"Your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58
A TRIUMPHANT CONCLUSION
Paul devoted much time and effort in defending the doctrine of the Resurrection. Masterfully, he clearly outlined the importance and the significance of this doctrine. He ended his teaching on a very triumphant note.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be steadfast, immoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
1. “Therefore, my beloved brethren”
a) Paul had to address many problems that undermined the steadfastness of the Corinthians.
b) He had painstakingly sought to:
i) Clarify
ii) Correct
iii) State and defend the doctrine of the resurrection astutely.
2. If there is a proper and accurate understanding of the doctrine
a) There should be steadfastness.
b) The Corinthians should be immoveable.
i) They should remain resolute.
ii) Aberrations of the doctrine should not cause them to be perturbed.
3. “Always abounding in the work of the Lord”
a) When doctrines are not well-understood faith and life may be adversely affected.
This in turn will affect the quality of the work done for the Lord.
b) But when one has a correct and full understanding of the doctrine of the resurrection:
i) One is unafraid of suffering and death.
ii) Nothing needs to deter one’s commitment to serve the Lord.
iii) It is possible to abound in the work of the Lord all the time.
c) Paul was a great example
i) He was not afraid of suffering.
ii) He was not afraid to die for the sake of the Lord.
4. “Knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”
a) A deep knowledge of the doctrine of the resurrection will stand us in good stead.
b) We labour for the Lord with all our heart because of our faith in Him.
c) We know that this labour for the Lord will never be in vain!