BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVEABLE, AND ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN GOD’S WORK

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Introduction

First Corinthians 15 is the great resurrection chapter of the Bible. Paul proves the resurrection of Christ, the future resurrection of believers, and the ultimate victory over death. Because these truths are certain, believers are commanded to live in a particular way: they are to be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.

The certainty of the resurrection should produce stability, perseverance, and diligence in Christian service.

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I. BE STEADFAST

Meaning of “Steadfast”

The word “steadfast” means firm, fixed, settled, unwavering, and firmly established. The Greek word carries the idea of being seated firmly and not easily moved from one’s position.

A steadfast Christian is one who remains faithful regardless of circumstances.

A. Remains Faithful to the Truth

A steadfast believer does not change doctrine because of popular opinion.

Colossians 1:23

“Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.”

B. Remains Faithful During Trials

Difficulties do not cause him to quit serving God.

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation…”

C. Remains Faithful in Christian Service

He continues working for the Lord even when results seem small.

Galatians 6:9

“And let us not be weary in well doing…”

D. Remains Faithful Because of the Resurrection

The context of 1 Corinthians 15 is the resurrection of Christ and believers. Since our labor is not in vain, we should not quit.

Application

Be steadfast:

• In your faith (Colossians 1:23)
• In your doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13)
• In your hope (Hebrews 10:23)
• In your service (Galatians 6:9)

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II. BE UNMOVEABLE

The Difference Between Steadfast and Unmoveable

• Steadfast refers to being firm inwardly—settled in faith and conviction.
• Unmoveable refers to being firm outwardly—not being pushed away from truth by opposition, persecution, false teaching, or discouragement.

Illustration

A tree with deep roots during a storm is steadfast because it is firmly rooted. When strong winds blow against it and it remains standing, it is unmoveable.

The Need of Being Unmoveable

An unmoveable Christian remains firm in faith, doctrine, conviction, and service regardless of pressures and opposition.

A. Because False Teachers Seek to Move Us

Ephesians 4:14

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…”

Colossians 2:8

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit…”

An unmoveable believer is grounded in Scripture rather than human opinions.

B. Because Trials and Afflictions Can Move Us

1 Thessalonians 3:3

“That no man should be moved by these afflictions…”

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation…”

C. Because Worldly Influences Seek to Draw Us Away

Romans 12:2

“And be not conformed to this world…”

1 John 2:15

“Love not the world…”

D. Because Satan Seeks to Overthrow God’s People

1 Peter 5:8-9

“Be sober, be vigilant… whom resist stedfast in the faith.”

Ephesians 6:11

“Put on the whole armour of God…”

E. Because the Work of the Lord Requires Perseverance

Galatians 6:9

“And let us not be weary in well doing…”

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course…”

F. Because the Resurrection Guarantees Our Labor Is Not in Vain

1 Corinthians 15:58

“…forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Application

Be unmoveable:

• In doctrine against error
• In faith during trials
• In convictions against worldly pressure
• In spiritual warfare against Satan
• In service despite discouragement
• In hope because of the resurrection

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III. ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD

Meaning of “Abounding”

The word “abounding” means to overflow, exceed, increase, and go beyond the ordinary measure.

Paul is not merely telling believers to do the Lord’s work, but to do it abundantly, enthusiastically, diligently, and continually. The idea is not just participation but excelling in the Lord’s work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you…”

Philippians 1:9

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more…”

Just as grace and love can abound, believers are to abound in the work of the Lord.

What Is the Work of the Lord?

A. The Work of Evangelism

Sharing the gospel with the lost.

Mark 16:15

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Acts 5:42

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

B. The Work of Teaching God’s Word

Helping believers grow in faith.

Matthew 28:19-20

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”

2 Timothy 2:2

“The same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

C. The Work of Serving in the Church

Using our gifts and abilities for God’s glory.

Romans 12:11

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”

1 Peter 4:10

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.”

D. The Work of Building Up Believers

Encouraging and strengthening fellow Christians.

Hebrews 10:24

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”

Galatians 6:2

“Bear ye one another’s burdens.”

Characteristics of Abounding Christians

1. They Do More Than the Minimum

Colossians 3:23

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.”

2. They Continue Even When Discouraged

Galatians 6:9

“And let us not be weary in well doing…”

3. They Increase in Service

2 Peter 3:18

“But grow in grace…”

4. They Serve with Enthusiasm

Romans 12:8

“…he that ruleth, with diligence…”

Why Should We Abound?

Because Christ Is Risen

The command follows Paul’s great chapter on the resurrection.

Because Our Labor Is Not in Vain

1 Corinthians 15:58

“…forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Every sermon preached, soul witnessed to, prayer offered, lesson taught, sacrifice made, and act of service rendered for Christ has eternal value.

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Conclusion

Because Christ is risen and our labor is not in vain:

• A steadfast believer is firmly rooted.
• An unmoveable believer refuses to be displaced.
• An abounding believer continually increases in the work of the Lord.

Therefore, let every believer determine to be steadfast in conviction, unmoveable in opposition, and always abounding in the work of the Lord until Christ returns.