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Author
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Topic: ALWAYS ABOUNDING
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Carol Swenson
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Member # 6929
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posted
Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians
Because of these promises—of future resurrection, of living eternally in the kingdom, of preparation for that kingdom with new bodies that will be fashioned by God himself—believers have motivation and responsibilities for life now lived in their perishable bodies. The time on earth is valuable—we have much work to do for the kingdom. Others must be invited to join; believers must be taught to grow in the Lord. Because of the promise of the future, life is not meant to be spent as a self-indulgent party, where people “eat, drink, and be merry.” Every job done for the Lord is not in vain. It is not a fruitless exercise that ends in death like everything else. Work in the Lord will result in taking part in the great promises and rewards of God’s kingdom. So believers should be steadfast in their faith, not wavering or doubting; they should be immovable, not listening to the whims of false teachers but standing firm; and always excelling in the work of the Lord, serving him to the utmost, knowing that great reward awaits.
Keep On
Because of the resurrection, nothing believers do for the Lord is in vain. Sometimes we hesitate to do good because we don’t see any results. But if we can maintain a heavenly perspective, we will understand that we often will not see the good that comes from our efforts. If we truly believe that Christ has won the ultimate victory, that belief must affect the way we live right now. Don’t let discouragement over an apparent lack of results keep you from working. Do the good that you have opportunity to do, knowing that your work will have eternal results.
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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WildB
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Member # 2917
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posted
by Cornelius R. Stam
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I Cor. 15:58).
We should note carefully that the Apostle Paul here addresses only his brethren in Christ, those who have truly been born again -- born into the family of God.
Furthermore, he sent this appeal to Christians everywhere: to "all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (I Cor. 1:2). He knew that there is a tendency among all believers to be tempted to abandon the work of the Lord through discouragement or carelessness, so he pleads with us to be "stedfast" and "unmoveable," reminding us that our labor is "not in vain in the Lord."
How we need this exhortation! We do not soon abandon our businesses or homes. We toil on in spite of difficulties and obstacles, and when the outlook is darkest we often work the hardest. Sometimes our bodies suffer for it, but we do not immediately give up.
And how much more urgent is the work of the Lord! Souls are perishing all about us for whom Christ died. It is our plain duty to pray for them and tell them of His love. It is our responsibility to toil and sacrifice that they may hear and believe the good news. What shall we say when some day we stand before our Savior if we have been satisfied merely to know Him ourselves? And what will He say?
Let us then be up and doing, "always abounding in the work of the Lord." Life is too short to fritter away the precious moments God has given us to proclaim His saving grace. Let us tell them, then, by lip and by life, by our testimony and by our behavior, that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" and that "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).
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That is all.....
Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004
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