2.  The admonition of 1 Corinthians 15:58 is based on the preceding facts in the chapter.  The Christian lives in hope of eternal life: Titus 1:2; Jas. 1:7-8; therefore:  He is always be steadfast and abounding in the Lord’s work: 1 Cor. 15:58  He is always obedient: Phil. 2:12  He is always praying: Lk. 18:1ff; Eph. 6:18  He is always ready to defend his hope: 1 Pet. 3:15  He is always rejoicing in the Lord: Phil. 4:4  He is always confident his “labor is not in vain in the Lord”: 1 Cor. 15:58  Despite this, some are not steadfast and are easily moved: Acts 20:24 2

4.  Despondency is to be hopeless, dejected, downcast and disheartened.  Bible speaks of one’s countenance falling: Gen. 4:5; Josh. 1:9; Heb. 13:5-6; Gal. 6:9; 1 Kgs. 19:4  God does not want us to become despondent: Phil. 4:4 4 Be Ye Steadfast, Immovable

5.  Paul said this was one of his greatest “perils”: 2 Cor. 11:26; Gal. 2:4  Paul dealt with this on several occasions: Gal. 2:11-16; 2 Tim. 4:10, 14-16  Paul did not let this shake him from his steadfastness! 2 Tim. 4:7 5 Be Ye Steadfast, Immovable

6.  Problems in the church can serve a useful purpose: 1 Cor. 11:19  Such difficulties give the faithful an opportunity to grow and shine: Gal. 2:11-16; 2 Tim. 4:10, 14-16  Can’t mature as a Christian by floating through life on a pillow: Jas. 1:2-4  Problems invariably identify those who are not truly committed to the Lord: Matt. 13:21, 47-50; 2 Tim. 4:2-4 6 Be Ye Steadfast, Immovable

7.  John and Jesus experienced this: Matt. 11:18-19  Paul did too: 2 Cor. 10:10-11  If you’re faithful so will you: Matt. 5:11-12  Don’t let criticisms move you: Matt. 10:24-26a 7 Be Ye Steadfast, Immovable

8.  Paul recognized this possibility: Gal. 4:11; 1 Thess. 3:5  Paul deals with this in 1 Cor. 3.  Jesus deals with this in the parable of the sower: Lk. 8:11-15; Phil. 2:16 8 Be Ye Steadfast, Immovable

9.  Our associations influence us: 1 Cor. 15:33; Prov. 1:10-17  Influence us morally and doctrinally.  Many are moved by these associations.  Don’t let it move you: 2 Cor. 6:17; Matt. 10:37 9 Be Ye Steadfast, Immovable

10.  Sometimes things “just happen”: Eccl. 9:11  Critical that we keep things in the proper perspective: 2 Cor. 4:16-18  One of our greatest challenges can be the difficulties of old age: Eccl. 12:1-8 10 Be Ye Steadfast, Immovable

11.  Let all of us be determined to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”  The problems of this life are but a “light affliction.” “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 11