Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptStability, in a biblical context, refers to the steadfastness, firmness, and constancy of character and faith. It is the quality of being unwavering and reliable, both in one's personal life and in one's relationship with God. Stability is often associated with spiritual maturity and is seen as a desirable trait for believers.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible frequently addresses the concept of stability, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. In the Old Testament, stability is often linked with wisdom and righteousness.
Proverbs 10:25 states, "When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever." This verse highlights the enduring nature of the righteous, who remain stable despite life's challenges.
In the New Testament, stability is closely tied to faith and the teachings of Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15 encourages believers to grow in maturity and stability: "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head."
Spiritual StabilitySpiritual stability is a hallmark of a mature Christian life. It involves a deep-rooted faith that is not easily shaken by external circumstances or false teachings.
James 1:6-8 warns against doubt, which leads to instability: "But when he asks, he must believe without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often exhorts believers to stand firm in their faith. In
1 Corinthians 15:58, he writes, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This call to steadfastness underscores the importance of maintaining stability in one's spiritual journey.
Stability in RelationshipsStability is also crucial in relationships, particularly within the family and the church community. A stable relationship is characterized by love, trust, and commitment.
Colossians 3:14-15 advises, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful."
In the context of marriage, stability is essential for a lasting and fulfilling partnership.
Ephesians 5:31-33 speaks to the stability of the marital bond: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
Stability in SocietyThe Bible also addresses the role of stability in society. A stable society is one that upholds justice, righteousness, and peace.
Proverbs 29:4 states, "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." This verse highlights the importance of righteous leadership in maintaining societal stability.
In the broader sense, believers are called to be agents of stability in the world, reflecting God's unchanging nature.
Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." As followers of Christ, believers are encouraged to emulate His constancy and reliability in all aspects of life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The state or quality of being stable, or firm; steadiness; firmness; strength to stand without being moved or overthrown; as, the stability of a structure; the stability of a throne or a constitution.
2. (a.) Steadiness or firmness of character, firmness of resolution or purpose; the quality opposite to fickleness, irresolution, or inconstancy; constancy; steadfastness; as, a man of little stability, or of unusual stability.
3. (a.) Fixedness; -- as opposed to fluidity.
Greek
4733. stereoma -- a solid body, a support, strength, firmness... 4731 (). Word Origin from stereoo Definition a solid body, a support, strength,
firmness NASB Word Usage
stability (1). steadfastness.
...4740. sterigmos -- a setting firmly, steadfastness
... steadfastness. From sterizo;stability (figuratively) -- stedfastness. see GREEK
sterizo. (sterigmou) -- 1 Occurrence. 4739, 4740. sterigmos. 4741 ....
Strong's Hebrew
530. emunah -- firmness, steadfastness, fidelity... steadfastness, fidelity NASB Word Usage faith (1), faithful (3), faithfully (8),
faithfulness (25), honestly (1), responsibility (1),
stability (1), steady (1
...5975. amad -- to take one's stand, stand
... 4), enduring (1), enter (1), entered (2), erected (1), establish (1), established
(2), establishing (1), fixed (1), fulfill (1), givesstability (1), halt (1...
571. emeth -- firmness, faithfulness, truth
... Contracted from 'aman;stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness --
assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th...
Library
Christian Confidence andStability.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCCXXXV. Christian confidence andstability. 8.8.8.8 James
Montgomery. Christian confidence andstability. I build my house upon a rock,"....
Of the Falsity of the Augury by which the Strength andStability...
... Book IV. Chapter 29."Of the Falsity of the Augury by Which the Strength and
Stability of the Roman Empire Was Considered to Be Indicated....
The Answer How we Can GainStability of Heart or of Thoughts.
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XIV. The answer how we can
gainstability of heart or of thoughts. Isaac: Although...
Instability
... "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.""Genesis 49:4. PERFECTSTABILITY
has ceased from the world since the day when Adam fell....
Whether an Oath is More Binding than a Vow?
... Reply to Objection 2: An oath is added to a vow not because it is more stable, but
because greaterstability results from "two immutable things" [*Heb.6:18]....
Miracles
... When these became known to man, thestability of law was unaffected. And
it is a wild assumption that if a supreme and vital force...
Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace...
... after having tasted the heavenly gift, and been made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
again fall away, Hebrews 6:4, 5, 6. yet such an increase andstability in the...
Mountains Round Mount Zion
... Faith, then, gives inwardstability, and faith secures an encircling defence....
I. The simple act of trust in God brings inwardstability....
Praise of the Bishop.
... Wherefore my soul declares his mind towards God a happy one, knowing it to be virtuous
and perfect, and that hisstability as well as freedom from all anger is...
The Acquirement of Spiritual Power
... is filled with men and women seeking pleasure, excitement, novelty; seeking ever
to be moved to laughter or tears; not seeking strength,stability, and power...
Thesaurus
Stability (6 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The state or quality of being stable, or firm; steadiness; firmness; strength
to stand without being moved or overthrown; as, the
stability of a
...Constancy (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The state or quality of being constant or steadfast; freedom from change;
stability; fixedness; immutability; as, the constancy of God in his nature...
Stable (4 Occurrences)
Stabbed (6 Occurrences)
Vault (2 Occurrences)
... to the strength of the structure than to its form; the word implying something that
is firmly bound together and hence, an arch or dome because of itsstability...
Jehoahaz (22 Occurrences)
... Elisha the prophet, though then in the zenith of his influence, does not seem
to have done anything toward thestability of Jehu's throne....
Instability (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The quality or condition of being unstable; want ofstability, firmness,
or steadiness; liability to give way or to fail; insecurity; precariousness; as...
Tenon
... tenon. This would give it sufficientstability, as the height of each
standard was but 5 cubits (7 1/2 ft.) (Exodus 27:18). For...
Truth (380 Occurrences)
... trooth (`emeth, emunah, primary idea of "firmness," "stability" (compare Exodus
17:12), hence "constancy," "faithfulness," etc.; the Septuagint's Apocrypha and...
Everlasting (192 Occurrences)
... IMMORTALITY). Figuratively also the term is applied to objects of impressive
stability and long duration, as mountains, hills (eg....
Resources
Should a couple be financially stable before getting married? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian consider foster care? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Assemblies of God Church, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgStability: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
