The historical account of the resurrection of Jesus is recorded in all four of the Gospels and is described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15. In this chapter, Paul revealed the reality and significance of the resurrection for God’s people. This chapter shows how God graciously revealed Himself to His followers and presents the hope of eternal life for His followers,

But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:54)

Paul then breaks forth in effusive praise to God for giving us victory over sin, Satan, and death,

but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 15:57)

In light of the resurrection, how should we live? Paul reveals the answer in the next verse,

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.  (1 Corinthians 15:58)

The word therefore indicates that Paul is concluding his summary of the implications of the resurrection for those who believe. The word steadfast conveys the idea of standing firm as seen earlier in this epistle (1 Corinthians 7:37). The word immovable literally means unable to move and is used metaphorically of being firmly persistent. Those who are living in the light of the resurrection are always abounding in the work of the Lord, even in the face of discouragement because they know their work has purpose.

You will face challenging days when your perseverance will be tested. You will be tempted to compromise your convictions. Those are the times when you must remain steadfast and immovable. You will also face days of drudgery and you will wonder if you’re making a difference. Those are the times that you must continue to abound in the work of the Lord. You can take heart during those difficult days, knowing that your toil is not in vain as you serve the Lord.

John Akhwari demonstrates the perseverance described in this verse. He was running the marathon for his country, Tanzania, in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. About half way through the race he fell, badly injuring his knee and shoulder. He continued running, finishing last among the 57 competitors who completed the race (75 had started). The sun had already set as Akhwari, bloody and bruised,  limped into the stadium and the crowd stood and cheered as he circled the track and crossed the finish line. When asked why he continued running with such a serious injury he responded, “My country did not send me 9,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 9,000 miles to finish the race.”

You must realize that your greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time you fall. Remember that the race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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