How does 1 Corinthians 15:58 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Resurrection Backbone 1 Corinthians 15 is one long, Spirit-breathed argument that Christ really was raised from the dead. Paul closes with: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) • “Therefore” ties verse 58 to the whole resurrection chapter. • Because Jesus conquered death, every act of obedience echoes into eternity. • That unshakable hope is the engine that drives the mission Jesus assigns in Matthew 28:19-20. What Is “the Work of the Lord”? • The clearest definition comes from the Lord’s own words: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). • Disciple-making—evangelizing, baptizing, teaching—is the ongoing “work” believers are commanded to “excel” in. • Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:20, and Colossians 1:28 reinforce that every believer shares this calling. Steadfast Roots, Mobile Feet • “Be steadfast and immovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58) sounds stationary. “Go” (Matthew 28:19) sounds active. They are complementary, not contradictory. – Steadfast: anchored in gospel truth, refusing compromise (Ephesians 4:14). – Go: carrying that unchanging truth outward in word and deed (Romans 10:14-15). • Stability of doctrine fuels mobility of mission. We do not wander aimlessly; we march with purpose. Shared Promises that Propel Obedience • 1 Corinthians 15:58—“your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” • Matthew 28:20—“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – One promise secures the outcome; the other secures the presence. – Together they erase fear of futility and fear of abandonment (Hebrews 13:5-6). Additional Scriptural Reinforcements • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in doing good…” • 1 Thessalonians 1:3—“your labor prompted by love.” • Hebrews 6:10—God “will not forget your work.” • Revelation 7:9—proof that the Great Commission will succeed: a countless, international worshiping throng. Practical Takeaways for Everyday Disciple-Making • Keep preaching the resurrection to your own heart; it steadies you for long-haul obedience. • Prayerfully identify one person this week to evangelize or disciple. • Build habits that tether you to Scripture so your “steadfast” roots stay deep. • Celebrate small steps of obedience, trusting none of them are “in vain.” Because the tomb is empty, the mission is certain, and every faithful effort counts forever. |
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