Stand firm. Let nothing move you!

READ: Isaiah 17,18; Psalms 71; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15: 58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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.

OBSERVATION: In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul first explains that Christ’s resurrection is fundamental to the Christian faith. Secondly, he says about the resurrection of the dead. Thirdly, Paul speaks about the resurrection of the body. The resurrection of Christ gives us hope for our future and assurance for our eternal life. In Christ, we have hope for eternity and hope of resurrection. The Bible calls it “the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). In verse 57, Paul reminds us that we are victorious through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ’s victory is ours.

Paul’s connective word “therefore” refers to all the preceding 57 verses that he wrote about the resurrection matter. With that in mind, he encourages believers to stand firm and be bold. Whatever we do for the Lord never goes in vain. The Lord blesses our efforts and desires that we want to do for him and make us victorious. We need to be faithful in doing what the Lord entrusted us. At times, we may be disappointed when we see no apparent result of our work. However, we should not lose our enthusiasm to work for the Lord or make any half-hearted efforts. We must pay our undivided attention to the work of the Lord. When Christ comes, we will receive our reward, the crown that God has prepared for us. God is not unjust to forget our work and love. Notice: Paul says about the certainty of our resurrection. However,  he does not mention when it would happen. Instead, Paul prepares the mind of believers for their resurrection (v.51,52). Further, he encourages them to be determined in their work for the Lord. Therefore, we should give our 100% effort and energy to the work of the Lord.

APPLICATION: My life does not end with the earth. I will inherit the Kingdom of God and will live with God in eternity. Jesus Christ gives me victory over the law of sin and death. My work and efforts for the Kingdom of God are not useless. I will do everything for the glory of the Lord.

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for the hope of glory you have given to me. Lord Jesus, help me to give my best to God’s work and his Kingdom. Holy Spirit, help me be steadfast and strong in the Lord and the work I do for him. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day - 253