What You Do Is Important

What You Do Is Important - 1 Corinthians 15:58

1. Pre-Introduction Good morning, United Christian Fellowship! I am thrilled to gather with you all today, whether you are joining us on YouTube, Zoom, or Facebook Live. I believe God’s word will encourage and strengthen us in our daily walk with !

2. Scripture Reading Today's foundational text comes from

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

May God bless the reading, hearing, and understanding of His precious Word. Let's have a word of prayer.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance. Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to receive the message You have for us today. Strengthen us, Lord, as we stand firm in Your Word and continue to do Your work. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

4. Confession of Faith I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel. I am moved by what I believe. I believe the WORD of God! The victory is mine! I have it now! I can see it through the eyes of my faith! In Jesus' Name!

Sermon Introduction Today, In a world full of distractions and challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Yet, Paul reminds us to stand firm, be immovable, and fully commit to the Lord's work. This message is as relevant today as it was when Paul first penned it. Let's explore how we can apply this powerful scripture to our lives and find strength in our daily walk with God. 6. Sermon Paul begins by addressing us as "dear brothers and sisters," emphasizing the close-knit relationship we share in Christ. This familial bond is crucial because it reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. We have a community of believers supporting and encouraging us. Stand Firm "Stand firm. Let nothing move you." These words call us to remain steadfast in our faith. In Ephesians 6:13-14, Paul further elaborates on this idea, instructing us to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Standing firm means holding onto our faith and not being swayed by the trials and temptations we face. The armor of God equips us to withstand the spiritual battles that come our way. In James 1:12, we read, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." Standing firm in our faith is not just about resilience; it is about enduring trials with the assurance of God's reward. Additionally, in Philippians 4:1, Paul encourages the believers by saying, "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!" Standing firm in the Lord involves anchoring ourselves in His promises and truths, which give us the strength to remain unshaken. Practical Application for "Stand Firm" Faith Stability: In the face of trials and challenges, remain grounded in your faith. This can involve regular prayer, scripture reading, and participation in fellowship. Spiritual Discipline: Engage in spiritual practices that reinforce your commitment to God, such as fasting, worship, and meditation on the Word. Fully Committed to the Work of the Lord "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." This part of the verse highlights our commitment to God's work. Colossians 3:23-24 echoes this sentiment: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Our work for the Lord is not limited to ministry within the church; it extends to every aspect of our lives. Whether we are at home, at work, or in our communities, we are called to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. In Romans 12:11, Paul instructs us, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This verse reminds us to maintain our enthusiasm and dedication in our service to God. Our commitment should be evident in our actions and attitude, reflecting our love for Christ. Jesus Himself set the example for us in John 9:4, where He said, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." Our time to serve is now, and we must give our all, knowing that our efforts are part of God's greater plan. Practical Application for "Fully Committed to the Work of the Lord" Dedication in Ministry: Whether serving in church, helping others, or spreading the gospel, do so with all your heart and strength. Daily Commitment: Incorporate service to God in your daily routine, making it a lifestyle rather than a task. This could be through acts of kindness, volunteer work, or mentoring others. Our Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain Finally, Paul assures us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. This promise is a source of great encouragement. Galatians 6:9 reinforces this: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, are valuable and significant in God's eyes. In 1 Corinthians 3:8, Paul explains, "The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor." This reinforces the idea that God sees and values each individual's contributions, and He will reward us for our faithful service. In Hebrews 6:10, we are reminded, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Our labor, driven by love and commitment, is never forgotten by God. He is just and faithful to remember our dedication and reward us accordingly. Connecting Our Efforts to God's Eternal Plan Understanding that our labor in the Lord is not in vain gives us a sense of purpose and direction. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul spends the entire chapter discussing the resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of believers. The chapter concludes with verse 58, which serves as a triumphant call to action in light of the resurrection. Knowing that Christ has conquered death and that we, too, will be resurrected, empowers us to live purposefully. Romans 8:18 offers us further encouragement: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." The struggles and efforts we face now are temporary, but the glory that awaits us is eternal. This eternal perspective helps us to persevere and remain diligent in our work for the Lord. In Matthew 25:21, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where the master says to his faithful servant, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" This parable illustrates that our faithfulness in the tasks God has given us, no matter how small, will be rewarded in His kingdom. Practical Application for "Our Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain" Motivation: Let this assurance motivate you to persevere, even when results are not immediately visible. Trust that God sees and honors your efforts. Long-Term Vision: Focus on the bigger picture of God’s plan. Your efforts contribute to something much greater than what you can see. This can sustain you through times of discouragement. Summary 1 Corinthians 15:58 calls us to stand firm in our faith, fully commit to God's work, and trust that our labor is not in vain. In the face of challenges, we are encouraged to remain steadfast and dedicated, knowing that God sees and values our efforts. By grounding ourselves in His promises, practicing spiritual disciplines, staying focused, and maintaining a long-term vision, we can live out this verse practically in our daily lives. 7. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which encourages and strengthens us. Help us to stand firm in our faith, to be immovable in the face of challenges, and to fully commit ourselves to Your work. Remind us daily that our labor in You is not in vain. Strengthen our resolve, renew our spirits, and guide us as we serve You with all our hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Breakdown Ephesians 6:13-14 and place it in the Section titled Stand Firm

