IBS 1 Corinthians 15:58 (9-9-14)

Inductive Bible Study for 1 Corinthians 15:58 (9-9-14)

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of The Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in The Lord."

This is Paul speaking to and encouraging the church of Corinth. These brothers and sisters are very dear to him and he loves them. So what is the "therefore" there for? Earlier in the chapter, Paul talks about about who can and cannot inherit the kingdom of God, what will happen when we are raised with Christ and how death and hell will have no sting or victory. He also says that God gives us the victory through His Son, Jesus Christ. We will be changed in the twinkling of an eye and become immortal. We won't be dead, but asleep and then when the trumpet sounds we will be raised in new bodies.

This verse I'm doing the study on is basically an encouragement to press on - even when life sucks and is hard, Paul is encouraging believers to look forward to the time when we will be raised and have changed bodies. We are to be steadfast - which means to be fixed in direction, firm in purpose and unwavering in faith. It's to be focused on what The Lord has for me instead of distracted by the cares of this world. We are to be immovable - which means to be incapable of being influenced and unyielding in ones opinion. Tyrant can also be  used here, but this is only for when someone is emotionless and stubborn. We should never be emotionless or stubborn - that completely defeats the purpose of letting God change our hearts.

We are to always be abounding in the work of The Lord. We are to be continually being filled by the Spirit and allowing Him to use us to complete the work He has prepared beforehand. We are also to know that our labor is not in vain in The Lord. I think it's really important to notice that Paul doesn't just leave the thought at "knowing that your labor is not in vain" - he adds at the end "in The Lord". Our labor can absolutely be in vain if our hearts are not in the right place! Earlier in this book (3:14-15), Paul talks about the different works done. Some works are built on a foundation which lasts (works done for the sole purpose of glorifying God) - and though some works are burned up (works done for praise, to be noticed, etc.) and the person suffers loss, they are still saved as through fire.

I'm going to write "all for the glory of God" on my hand to remember how important it is to rely on God for strength, ask the Spirit to fill me and do all for the sole purpose of pointing to Christ.