## Since Jesus is Alive…

## I Cor. 15:57-58

In a few weeks we will be celebrating Easter. This is the time of year when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. What a wonderful truth to celebrate! The apostle Paul outlines the importance of the resurrection in the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians. In light of this, what should be our response? Paul tells us in v57-58.

(1 Cor 15:57-58) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. {58} Therefore, my beloved brethren, 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.

I. God Wants Us to be Steadfast.

A. The dictionary defines that as "firm in belief, determination, or adherence; loyal or faithful". B. What does that mean to us?

1. It has to do with our faithful service to God.

2. God wants us to serve Him no matter what.

3. He doesn't want us to be "on again off again" when it comes to our walk with Him.

4. He tells us to be 'steadfast'!

5. That means don't quit…don't give up!

II. God Wants Us to be Unmovable

A. This is very similar to being steadfast.

1. The difference is that this speaks more about what we are than about what we do.

2. It reminds me of the importance of being anchored.

a. While in the Navy our ship literally lost its anchor.

b. We began to drift along with the ocean currents.

c. Paul talks about being blown about with every wind of doctrine.

d. That will not happen if we are unmovable.

B. We must know what we believe and why we believe it.

1. If we believe something because that is what our church teaches, or that is what such and such pastor teaches…then we will change if they change!

2. We need to base our belief on the Word of God…because it will not change!

3. Jesus said, "He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow" and He is the Word!

III. God Wants Us to be Abounding

A. Go beyond the limits.

1. The word 'abound' means to overflow.

2. To go beyond the normal limits.

3. God doesn't want us to be mediocre Christians.

4. He wants us to shine for Him.

B. He specifically tells us here that we are to abound (or go beyond the norm) in the work of the Lord.

1. The work of the Lord is what is important.

2. It means reaching people with the simple message of God's love.

3. It means teaching others in His ways.

4. It is the most important function that we have here on this earth.

C. The promise to those who are steadfast, unmovable, and abounding?

1. The knowledge that our labor is not in vain.

2. We are not wasting our time when we invest it in the work of the Lord.

3. We may not see the immediate results of our investment, but one day we will when we reach out to Christ…

4. And He says to us, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of the Lord'.