1 Corinthians 15:58

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (NASB95).

Therefore, My Beloved Brethren The Greek word translated “therefore” is a logical, inferential conjunction, joining together the preceding and present discussions, urging specific action and application. “My beloved brethren” is suggestive of close personal relationships (Phil. 4:1; James 1:16, 19; 2:5).

Therefore, My Beloved Brethren The expression "blood is thicker than water" suggests that family ties (blood) are more important (thicker) than friendships (water). However, Jesus taught that spiritual bonds exceed those of physical kinship (Luke 8:19-21). Hence, Paul described the Macedonian disciples as his “joy and crown” (Phil. 4:1; cf. 1 Thess. 2:17-20).

Be Steadfast The Greek adjective translated “be steadfast” describes one who is “sitting” or “steadfast” [Thomas]. BDAG say it pertains “to being firmly or solidly in place, firm, steadfast.”

Be Steadfast Steadfastness may be suggested by various postures: sitting down (as in the aforementioned passages), or standing up (Eph. 6:11-17). Consider the positive example of faithful Ruth (Ruth 1:15-18), the negative example of faithless Israel (Psa. 78:36-37), and Paul’s challenge to the Colossians (Col. 1:21-23).

(Be) Immovable The Greek adjective translated “immovable,” refers to someone or something that is “immovable,” i.e., that which cannot be moved or shaken. The same concept is communicated in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, where he urges the disciples to not be moved away from the hope of the gospel (Col. 1:23).

(Be) Immovable Normally, we think of mountains as immovable, yet they are shaken at the Word and Will of God (Psa. 18:7; Isa. 54:10; Rev. 6:14). The wicked may proudly boast “I will not be moved” (Psa. 10:3-6), but only the righteous have such stability (Prov. 12:1-3).

(Be) Immovable Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” (Matt. 7:24-27). Let us, therefore, “stand firm in the faith” (1 Cor. 16:13- 14) and not be shaken (Psa. 16:7-11; 62:5-8).

(Be) Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord The Greek verb translated “abounding” means “to be over and above, to abound” [Thomas]. BDAG say it means “(1) to be in abundance, abound; (a) of things; (b) of persons; (2) to cause something to exist in abundance, cause to abound; (a) of things that one greatly increases; (b) of persons who receive something in great abundance.”

(Be) Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord Jesus said, “unless your righteousness *surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). Paul admonished the Corinthians to *abound in their efforts at edification (1 Cor. 14:12),in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58), and in generosity (2 Cor. 8:7). Similarly, he exhorted the Thessalonians to *abound in love and faithfulness (1 Thess. 3:11-13; 4:1, 9-12).

Knowing That Your Toil Is Not In Vain In The Lord The Greek word translated “toil” refers to “laborious toil” [Thomas #2873]. BDAG say it refers to “(1) a state of discomfort or distress, trouble, difficulty, a transferred sense of κόπος=‘beating’; (2) to engage in activity that is burdensome, work, labor, toil.”

(Be) Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord Disciples should actively seek to save the lost (John 4:34- 38). We should harmoniously labor together in the Lord’s service (1 Cor. 3:5-9). Like Paul, we should be thankful for the work of faith and *labor of love and steadfastness of hope manifested by faithful Christians (1 Thess. 1:2-7).

Conclusion We should count one another as beloved brethren. Let us be steadfast and immovable. May we consistently and constantly abound in the Lord’s work. Exercising foresight, let us recognize that our toil is not in vain in the Lord.