Text: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 (NIV) 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed… the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable… “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” … But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
When Jesus returns the government that matters most will take place.
That is what the “therefore” of verse 58 is referring to. In the light of that glorious, coming day…
I. Remember your beloved status.
“Dear” = “Beloved”
Let us not be so quick to jump to what we are supposed to do for God that we bypass what we are to Him.
Take every opportunity to internalize your beloved status. You don’t only owe it to yourself, you owe it to those around you because it will affect the quality of the love you have to share.
In Christ, our relationship with the Lord is not transactional. It is covenantal.
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
By faith in Christ, all our “doing” is for our own good. It is neither a favor to God or the reason for His favor.
II. Stand firm.
“Let nothing move you”
Don’t give up.
Don’t look elsewhere for meaning or purpose. It’s fine to have other causes but don’t forget your purpose.
III. Be all in.
“Give yourselves fully” “Always abounding in” (NASB)
“Zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:14)
“Fervent in spirit” (Romans 12:11).
May God magnify Himself in our experience of Him and in our expression of Him.
IV. Remember your work for Him is never in vain.
“Your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
It is a fact the defies appearances. It is a fact that defies results.
The encouragement, the service, the prayers you give in Jesus name… Every single movement in your life that is prompted by faith is not in vain.
We have had and continue to have a role in building His kingdom.
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