Description:

Our purpose in this study is to identify the difference between a heart dedicated to God and one dedicated to self. Based on the Word of God, we all start out as sinful. As David said in Psalm 51:5, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

Message from Marsh: “May your personal walk with the Lord lead you to be transformed, renewed, and blessed.”

Marsh

Founder/President

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Men and Matters of the Heart

LESSON 5 – The Steadfast Heart
Courageous, Resolute, Confident, Persistent, Fearless

(www.mensgroup.org – “Original Study”)

Lesson Focus: We will view the difference between a steadfast heart and a failing heart and use several synonyms to expand our understating of “steadfast.”

“Blessing on those who are steadfast when facing issues in their family, their finances, their health, their relationships, and trust in God to carry them through.” – C. Marsh Bull.

Starting Prayer: Father God, we know that in all things you work out good for those who love you. We know that you are on our side and that your grace is sufficient in our life. Help us to understand and act on what it means to have a steadfast heart.

Opening Questions:

1.      Share about a time when you were very discouraged, and how you dealt with it.

2.      How has your life grown because of past hard times?

Scripture Passage:

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. (Psalm 57:7)

Phrase Explanation:

Who have you known that seemed to never be discouraged in a time of great trouble? Winston Churchill was this type of man. He survived many years of failure to finally hold the office of Prime Minister of England during World War II. He had a good stubbornness about him and was firmly determined not to give up. He showed his grit, guts, and courage in the following statements:

  • “Never, never, never give up.”

  • “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

  • “You have enemies? Good. It means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

  • “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak, it’s also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

  • “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.”

  • “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”

For the believer, courage, resoluteness, and confidence are all evidence of a steadfast heart. It is a heart that is firmly planted in faith and trust in God. It is a heart that exudes confidence and why not, our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always by our side. To repurpose words of Marvin Gaye’s song, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” to words of God’s promise to be there for you, “ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you.” There is not a day that God is on vacation, has a hearing problem, or hangs out a do not disturb sign.

The believer rooted in God says:

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:6-7)

Steadfast means they are confident, fearless, firm, persistent, courageous, and resolute.

The opposite of steadfast is revealed in a failing heart. It has given up and given in to the pressures around them. The psalmist found himself in that position when he said:

For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head and my heart fails within me.” (Psalm 40:12)

He is overwhelmed with many troubles, fearful, discouraged, and weak.

He cannot say as the steadfast person says:

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26)

Being steadfast is a condition of the heart that expresses itself through the daily action of deeply trusting in the God of the universe.

Discussion Questions:

1.      In your life, who is your example of a steadfast person?

2.      When you read about being steadfast, how much do you see yourself there?

Application:

1.      In what specific ways are you steadfast in your life?

2.      What needs to be addressed in your life to make you more steadfast?

3.      What would be your first step in that direction?

Closing Prayer: Father God, we are amazed at your word and how it challenges us to a steadfast heart. We know this is a crucial element to living a life dedicated to God. All around us, the world is vying for our attention, but we want to be steadfast in our faith in you.

 

Suggested Additional Resources:

Similar or opposite verses about steadfast: Psalm 51:10; 57:7; 108:1; 112:7; Isaiah 26:3;1 Peter 5:10; 2 Chronicles 27:6.

Continue to Lesson 6 – The Upright Heart – Recognizing Sin, Savior, and Salvation

Or use these links to navigate to various parts of this study:

Intro | Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | Lesson 3 | Lesson 4 | Lesson 5 | Lesson 6

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