August 17, 2024 -- I Corinthians 15:58 -- Confident in Jesus and His resurrection power

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:58 ESV

There is a pithy phrase related to the word therefore. Here is it. Whenever you read a therefore in the Bible you have to ask what was written there before. Okay, here is what was written there before this morning's text. Paul had just given the Corinthians a lengthy explanation that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ death no longer has any power over the believer. The Christian who lives has been clothed with the strength of Christ and the Christian who dies puts off what is perishable, what can die, and puts on that which is imperishable, a body that is glorious and will never die. Believers have the victory through the Lord Jesus Christ. That is victory over sin, having been united with Christ in a death like His, united with Jesus through baptism. Victory over fear, because the Spirit of God lives in all believers. Victory over sin, because the Spirit of God gives everything needed for life and godliness.

So, believers are steadfast, that is steady, firm in their life's purpose, which is to obey Jesus. Immoveable, can’t be shaken from the confidence that is theirs in Christ. His work at the cross means sins have been punished on the Person of Jesus and His perfect righteousness is credited to believers. Though the whole world is increasingly godless, the Christian does not despair, for the eyes of faith see Jesus, enthroned in glory, He Who having opened up the way to Himself through suffering, death and the grave will bring His people to Himself in glory. Believers will rise with Him. So, what can people or governments do to harm the Christian or what person or circumstance could knock him from the grip of God’s grace? (Nothing. No one!)

Christians do not compromise their work or try to fit in with the world. Why? Well, whatever the world might do in response to the bold witness of the Christian: jail, beating, financial costs, mocking, or anything else you can think of, pales in comparison to the glorious future that is in store for believers. For the believer the attachment is not to the world, that is, to success according to its standards, power, money, big houses, or a trophy wife or husband nor anything else. The highest devotion of the Christian is fixed onto, anchored in Jesus Christ and the fullness of life and purpose that can only be found in Him. He is the deepest desire of the Christian heart.

Even if all your efforts seem, in the eyes of the world to fail and fall to the ground, the Lord sees. Even if you are deemed a failure according to the moving-target of a standard of the world (where what is right one day is ridiculed as wrong the next and forgotten the day after) the Lord’s holy purposes are accomplished whenever a believer serves God. Now, go and serve Jesus, no matter the cost here, for your reward is in heaven, guarded and kept safe for you by the power of the Spirit Who lives in you.

Father in heaven by the power of Your Spirit open our eyes so that by faith we see all that is ours in Christ. Spirit of the Living God, tear down every fear of man that grips us so that in strength of the new life and gift of godliness that You bring we can serve Jesus steadfast, immovable, abounding in hope as we serve Him. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Z32HiCoFzlU?si=Wlr8DPASriRgUizX “Build My Life” Pat Barrett

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