1 Corinthians 15:58–16:24 (NKJV)
58 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. 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time. 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love. 15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Paul’s closing exhortation is to faith and love. He exhorts the Corinthians—and all Christians—to faith when he writes, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” Faith keeps watch against temptation, knowing the devil’s devices. Faith stands fast in The Faith, firmly believing the apostles’ doctrine. Faith is brave in that it trusts God’s promises to be true and certain no matter how the devil, the world, and the sinful flesh attack or entice. Faith makes us strong against all our enemies because by faith we have Christ’s strength to overcome every temptation. If we fall to temptation and consent to sin, faith remembers “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous” (1 John 2:1).
Paul teaches us love when he writes, “Let all that you do be done with love.” The faith that watches, stands fast, being brave and strong in the gospel promises, works through love. Everything we do ought to be done with the motivation of love. Without love all our good works, charitable deeds, and service to God and others are clanging cymbals and sounding brass. When lethargy tempts us to be sluggish in our callings, Paul’s words remind us to do the work of our vocations in love. When selfishness creeps in to our motivation so that we help others with the thought of getting something in return, Paul’s words recall us to the motivation that Christ had in sacrificing Himself for His bride, the Church.
Walking in faith, we are to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. This is the labor of watching and standing fast. It is the labor of loving our neighbors in our vocations. No matter the labor to which Christ has called us, no matter the field of service, we know that our labor is not in vain because it the labor He has given to us to do.
Let us pray: Strengthen our faith in Your promises, Lord Jesus, so that we might stand fast in the faith against all temptations and do all we do for others out of love for them and you. Amen.
