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Always abounding in the work of the Lord

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
24 August 2008

(I) LOOKING BACK ON A GLORIOOUS 35 YEARS OF MINISTRY

“…my beloved brethren…” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more” 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

1. The precious gift of “brotherhood”

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” Ephesians 2:19

a) Brethren – no longer strangers and foreigners

b) Beloved brethren- fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God

2. The wonderful gift of Christian brotherly love

a) As a fruit of the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5:22 )

b) As a teaching from God Himself ( 1 Thessalonians 4:9 )

c) A challenge to cultivate love more and more ( 1 Thessalonians 4:10 )

(II) A GREAT AND FITTING CHALLENGE

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

1. A Victorious Spirit

a) Victory over death

“O Death, where is your sting?O Hades, where is your victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

b) Gratitude for this victory in Christ

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…” 1 Corinthians 15:57

2. A Vigorous Spirit towards ministry

a) Be steadfast

b) Immoveable

c) Always abounding in the work of the Lord

3. A Vibrant Faith

a) A faith based on knowledge

b) A faith that expresses itself in labour

c) A faith that teaches us that all our labour is not in vain