STAYING STEADFAST AND UNMOVABLE IN THE WORK OF THE LORD By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
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INTRODUCTION
The journey of faith is not without challenges, trials, and moments of great pain. However, the Lord calls His people to remain steadfast and unmovable in their service to Him. The labor that is done for the furtherance of His Kingdom is never in vain. Unfortunately, many individuals begin the race but turn back when they face hardships, abandoning their divine assignment. The Lord desires that His chosen ones stay firm in their faith, unwavering despite the struggles they endure. This teaching explores the importance of being steadfast and unmovable in the work of the Lord, understanding the consequences of quitting, and finding encouragement in the rewards of endurance.
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THE CALL TO BE STEADFAST AND UNMOVABLE
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Being steadfast means holding firm to one's faith and commitment to God without wavering. It means not being moved by opposition, trials, or the pressures of this world. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the need for believers to stand strong, likening the Christian journey to a battle that requires endurance. A believer's strength is drawn from the Lord, and through His power, one can withstand all challenges and remain firm in the faith.
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THE DANGER OF TURNING BACK
"No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)
Turning away from God's calling is a grave mistake. Those who abandon their faith and service to God often find themselves trapped in darkness, losing the joy and peace that comes from walking with Jesus. When people forsake the Lord, they open themselves to deception and demonic influences, leading to bitterness and misery. The world offers nothing but temporary pleasures that ultimately lead to destruction. It is crucial for believers to guard their hearts and remain faithful to their divine assignment.
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LABORING FOR THE LORD IS NOT IN VAIN
"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (Hebrews 6:10)
Every effort put into serving God is noticed and will be rewarded. The struggles, sacrifices, and hardships faced in fulfilling God’s calling are not meaningless. The Lord assures His faithful servants that their work is of eternal value. Even when people do not recognize or appreciate their labor, God sees, and He will reward them abundantly both in this life and in eternity.
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THE BLESSING OF ENDURANCE
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12)
Endurance brings forth divine blessings. The ones who remain faithful to the end will receive the crown of life and eternal rewards. Just as Jesus endured suffering and completed His mission, believers must also press forward despite trials, knowing that their perseverance will lead to glory. The Lord strengthens those who trust in Him and helps them to overcome every obstacle that comes their way.
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SUMMARY
The Christian journey is filled with challenges, but the Lord calls His people to remain steadfast and unmovable in His work. Turning back from God leads to darkness and destruction, while perseverance brings divine rewards. Every labor done for the Kingdom of God is valuable, and God will not forget those who faithfully serve Him.
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CONCLUSION
Remaining steadfast in faith and service to God is a calling that requires dedication and endurance. The Lord is faithful to sustain those who trust in Him and will grant them strength to complete their divine assignment. Quitting is not an option for those who desire to walk in God's will. The reward for faithfulness is far greater than the temporary struggles faced along the way.
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CALL TO ACTION
Choose today to stand firm in your faith and refuse to be moved by life's trials. Commit yourself wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain. Encourage others to remain steadfast and support one another in the journey of faith. Seek the Lord in prayer and ask for the strength to endure until the end.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Be encouraged to hold onto your faith with unwavering determination. The Lord is your strength, and He will never leave nor forsake you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, and continue to labor in His Kingdom with joy and steadfastness.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day. Lord Jesus, I ask You to come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and lead me in the path of righteousness. I repent of my sins and turn to You completely. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to remain steadfast in my faith. Thank You for Your love and salvation. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
