It was my privilege to preach this past Sunday (4/26/26) in our home church, Thompson Road Baptist Church in Indianapolis, as we celebrated the church’s 68th anniversary. My text was I Cor. 15:58. The outline was very simple: 1) A Reminder; 2) A Resolve; 3) A Rule; 4) A Reward.
First, a reminder: Paul urges the Corinthian church, because Christ did arise from the dead (I Cor. 15:20), that we should remain steadfast. This reminder is a recurring theme in most of Paul’s epistles: “Stand fast in the Spirit” (Phil. 1:27); “Stand fast in the Lord” (Phil. 4:1); “Stand fast in the faith” (I Cor. 16:13); “Stand fast in the liberty” (Gal. 5:1); “Stand fast in the traditions” (II Thess. 2:15). So, Paul urges almost every church to “Be steadfast,” or “Stand fast!” Stand fast in the spirit of the Reformer who nailed 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg in 1517 declaring: “Here I stand, I can do no less!”
Second, Paul issues a resolve by which we should all strive to live for Christ: Resolved, I will be, by His grace and for the cause of His kingdom, “unmovable.” Paul wrote most of his epistles about 30 years after the crucifixion/resurrection of Jesus Christ. John the Apostle delivered special messages from Jesus to seven of the early New Testament churches, recorded in Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, about 95 A.D. or so, as he was exiled on Patmos. In that short time, most of those seven early churches—some of which had been pastored by apostles (John pastored the church at Ephesus for a while)—had fallen into such a state that Jesus had to use the word “repent” when addressing them. Ephesus, at one time fervently in love with Christ—learning doctrine, fellowshipping, and praying together, after which they would break bread (Acts 2:42)—had in the space of 30 years left their “first love.” Jesus said simply: Repent or “I will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” (Rev. 2:5) The church at Laodicea was in no better shape. They thought they were rich, needing nothing. But Jesus said they were really poverty stricken and had become lukewarm—and nauseatingly so! He felt like spewing them out of His mouth. They needed to renew their resolve to be unmovable for Christ in their faith and in their works.
In October 1996, the late Dr. David Cummins (pastor, co-author of This Day in Baptist History, and Baptist Word Mission’s Deputation Director) brought a message entitled, “Don’t Look Back.” Dr. Cummins cited the renowned black pitcher Satchel Paige, who was celebrated in the Negro Baseball League long before Jackie Robinson broke the “color barrier” in MLB. On one occasion, Paige struck out the famous slugger Ted Williams with three pitches in Tiger Stadium. It was said that he would often motion for his infielders to take a break, which they would do by sitting down, while Paige proceeded to strike out the side in nine pitches. Dr. Cummins quoted Paige as saying: “Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.” Cummins then said, “Don’t look back at sins forgiven; don’t look back on the past as better than the present; don’t look back at old conflicts that will make you bitter, and don’t look back at old victories that may cause you to think you have arrived. Don’t look back, look up!” And, all the while, resolve to be unmovable! Satchel Paige is said to have pitched his last major league game at the age of 59. He was indeed a Hall of Fame pitcher who never looked back!
Third, Paul encouraged his readers, in living out their walk with Christ, to keep a practical rule in front of them at all times: “Always abounding in the work of the Lord.” The word “abounding” connotes the idea of doing more than what is expected or required of you. Think of the man who retires but has not yet outlived his usefulness. He wonders, “Isn’t there anything that I can do; cannot I make a contribution yet”? Caleb comes to mind. Note, too, that it is “in the work of the Lord” that we are to abound. Many a shut-in over the years has asked me: “Pastor, what can I do? Why is the Lord leaving me here? All I can do is pray.” My reply? “There is no greater need; there is no more demanding work, in the Lord’s church, than prayer”. As one writer put it: “Praying is not a swing in the hammock—it is work!” No pastor or missionary could accomplish anything in ministry without a prayer team upholding him. Paul regularly implored churches to pray for him. So, we must order our daily lives by the rule, “Always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
Fourth and finally, do not forget that there will be a reward: “Forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” We must/will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, at which time we will receive rewards or lack of rewards on the basis of what we have done for Christ “in the body” since we have been saved. Good stewards of time, talents, and treasures will hear Him say: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matt. 25:14-30) Paul said that there would be a crown waiting for all who love His appearing. (II Tim 4:8) It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
So, because Christ arose from the dead, we too shall be raised! Because of His and our resurrection, let us remember to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord—for we do not labor in vain. There will be a reward for faithfulness.
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10)
YOU and GOD 