Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Steadfastness refers to the quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. In a biblical context, it is often associated with faithfulness, perseverance, and endurance in the face of trials and challenges. Steadfastness is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture, as it reflects a deep commitment to God and His purposes.
Biblical References:1.
Old Testament: The concept of steadfastness is woven throughout the Old Testament, often linked with God's unchanging nature and His covenantal faithfulness. In
Psalm 57:7, David declares, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music." Here, steadfastness is portrayed as a firm resolve to worship and trust in God despite circumstances.
2.
New Testament: The New Testament further develops the theme of steadfastness, particularly in the context of Christian discipleship and spiritual growth. In
1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This passage highlights the importance of remaining firm in faith and service, with the assurance that such efforts are meaningful and rewarded by God.
James 1:12 also emphasizes the blessing associated with steadfastness: "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." Here, steadfastness is linked with enduring trials and receiving eternal rewards.
Theological Significance:1.
God's Steadfastness: The steadfastness of God is a foundational theme in Scripture. His unwavering faithfulness and love are central to His character.
Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" God's steadfastness provides a model for believers and a source of hope and security.
2.
Human Steadfastness: Believers are called to emulate God's steadfastness in their own lives. This involves a commitment to remain faithful to God, His Word, and His commandments, regardless of external pressures or internal struggles.
Hebrews 10:23 encourages believers, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
3.
Steadfastness in Trials: The Bible frequently associates steadfastness with enduring trials and suffering.
Romans 5:3-4 explains, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This passage underscores the transformative power of steadfastness, as it leads to spiritual maturity and hope.
Practical Application:1.
Personal Devotion: Steadfastness in personal devotion involves maintaining a consistent prayer life, regular study of Scripture, and active participation in the life of the church. It requires a commitment to spiritual disciplines that nurture one's relationship with God.
2.
Moral Integrity: Steadfastness is also reflected in moral integrity, where believers are called to uphold biblical values and principles in all areas of life. This includes honesty, purity, and justice, even when such values are countercultural.
3.
Community and Service: In the context of community, steadfastness involves supporting and encouraging fellow believers, bearing one another's burdens, and serving faithfully in the body of Christ. It is about being reliable and trustworthy in relationships and commitments.
Conclusion:While steadfastness is a challenging virtue to cultivate, it is essential for a vibrant and enduring faith. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to remain steadfast, drawing strength from God's own faithfulness and the hope of His promises.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The quality or state of being steadfast; firmness; fixedness; constancy.
Greek
4740. sterigmos -- a setting firmly,steadfastness... a setting firmly,
steadfastness. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
sterigmos Phonetic Spelling: (stay-rig-mos') Short Definition: firmness
...4343. proskarteresis --steadfastness
...steadfastness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: proskarteresis Phonetic
Spelling: (pros-kar-ter'-ay-sis) Short Definition: perseverance Definition...
5281. hupomone -- a remaining behind, a patient enduring
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hupomone Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-om-on-ay') Short Definition: endurance,steadfastness Definition: endurance...
4733. stereoma -- a solid body, a support, strength, firmness
... Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: stereoma Phonetic Spelling:
(ster-eh'-o-mah) Short Definition: firmness,steadfastness Definition: firmness...
3115. makrothumia -- patience, long-suffering
... Indeed, only produces 3115 ("true patience, longsuffering") in us and hence is
(Gal 5:22). "3115 () embracessteadfastness and staying-power....
Strong's Hebrew
530. emunah -- firmness,steadfastness, fidelity... 529, 530. emunah. 531 . firmness,
steadfastness, fidelity. Transliteration:
emunah Phonetic Spelling: (em-oo-naw') Short Definition: faithfulness.
...Library
Steadfastness.
...STEADFASTNESS. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be... Cor.15:58.Steadfastness
is an essential principle in Christian character. There can...
A Persuasive toSteadfastness
... A Persuasive toSteadfastness. A Sermon (No.1042). Delivered on Thursday Evening,
February 29th, 1872, by. CH SPURGEON,. At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington...
September the Sixteenth theSteadfastness of the Lord
... SEPTEMBER The Sixteenth THESTEADFASTNESS OF THE LORD. "My covenant shall
stand fast." "Psalm 89:19-29. Such a divine assurance...
The Connexion BetweenSteadfastness, Truth, and Freedom. (John...
... Section 196. The Connexion betweenSteadfastness, Truth, and Freedom. (John, viii.,
30-32.) Freedom and Servitude; their typical Meaning (33-38)....
How to Make Use of Christ forSteadfastness, in a Time when Truth...
... CHAPTER XV. HOW TO MAKE USE OF CHRIST FORSTEADFASTNESS, IN A TIME WHEN TRUTH
IS OPPRESSED AND BORNE DOWN. When enemies are prevailing...
Account of St. Spyridon: his Modesty andSteadfastness.
... Book I. Chapter XI."Account of St. Spyridon: His Modesty andSteadfastness. Spyridon,
[1092] bishop of Trimythun in Cyprus, flourished at this period....
Anointed and Stablished
... So, then, we have in these words the declaration that inflexible, immovable
steadfastness is a mark of a Christian, and that this Christiansteadfastness...
Firm to the End.
...Steadfastness is one of the most important characteristics of a Christian.... And
I answer that these things are useless withoutsteadfastness....
God with Us, and we with God
... steadied here. 'At Thy right hand are pleasures for evermore'"the
steadfastness here merges into eternal delights hereafter. So...
Strong and Loving
... second's being so. If there has not been any watchfulness, it is not at
all likely that there will be muchsteadfastness. Just as...
Thesaurus
Steadfastness (15 Occurrences)...Steadfastness (15 Occurrences).
... (See RSV). 2 Timothy 3:10 But you did follow my teaching,
conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love,
steadfastness, (WEB RSV).
...Stability (6 Occurrences)
... or firmness of character, firmness of resolution or purpose; the quality opposite
to fickleness, irresolution, or inconstancy; constancy;steadfastness; as, a...
Steadfastly (19 Occurrences)
Steadily (11 Occurrences)
Unprincipled (4 Occurrences)
... 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being
carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your ownsteadfastness...
Observed (84 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV RSV). 2 Timothy 3:10 But you did follow my teaching, conduct,
purpose, faith, patience, love,steadfastness, (See RSV)....
Lystra (6 Occurrences)
... 19). On recovering, Paul left for Derbe; but soon returned again, through
Lystra, encouraging the disciples there tosteadfastness....
Lawless (16 Occurrences)
... 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being
carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your ownsteadfastness...
Timothy (28 Occurrences)
... He was anticipating that "the time of his departure was at hand" (2 Timothy 4:6),
and he exhorts his "son Timothy" to all diligence andsteadfastness, and to...
Truth (380 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Fidelity; constancy;steadfastness; faithfulness. 4. (n.) The practice
of speaking what is true; freedom from falsehood; veracity....
Resources
What does it mean to count it all joy (James 1:2)? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God use frustrations in life to awaken and/or punish us (Haggai 1:6, 9)? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Rechabites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSteadfastness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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