Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Hold Fast
Intro.
1. The gospel promise is salvation if we “hold fast” to the word the apostles preached and we have believed, 1 Cor. 15:1-2.
2. This is faith, 1 Cor. 15:58.
I. WHY HOLD FAST TO THE GOSPEL? (Faith in…)
A. Because of the Redemptive Work of Jesus, 1 Cor. 15:1-4.
B. Because of His Resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:5-11.
1. Credible witnesses (15:5-8).
2. Converted lives (15:9-11).
C. Because of Our Future Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-34).
1. False doctrine exposed, 15:12-19.
2. Assurances that sustain our hope, 15:20-28.
3. Our resurrection affects our daily choices, 15:29-34.
D. Because of God’s Power to Resurrect Us, 15:35-49 (John 11:25).
E. Because of Our Hope, 15:50-57 (living hope, 1 Pet. 1:3).
1. Incorruptible reward, 15:50 (1 Pet. 1:4).
2. Victory over sin and death, 15:51-57 (spiritual and physical).
II. A CLOSING EXHORTATION, 1 Cor. 15:58 (therefore…beloved…).
A. Be Steadfast.
1. Steady, not swayed by opinions, errors, persecutions, etc.
2. Maturity of faith, Eph. 4:12-16.
3. Endurance, Heb. 12:1-2 (Rom. 13:11).
B. Be Immovable.
1. Kingdom is unmoved, unshakeable, Heb. 12:28.
2. Have grace (toward one another), serve God (acceptably) with reverence (honor) and godly fear (piety), cf. Isa. 61:6.
C. Always Abound in the Lord’s Work, Eph. 2:10.
-Abound in everything, cf. 2 Cor. 8:7.
D. Be Sustained in Hope of Eternal Reward.
1. Work while we wait for the Lord’s return, 1 Thess. 1:10.
2. Seek, set, and sustain, Col. 3:1-4 (2 Tim. 4:8).
Conclusion
1. Gospel invitation:
a. To the lost; Be saved now and be a faithful servant of Jesus (Acts 22:16).
b. To the struggling saint: Repent, confess, and pray (1 John 1:9).
2. A priestly blessing upon Israel, Num. 6:23-27.
-May the name of the Lord be upon you and bless you unto the day of eternity.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted September 19, 2022