“Stand in the ways and see
And ask for the ANCIENT PATHS
where the good way is
Then you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6v16
THE ANCIENT PATH OF
STEADFAST WORK FOR THE LORD
“Therefore my beloved brethren be steadfast, immoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Knowing that your labour in the Lord is never in vain.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58)
The word “Therefore” in the Bible always refers to what has just been said. In this case in verses 50-57 Paul is talking about the final victory for believers. Soon we will reach the end of walking the ancient pathways and we will inherit the Kingdom of God - we shall all be changed – put on immortality – have victory over death and sin forever.
Jesus gives us that victory in life and in death. “Therefore” Paul says…
BECAUSE OF THAT – “be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord!”
"Be steadfast"
– the Greek word here means to be seated – firmly set
It does not mean to be stubborn!
Some people are firmly set to do something in a negative way whatever the cost because they think they are right.
The Psalmist refers to this in Psalm 78:8 when he says that the next generation should not be like their fathers: “a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.”
God is steadfast – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” Lam 3:22
It’s godly to be steadfast – to be dependable to be set to do the right thing.
It says of Jesus that He set His face like a flint to go to Jerusalem to die. He set himself to be steadfast to the end (Luke 9:51).
In the face of his enemies the Psalmist says “My heart is steadfast I will sing and give praise.” Ps 57:7
When Paul encourages us to be steadfast – he wants us to set ourselves to finish the course in order to arrive safely and victoriusly in heaven.
"Immoveable":
There are some things we should be moved by:
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Compassion – like Jesus was Mark 1:41
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The Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
Once we are moved by compassion & the Holy Spirit we should be immoveable in those things.
There are certain things we should be not be moved from:
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Afflictions “No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this” (1 Thess 3:3).
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The hope of the gospel “Continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast… not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23).
"Always abounding in the work of the Lord"
Whatever we are already doing to serve the Lord we should abound in that.
In the original Greek abound means:
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Super abundant
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Exceeding measure
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Surpass – go further - do more
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Excel – do even better
The same word is used in 2 Cor 9:8: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
So how do we abound in the work of the Lord?
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Has God blessed us? – Let’s share that blessing
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Have we got what we need? – Share some of that with others then we will abound in good work!
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Make sure it’s good work – does it please God? Does it help others?
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Look for new things to do to serve Him
Whatever our daily work (it can be in an office, a shop, a factory or cleaning the street) we should:
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Do it as unto the Lord Colossians 3:23
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Do our very best for his glory
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Pray for the people we work with – each of us has our own unique group people that we are in contact with, it could be your…
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Boss
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Supervisor
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Colleagues
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Neighbours
When I was a young Christian I loved the story of Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42).
Dorcas was full of good works – that’s why people loved her and why they were so sad when she died.
She used her gifts and talents to help others - and other members of the church joined her in doing good work. Someone may say ‘she just made clothes for poor folks.’
Yes she did but she did it in an abundant way – and she did it as UNTO THE LORD.
She touched a lot of people through it and we can be sure she took every opportunity to witness with her words as well as with her work!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 says “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your strength.”
Finally Paul ends with a wonderful promise:
“Your labour is not in vain in the Lord”
There is lots of work that people do - but it does not achieve very much in many cases - but If we are abounding in the work of the LORD our labour is never in vain.
We are never wasting our time if we are working for the Lord.
From God’s point of view nothing is forgotten and every good work will be rewarded.
But from our point of view we need to keep going – never be satisfied that we have done enough.
Jesus told the parable of the servant who has come in from working in the field all day (Luke 17:7-10) – and then is told to prepare the master’s food, v10 “We are unprofitable servants we have only done our duty”
You have been steadfast – keep being steadfast.
You have not been moved away from the hope of the gospel – keep sharing it.
You have worked hard – work even harder for the Lord.
Ask Him what He wants you to do.
Your labour will not be in vain!
“Therefore my beloved brethren be steadfast,
immoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Knowing that your labour in the Lord is never in vain.”