father stands firm in hisresolve, being free from all
external constraint and having a legal right to act as he pleases, and in...
Untie (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To free from fastening or from restraint; to let loose; to unbind. 3. (vt)
Toresolve; to unfold; to clear. 4. (vi) To become untied or loosed....
Legal (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if a father stands firm in hisresolve, being free from all
external constraint and having a legal right to act as he pleases, and in...
Firm (111 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:37 But if a father stands firm in hisresolve, being free from all
external constraint and having a legal right to act as he pleases, and in...
Resources
What does the Bible say about stepparenting / step-parenting? | GotQuestions.orgHow should conflict in the church be handled? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “I believe; help my unbelief” in Mark 9:24? | GotQuestions.orgResolve: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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