THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE:
William Carey, the “father of modern missions,” wanted to translate the Bible into as many Indian languages as possible. He established a large print-shop in Serampore where translation work was continually being done. Carey spent hours each day translating Scripture, often while his insane wife ranted and raved in the next room. Then one night his print shop, where the Bibles were being printed, burned to the ground. Yet Carey persevered , and went forward and accomplished his goal. The secret of Carey’s success is found in his steadfast determination. He once wrote: “There are grave difficulties on every hand, and more are looming ahead. Therefore we must go forward.” (Source Unknown).
Paul’s doctrinal declarations led to practical directives and this chapter’s conclusion was no exception. We will be given new bodies when Christ returns and these bodies will be without disabilities (vv. 52-53). This means that death should no longer be a source of fear for the Christian, but a time of anticipation. Death has been defeated and we have hope beyond the grave (vv. 54-56).
In verse 58, Paul says that because of the Resurrection, nothing we do is in vain. No man can take credit for this victory. It comes through our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 57). Because of it, we should be "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." We can be sure that one day we will share in the glory of His resurrection.
1. To be steadfast means to be consistent. You do not have to be flashy, but the Lord expects faithful obedience to the tasks and relationships He has called us to minister through.
2. To be unmoveable. Often we think that we cannot bend or we will break. Unmoveable does not necessarily mean legalistic, brittle or unbending, but to be unshakable, and unbreakable.
3. To be abounding is to give yourself fully to the work of the Lord. We are not to grow weary in well doing, but to be stretchable and extremely flexible.
APPLICATION:
Sometimes I hesitate to do good because I don’t see any immediate results. I just need to keep in mind that nothing I do is in vain (v. 58). Victory is mine through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
