One Big Thing

I. Introduction

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (NIV)

Perishable vs. imperishable. Our bodies are perishable like a tomato. That’s what the “Therefore” in verse 58 is referring to.
We can’t take anything with us from this life. “THEREFORE…” (Keeping in view that we won’t always be here)

Verse 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.”
Let’s consider this passage as it relates to your work.

Main Idea: The One Big Thing is 1 Corinthians 15:58.

I. Stand firm. Let nothing move you.
The exhortation begins with an assumption that we will face opposition in the workplace.
There is a sense of nobility, a sense of godliness in the virtue of perseverance.
Let nothing move you means don’t let people or circumstances at work overwhelm you to the point of being discouraged, disconnected or defeated.
Don’t let workplace drama make you think less of yourself than God thinks of you.

II. Give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.
This is an exhortation for each of us, whatever our occupation or vocation, to view whatever we do as the work of the Lord.
Most verses that apply in the church can also apply to the workplace. Eph 5:19 – “Singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.”
2 Cor 2:14 – God manifests the knowledge of Him in every place.”
• Jesus met Peter in his work environment to give him a greater vision of Himself. He wants to use our workdays in the same way. Our jobs may be secular but our approach to them should always be spiritual. That means…
Not just doing the job right, but doing the right job. What is the right job?
• 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:28-29 (NIV).

This involves…

Performing our work in consultation with Him
Lord what are Your objectives for me here through the performance of my job duties?
Nehemiah: “The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king…” (Nehemiah 2:4-5). “Help me, Lord. Amen.”

Each prayer’s is determined not by its length or eloquence but by the faith and sincerity that launches it.

Performing our work with reliance upon Him
• Relying upon Him for challenging tasks and relationships that affect our hearts and disposition. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray at all times.

Performing our work consistent with God-approved values.
• The value that is above all others is love. Romans 13:9 “If there is any commandment it is summed up in this love your neighbor as yourself.” And 1 Corinthians 16:14 to “let all that we do be done in love.”

Thanking Him for His support.

It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to be perfect.
• If things don’t work out on your job for you in your present job, consider the change a reassignment from God. He won’t discard you or set you out with the trash no matter how your job turns out. “Never” really means “Never” to Him.

III. “Knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
The Message translation, “nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.”

Sometimes, we won’t get the results we desire. Still our work in the Lord is not in vain because the Lord doesn’t weigh “results and “outcomes”;” He weighs hearts and motives.
• 1 Kings 8:18 – David got credit for building the Temple, even though Solomon built it.

It’s not in vain because what we become as we pursue godly objectives is far more important than what we achieve. And what we become is more experientially knowledgeable about the Lord. We get to know Him better.

–And it’s not in vain because of James 5:11 (NIV) As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.