"Abounding In The Work"
(1 Corinthians 15:58)
Introduction:
1. I remember Robert Jackson saying, "Some years ago I started closing every meeting I held by reading 1 Cor. 15:58." It occurred to me, why not a lesson on text?
2. The key theme of 1Corinthians is "God's Wisdom"
3. One has titled 1Cor. 15 "Be Wise About The Resurrection" (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Wiersbe, Vol. 1, p 617)
I. "Therefore My Beloved Brethren"
A. "Therefore" Because of these things...
1. The practical conclusion based on facts of the resurrection
2. Since death is not your END-you will live on in future state
B. "Beloved brethren"
1. Beloved-term of endearment to express the closeness and love should be between Christians
a. Paul's tender affection (1Thess. 1:1-4)
b. James used (Js. 1:16, 19; 2:5)
c. Paul to the Romans (Rom. 12:19; 16:5, 8)
2. Brethren-believers-common faith and practice- FAMILY-bond
II. "...Be Steadfast and Immovable"
A. It isn't and option-he didn't say..."why don't you" Had their best interests at heart in these things
B. Steadfast
1. "...to have a fixed purpose in life." (Zerr)
2. So many have no purpose, drift from one thing to another
3. Opposite of steadfast is depicted in Eph. 4:14
C. Immovable
1. "...to be determined not to be moved from that purpose." (Zerr)
2. "...in their expectation of being raised incorruptible and immoral." (Henry)
a. HOPE=desire + expectation
b. FULL ASSURANCE (Heb. 10:19-23)
D. Be moved not away from the hope of the gospel(Col. 1:21-23).
III. "...Always Abounding..."
A. "Always"-It isn't a part-time job-not just show up occasionally to warm a pew
B. "Abounding" (perisseuo) "to be preeminent, to excel" (Thayer)
C. What is involved in "abounding"?
1. Giving "beyond our ability" (2Cor. 8:1-4)
2. In faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, love (2 Cor. 8:5-9)
3. In hope by the power of the H.S. (Rom. 15:13)
4. Consolation through Christ (2Cor. 5:1)
5. How you ought to walk (1Thess. 4:1)
6. The qualities of 2Pet. 1:5-8
IV. "...In The Work Of The Lord"
A. We use the phrase "the work" to refer to the activities of a local church. Why do you think we use that word WORK-it doesn't just take care of itself-we must roll up our sleeves and expend EFFORT! (Js. 1:25)
B. "Work" (ergo) "work, employment, task" (W.E.Vine)
C. What is included in this work?
1. That which men have been "separated" to do (Acts 13:2; 2Tim. 4:5)
2. Contention over matters of judgement concernig "the work" may cause "parting of ways" for awhile (Acts 15:36-40) but no ill will (1Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:9)
3. Those converted to the Lord (1Cor. 9:1)
4. Work of ministry ("serving")(Eph. 4:12)
5. Not just any "work" we might devise
D. For it to be the work of the Lord must make sure all things are made "according to the pattern" (Heb. 8:5; Rom. 10:1-3; Col. 3:17)
E. At County Line Road, at Prairie Hills, ...
V. "Forasmuch as ye know your labor is not in vain"
A. Some things we invest our time and effort in here may fail us.
B. Equipment breaks down, people we place our trust in disappoint us.
C. Not so with the Lord
E. We will reap in accordance with how we sow-if our concern here is only for that which is perishable, then in like manner will we be rewarded (Gal. 6:7- 9; F. "Crown of righteousness" is the reward for labor in the Lord (2Tim. 4:6; Rev. 2:10)
VI. "In The Lord"
A. Work outside of what the Lord has authorized is like building a house on sand-it will not stand (Mt. 7:24-27)
B. Life compared to the Olympic games by Paul often- run race set before us (Heb. 12:1)
C. Must run on specified track-one running faster but runs on outside won't win prize(2Tim. 2:5)
D. Enter through baptism (Gal.3:26-27; Rom. 6:3-4)
Conclusion:
1. As we consider the Lord's work in St. Joseph, Mo in 1994 and beyond, let us remember the words of Jesus, "Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (Jn. 4:35)
1. If we have the right attitude for one another ...
2. If we remain firm until the end ...
Author Unknown
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