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