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I. WHAT IT IS. Confirmation in the grace we have received. It must be distinguished —

1. With respect to the power wherewith we are assisted. There is —

(1) Habitual confirmation, when habits of grace are more settled and increased.

(a)  Faith: for we stand by faith (Romans 11:20; 1 Peter 1:5: Luke 22:32).

(b)  Love (Song of Solomon 8:6, 7).

(c)  Hope (Hebrews 6:19).

(2) Actual establishment, when these habits are fortified and quickened by the actual influence, of God; otherwise neither stability of resolutions (Psalm 73:2), nor of gracious habits (Revelation 3:2) will support us.

2. With respect to the matter about which it is conversant — stability.

(1) In the doctrine of faith (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Jeremiah 6:16). We ought to be well settled lest our fluctuating opinions breed unbelief in others and shame to ourselves. Yet while we cry up constancy we must not cherish prejudice which shuts the door on the light.

(2) In every good work, or holiness of life. Here the greatest establishment is needed. It is ill when the mind is tainted, but worse when the heart is alienated (1 Thessalonians 3:13). This is difficult.

(a) Because of the contrariety of the principles that are within us (Galatians 5:17). The garrison is not free from danger that has an enemy lodged within.

(b) Because it is more hard to continue in conversion than to be converted. The latter is more passive, the former active.

3. With respect to the subject in which it is seated: the soul with its faculties.

(1) The mind is established when we have a clear, certain, and full apprehension of the truth of the gospel (Colossians 2:2).

(2) The will is established when it is firmly and thoroughly resolved for God against sin (Acts 11:23; Psalm 27:4; 1 Peter 4:1).

(3) The affections are established when they stir us up to do what the mind is convinced of, and the will resolved upon as to the necessary duties in order to eternal happiness (Psalm 119:32).

(a)  Love fills us with delight (Psalm 40:8; 1 John 5:3; Psalm 112:1).

(b)  Hope bears us up (Hebrews 3:6).

4. With respect to the uses which it serves.

(1) Doing the will of God with delight, cheerfulness, and constancy (Ephesians 3:16).

(2) Bearing afflictions with honour to God and safety to ourselves (Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:11).

(3) Withstanding temptations (Ephesians 6:10).

5. With respect to the degree, it is such a strengthening of the soul as prevents not only our fall but our shaking (1 Corinthians 15:28; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 1:23).

II. HOW NEEDFUL IT IS.

1. Man at best is but a creature. As providence is a continual creation, so stablishing grace is the continuance of the new creation (2 Corinthians 1:21).

2. The indisposition of our natures.

(1) To every good word. The truths of the gospel are supernatural and must be settled and preserved by Divine power (Ephesians 2:8).

(2) To every good work (Jeremiah 14:10; Psalm 95:10).

3. In regard of those oppositions that are made against us after conversion. Satan pursues us ever (Colossians 1:13, cf. 1 John 4:4); therefore there must be the same power to stablish us in grace that first brought us into a state of grace.

4. The saints miscarry when God withdraws His supporting grace, as Peter, David, etc. (Psalm 51; 2 Chronicles 32:31).

III. WHY IT IS TO BE SOUGHT OF GOD.

1. He only is able (Romans 16:25; Jude 1:24; 2 Timothy 1:12).

2. He is willing (2 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:17, 18).

3. He has promised (Psalm 73:23).

4. This is the experience of saints (Psalm 94:18).Conclusion: Look up to God for establishment.

1. When you begin to decline and grow indifferent in the practice of godliness. If grace be weak, you must get it strengthened (Psalm 17:5; Psalm 119:133).

2. In unsettled times when we are full of fears, and think we shall never hold out (Psalm 16:8).

(T. Manton, D. D.)

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KJV: Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

WEB: comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.