"Firm and Constant in the Work of the Lord: An Eternal Calling"
⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Coríntios 15:58
Our faith is rooted in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to be firm and constant in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Today, we delve into the encouraging words of 1 Corinthians 15:58 to understand the significance of our unwavering commitment to Christ's work.
Paul said, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
- 1. “Be ye steadfast” mean be “faithful, consistent.”
- 2. “Unmovable” means to be “convicted, loyal, unwavering.”2
- 3. “Always” means be “continuing, never ceasing.”
- 4 “Abounding” means to be “overflowing.”
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I. "Be steadfast and immovable" (1 Corinthians 15:58a)
The apostle Paul urges us to be "steadfast and immovable." In a world marked by change and uncertainty, our faith in Christ must remain unwavering. This steadfastness is not a result of our own strength but of our trust in the unchanging nature of our Lord.
II. "Always Dedicated to the Work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58b)
Our commitment to the Lord's work should be continuous and unwavering. Regardless of life's trials and tribulations, we must remain dedicated to His service. Our efforts in His name have eternal significance and impact lives for His glory.
Paul now adds two participial clauses (abounding… knowing) to specify what should accompany steadfastness and immovability. The point is that the saints were not only to be firm and immovable in regard to the doctrinal truths regarding the resurrection, butwere also to be fruitful in the field in which the Lord had placed them.
III. "You know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58c)
The promise that our labor in the Lord is not in vain is a source of encouragement. Everything we do for the cause of Christ has lasting significance in God's eternal plan. Our service, no matter how small it may seem, has eternal consequences.
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IV. Be firm for Christ has conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)
In the preceding verses, Paul proclaims the victory over death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of this triumph, we have hope, and our work for the Lord gains its ultimate purpose. We can be firm and constant in our service because He has conquered death, assuring us of eternal life.
It will result in our salvation. Those who labor in the Lord will enjoy eternal life.
- a. They will be raised from the dead. (Jn. 5:28, 29; 6:40; 11:25).
- b. They will be raised with an incorruptible body. (1 Cor. 15:53).
- c. They will bear the image of Christ. (1 Cor. 15:49; Phil. 3:21).
- d. They will ascend to meet Jesus in the air. (1 Thess. 4:17).
- e. They will spend eternity with God in heaven. (Rev. 22:5).
- Sermon on Waiting upon the Lord: Living in Hope
- Sermon on The Seven Last Words from the Cross
- Sermon on Looking into Jesus: The Source of Our Faith
Conclusion:
The call to be firm and constant in the work of the Lord is a divine mandate that transcends time and circumstances. Our efforts have eternal value because we serve a risen and victorious Savior. As we remain steadfast and immovable, we demonstrate the enduring power of our faith in Christ.
May we be encouraged by the promise that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Let us embrace our calling with unwavering dedication, knowing that our service contributes to God's eternal kingdom. In the end, our faithfulness brings honor and glory to the One who conquered death on our behalf.
