The goal of every Christian ought to be to stand before the throne of God on the day of judgment and hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master” and/or, “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:21,34).

But how do we get there and hear that? Let’s allow the beginning (1:2) and end (15:58) of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians to tell us: 1:2c, “call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”- means more than simply uttering His name; it means to call upon Him for salvation through obedience, Acts 2:21 > 37-38; 1:2a, “sanctified in Christ Jesus”- sanctified (hagiazo) means separate from profane things and dedicated to God, 1Cor.6:11; 1:2b, “saints by calling”- saints (hagios) are simply those who have become sanctified; true believers, or holy ones (marginal rendering, NASV); those who answer the call of Christ, Matt.11:28-30, and call upon Him for salvation by becoming sanctified, 1Cor.1:30; 6:11.

But how do we get there and hear that? Let’s allow the beginning (1:2) and end (15:58) of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians to tell us: 15:58a, “be steadfast” (hedraios) means to be firm, consistent; having become dedicated to God- don’t quit, but continue steadfastly, cf. Acts 2:42 (KJV); Luke 8:13-15; 2Tim.4:10. 15:58b, “immovable” (ametakinetos) metaphorically means unmoved, firmly persistent- don’t be derailed, or blown of course, Eph.4:12-14; Jas.1:2-8.

But how do we get there and hear that? Let’s allow the beginning (1:2) and end (15:58) of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians to tell us: 15:58c, “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (abounding, perisseuo) means exceeding in number or measure (a derivative of a word describing a flower bud going into full bloom); be overflowing and generous in your work for the Lord, rather than minimal and stingy- how much can I do vs. how little must I do, Luke 17:10; Matt.25: :58d, “knowing your toil is not in vain” (vain, kenos) means empty, fruitless or without effect; your service/stewardship is not to men, but to God; therefore your praise and reward will come from the same! John 5:41,44; 12:42-43; so give no thought to the approval of men, and have no regret as you press onward, Acts 7:39; 2Cor.7:10.

Conclusion: If we intend to hear “Well done good and faithful servant” on the day of judgment, 1Corinthians would tell us: 1.Become saints by calling on the name of the Lord, and being sanctified, 1Cor.1:2; 6:11; then, 2.Do not QUIT- be steadfast, 1Cor.15:58a; 3.Do not WAVER- be immovable, 1Cor.15:58b; 4.Do not SHIRK- be abounding, 1Cor.15:58c; 5.Do not REGRET- look ahead, 1Cor.15:58d.