CBTS
Did you feel like quitting this week?
Did you think that the Christian life is just too difficult?
Do you feel that things are not working the way you thought and that maybe you will go a different direction?
If this was you this week then hear what the apostle Paul has to say to you.
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.
Do you recognize the context of this exhortation?
If you do, you know that Paul is using the context of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 to encourage an enduring faith.
1 Corinthians 15:58 exhorts us, Don’t give up (15:58)! Don’t quit!
But Why? Why should we continue following the resurrected Christ?
Paul responds with 58 verses in the 15th chapter to give us the reasons why we should continue to follow Jesus. Listen to what the Spirit of God has to say to us through the pen of the Apostle Paul.
The eternal Christ took on flesh and blood and paid the debt of my sin with His sinless life (15:20-22). Who else would do such a thing for me?
The incarnate Christ no longer remains in the grave(15:15-19). Who else has done such a thing that I could consider following?
The resurrected Christ appeared to more than 500 people (15:5-7). 1 Corinthians 15 was not written as a fairy tale to give me something to believe.
The grace of the resurrected Christ makes life and ministry fruitful (15:10-11). How else can I explain my desire to serve the Lord?
The resurrected Christ will not allow the dead to perish in their graves (15:20). Who else could guarantee such a thing?
The resurrected Christ destroyed the power of death and has Himself made us alive (15:21-22). What else needs to be said?
The resurrected Christ is the heart of the gospel (15:1-4). Is there a better gospel message for sinners?
I will not quit because the eternal Christ took on flesh and blood, paid the debt of my sin with His atoning death, and rose again.
I will not quit, because of what Christ accomplished I will live forever with Him.