298. 1CO 15:58. CHRISTIAN CONSTANCY

1Co_15:58. Christian Constancy

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."’971Co_15:58.

The subject of this sublime chapter is the resurrection of believers to eternal life. The apostle endeavors to prove its certainty, and to exhibit its glory. And having done this, he practically applies the subject, "Therefore, my beloved brethren," &c.

Let us notice,

I. The Characters addressed.

"Beloved brethren." Now this description of believers is exceedingly interesting and appropriate.

Notice,

1. The fraternal character of believers.

They are "brethren." Possess oneness of nature. Partakers of the same spiritual and renewed nature. Have the same heavenly Father, whose image they bear, and by whose regenerating influence they have been born again, &c. Now this holy brotherhood embraces all the children of God, of every name, and in every part of the world. All believers are brethren.

Mark,

2. The affectionate character of believers.

They are "beloved" brethren. Such are the beloved of the Father, the beloved of the Son, the beloved of the Spirit, the beloved of angels, and the beloved of each other. This is the cement which unites them together, &c.

Observe,

II. The specified Course recommended.

1. Steadfastness.

"Be ye steadfast" signifies to be well grounded in our religion. Well built upon the true foundation. Col_1:23; Col_2:7; Jdg_1:22.

(1) Steadfastly maintain Christian truth "Let the word of Christ dwell in you," &c. "Buy the truth, and sell it not." "Walk in truth." "Contend earnestly for the faith."

(2) Steadfastly exhibit a Christian profession. Never swerve from a public testifying of your attachment to Christ. Never evade the cross. Not be ashamed to own Jesus, and confess him before men.

(3) Steadfastly perform the duties of practical godliness. Public, domestic, private. Towards God, towards the church, towards the world. "Walk in God’s statutes and ordinances to do them."

2. Immoveableness.

"Unmoveable." The term signifies perseverance in a course of steadfastness. Continued stability. Abiding firmness. Now we must not be moved,

(1) By the fear of man.

(2) By the wiles and attacks of the devil.

(3) By the allurements of the world.

(4) Or through the sorrows and sufferings of the Christian’s calling.

3. Abundant labor.

"Always abounding in the work of the Lord." Work of the Lord includes all the duties of life, but here it may specially signify, work connected with his kingdom feud glory. The work of diffusing his knowledge, extending his Gospel, and promoting his cause. Now we are to "abound" in this work. To be diligently, fully, constantly, and zealously employed. We must do this by prayer, by example, by our influence, &c.

Notice,

III. The powerful Motive assigned.

"Forasmuch as ye know that your labor," &c.

1. Our labor shall not be "in vain."

It may not prosper as we may wish it. To the extent we desire it. At the time we expect it. But our labor shall not be in vain,

(1) With respect to God. Who will not overlook it or despise it.

(2) With respect to others. It shall be of use either in tending to convince them, or rendering them without excuse.

(3) With respect to ourselves. Our labor shall produce spiritual profit in our own souls, and ensure a recompense at the resurrection of the just. "Let us not be weary," &c.

2. We "know that our labor shall not be in vain.

This is not a matter of doubt or peradventure; the very nature of our religion renders it certain; "godliness is profitable," &c. The word of the Lord ensures it. Our own past experience clearly establishes it.

3. Our labor shall not be in vain "in the Lord."

"In him," we only can be fruitful. His grace must give us ability. His glory must be our constant aim, and chief end. And our reward will be given to us as "heirs with Christ:" if we suffer and labor with Christ, we shall also be glorified together.

Application

1. What a stimulus to Christian duty and diligence!

2. The work of the sinner will be productive of fearful consequences in the world to come. "They that sow to the flesh," &c. "They that have done evil shall come forth," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS