Victory is Coming

I Corinthians 15:51–58
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Paul reveals a wonderful secret that not all people will die but everyone will be changed (v. 51). This will happen very suddenly when the last trumpet is sounded (v. 52). This signals the end of the present age. Two distinct groups will be represented. Those who have died will be raised with transformed bodies, and those who are living will also be changed. These perishable earthly bodies will be changed into heavenly bodies that will never die (vv. 53-54). We will be given new bodies when Christ returns, and these bodies will be without disabilities (vv. 52-53). Death will be swallowed up in victory (vv. 54-56). Death is defeated and we have hope beyond the grave.

Paul says that because of the Resurrection, nothing we do is in vain (v. 58). 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.”

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 people He has called us to minister through.

2. To be steadfast means to be unmovable: We think that we cannot bend or we will break. Unmovable does not necessarily mean legalistic, or unbending, but to be unshakable, and unbreakable.

3. To be steadfast means to be abounding: We should give ourselves 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.