InstaStudy

The Divine Postures: Set, Sit, Sat, and Standing

This study explores the profound spiritual significance of being "set," "sitting," "having sat," and "standing" in the scriptures, revealing God's eternal purpose, Christ's completed work, and the believer's position and posture in faith.

1. The Divine Establishment and Purpose (Set)

1.1 God's Eternal Decree and Foundation

Verses: Isaiah 44:7; Psalm 119:89-90; Proverbs 8:27-29
  • God alone established the heavens and the earth, setting all things in order by His singular power.
  • His word is eternally settled in heaven, forming the unshakeable foundation of all truth.
  • Before creation, God's wisdom was present, setting boundaries and establishing His divine plan.

1.2 Christ Set Apart for Redemption

Verses: John 10:36; Hebrews 1:2; Acts 2:22-24
  • The Father (God Himself) sanctified and sent Jesus into the world, setting Him apart for His redemptive mission.
  • Through Jesus, God appointed all things, revealing His ultimate plan for humanity.
  • Jesus was a man approved by God, set forth by divine counsel to accomplish salvation through His life, death, and resurrection.

1.3 The Church Set as a Holy Habitation

Verses: Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 12:18; 1 Peter 2:5
  • Believers are built together into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God's Spirit.
  • God has sovereignly placed each member in the body of Christ as it pleased Him.
  • We are living stones, set into a spiritual house, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.

2. Christ's Authority and Completed Work (Sit/Sat)

2.1 Christ Seated in Supreme Authority

Verses: Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:20-22; Colossians 3:1
  • After purifying sins, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, signifying His ultimate authority and completed work.
  • God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority.
  • Our focus should be on Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, where all power resides.

2.2 The Finished Work of Atonement

Verses: Hebrews 10:11-14; John 19:30; Romans 6:10
  • Unlike the priests who continually offered sacrifices, Christ offered one sacrifice for sins forever, then sat down.
  • His declaration "It is finished" on the cross marked the completion of His redemptive work.
  • By His death, Christ died to sin once for all, securing eternal redemption for those who believe.

2.3 Christ's Reign and Intercession

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:25; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25
  • Christ must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
  • He is at the right hand of God, interceding for us, continually presenting our needs before the Father.
  • Because He lives forever, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, always interceding for them.

3. The Believer's Position of Rest and Authority (Sit)

3.1 Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places

Verses: Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12; Hebrews 4:9-10
  • God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms, signifying our new spiritual position.
  • Through faith in God's power, we are spiritually united with Christ in His resurrection and ascension.
  • There remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God, where we cease from our own works as God did from His.

3.2 Resting in God's Promises

Verses: Psalm 37:7; Matthew 11:28-29; Philippians 4:6-7
  • We are called to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, trusting in His unfailing faithfulness.
  • Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls.
  • By casting our anxieties on God through prayer, we experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.

3.3 Exercising Spiritual Authority

Verses: Luke 10:19; Matthew 16:19; Ephesians 6:10-11
  • Believers have been given authority over all the power of the enemy.
  • The keys of the kingdom are given to the church, empowering us to bind and loose on earth.
  • We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, standing against spiritual forces.

4. Standing Firm in Faith and Service (Standing)

4.1 Standing Against Spiritual Adversaries

Verses: Ephesians 6:13-14; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7
  • We must put on the full armor of God to be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
  • Be sober and vigilant, resisting the devil, knowing that he will flee from you.
  • Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

4.2 Standing in God's Grace and Truth

Verses: Romans 5:2; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Through Christ, we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
  • Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
  • Study to show yourself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth.

4.3 Standing Ready for Service and His Return

Verses: Luke 12:35-37; Matthew 24:42-44; Philippians 1:27
  • Be dressed in readiness and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master.
  • We must always be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour when we do not expect Him.
  • Live your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing firm in one spirit.