This Sunday we will come together to
remember the Lord’s life, death, resurrection as well as what those three
things means to each of us. While we celebrate the
resurrection of the Savior every Lord's Day, this Sunday is one where many
might be even more focused on it (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Paul has a lot to
say about the subject in 1 Corinthians 15. Within what is sometimes referred to
as “The Resurrection Chapter” one would find:
·
Paul
speaking of the gospel, what it is, and proof of the Lord’s resurrection (v.
1-11).
·
Seven
implications which would be true if there were no resurrection (v. 12-19).
·
The
Results of Christ’s Resurrection (v. 20-28).
·
More
evidence concerning the resurrection (v. 29-34).
·
The
nature of the resurrected body (v. 25-49).
·
The
great resurrection (v. 50-58).
Verse 58 is the conclusion to the entire
chapter. It is here that Paul encourages the Christians at Corinth (and
ultimately all Christians) to “…be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in
the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in
the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
They were to be “steadfast and unmoveable.” Both
of these words give the idea of remaining grounded and firmly planted in
position. It does not mean that one should not move forward as a Christian but
if that not in the position to do so he is not to move backwards (Luke 9:62).
They also give the idea of not giving up. This would have been a problem for
those who said there was no resurrection of the dead (v. 12). How easy would it
be if there was no resurrection?
They were to be “always abounding in the work of
the Lord.” They were to “always overflow” with the work of the Lord. Why? Our
labor in the Lord is not in vain. If one is a faithful Christian and death
comes to overtake him, then the Lord will gladly look upon his work and reward
him (Heb. 6:10).
This Sunday (and every day that follows) keep
the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection in mind. Remember that through his
death and resurrection the faithful Christian will also be resurrected (Heb.
2:14-15). Please do not forget the responsibility that Christians have in
response to these great facts.