ChatGPT 1. Pre-Introduction Good morning, United Christian Fellowship! I am thrilled to gather with you all today, whether you are joining us on YouTube, Zoom, or Facebook Live. I believe God has a powerful word for us today, one that will encourage and strengthen us in our daily walk with Him. Let's open our hearts and minds to receive His message. 2. Scripture Reading Today's foundational text comes from 1 Corinthians 15:58. The Apostle Paul writes: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 3. Prayer May God bless the reading, hearing, and understanding of His precious Word. Let's have a word of prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance. Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to receive the message You have for us today. Strengthen us, Lord, as we stand firm in Your Word and continue to do Your work. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. 4. Confession of Faith Let us declare our confession of faith together: I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel. I am moved by what I believe. I believe the WORD of God! The victory is mine! I have it now! I can see it through the eyes of my faith! In Jesus' Name! 5. Sermon Introduction Today, we will focus on the encouragement and exhortation that Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 15:58. In a world full of distractions and challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Yet, Paul reminds us to stand firm, be immovable, and fully commit to the Lord's work. This message is as relevant today as it was when Paul first penned it. Let's explore how we can apply this powerful scripture to our lives and find strength in our daily walk with God. 6. Sermon Paul begins by addressing us as "dear brothers and sisters," emphasizing the close-knit relationship we share in Christ. This familial bond is crucial because it reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. We have a community of believers supporting and encouraging us. Stand Firm "Stand firm. Let nothing move you." These words call us to remain steadfast in our faith. In Ephesians 6:13-14, Paul further elaborates on this idea, instructing us to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Breakdown of Ephesians 6:13-14 Ephesians 6:13: "Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Full Armor of God: This represents the spiritual tools and protections that God provides to believers. It includes various components such as truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God.Day of Evil: Refers to times of severe trial, temptation, or spiritual attack.Stand Your Ground: Implies resisting the enemy and holding firm to your faith.After You Have Done Everything, to Stand: After having utilized all the spiritual resources and having fought the good fight, you remain standing firm in faith.Ephesians 6:14: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Belt of Truth: The belt in a soldier's armor secures the garments and holds everything in place. Truth, here, signifies integrity and sincerity. It holds our spiritual life together and keeps us secure in Christ.Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate protects the heart and vital organs. Righteousness, given by God through faith in Christ, guards our hearts against the attacks of the enemy. It is living in a right relationship with God and exhibiting godly behavior.Practical Application for "Stand Firm" Faith Stability: In the face of trials and challenges, remain grounded in your faith. This can involve regular prayer, scripture reading, and participation in fellowship. Spiritual Discipline: Engage in spiritual practices that reinforce your commitment to God, such as fasting, worship, and meditation on the Word. Utilize Spiritual Armor: Regularly equip yourself with the full armor of God. Embrace truth, live righteously, embrace the gospel of peace, exercise faith, rest in your salvation, and immerse yourself in the word of God. Fully Committed to the Work of the Lord "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." This part of the verse highlights our commitment to God's work. Colossians 3:23-24 echoes this sentiment: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Our work for the Lord is not limited to ministry within the church; it extends to every aspect of our lives. Whether we are at home, at work, or in our communities, we are called to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. In Romans 12:11, Paul instructs us, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This verse reminds us to maintain our enthusiasm and dedication in our service to God. Our commitment should be evident in our actions and attitude, reflecting our love for Christ. Jesus Himself set the example for us in John 9:4, where He said, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." Our time to serve is now, and we must give our all, knowing that our efforts are part of God's greater plan. Practical Application for "Fully Committed to the Work of the Lord" Dedication in Ministry: Whether serving in church, helping others, or spreading the gospel, do so with all your heart and strength. Daily Commitment: Incorporate service to God in your daily routine, making it a lifestyle rather than a task. This could be through acts of kindness, volunteer work, or mentoring others. Our Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain Finally, Paul assures us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. This promise is a source of great encouragement. Galatians 6:9 reinforces this: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, are valuable and significant in God's eyes. In 1 Corinthians 3:8, Paul explains, "The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor." This reinforces the idea that God sees and values each individual's contributions, and He will reward us for our faithful service. In Hebrews 6:10, we are reminded, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Our labor, driven by love and commitment, is never forgotten by God. He is just and faithful to remember our dedication and reward us accordingly. Connecting Our Efforts to God's Eternal Plan Understanding that our labor in the Lord is not in vain gives us a sense of purpose and direction. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul spends the entire chapter discussing the resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of believers. The chapter concludes with verse 58, which serves as a triumphant call to action in light of the resurrection. Knowing that Christ has conquered death and that we, too, will be resurrected, empowers us to live purposefully. Romans 8:18 offers us further encouragement: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." The struggles and efforts we face now are temporary, but the glory that awaits us is eternal. This eternal perspective helps us to persevere and remain diligent in our work for the Lord. In Matthew 25:21, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where the master says to his faithful servant, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" This parable illustrates that our faithfulness in the tasks God has given us, no matter how small, will be rewarded in His kingdom. Practical Application for "Our Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain" Motivation: Let this assurance motivate you to persevere, even when results are not immediately visible. Trust that God sees and honors your efforts. Long-Term Vision: Focus on the bigger picture of God’s plan. Your efforts contribute to something much greater than what you can see. This can sustain you through times of discouragement. Summary 1 Corinthians 15:58 calls us to stand firm in our faith, fully commit to God's work, and trust that our labor is not in vain. In the face of challenges, we are encouraged to remain steadfast and dedicated, knowing that God sees and values our efforts. By grounding ourselves in His promises, practicing spiritual disciplines, staying focused, and maintaining a long-term vision, we can live out this verse practically in our daily lives. 7. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which encourages and strengthens us. Help us to stand firm in our faith, to be immovable in the face of challenges, and to fully commit ourselves to Your work. Remind us daily that our labor in You is not in vain. Strengthen our resolve, renew our spirits, and guide us as we serve You with all our hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.