Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)
Commentary
In this verse, we have the conclusion of the whole argument, expressed in an exhortation strengthened by a clear motive. The exhortation is threefold:
First, they should be steadfast—edraioi, firm and fixed in the faith of the gospel, which Paul had preached and they had received, namely, that Christ died for our sins and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). They must remain firm in believing in the resurrection of the dead, which is closely connected to Christ’s resurrection. “Do not let your belief in these truths be shaken or weakened. They are certain and of great importance.” Christians should be steadfast believers in the resurrection of the dead. It is founded on the death and resurrection of Christ. Because He lives, His followers will live also (John 14:19). Disbelief in a future life opens the way to moral corruption, leading people to live only for pleasure, saying, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Second, he exhorts them to be immovable in their expectation of the great privilege of being raised incorruptible and immortal. Christians should not be moved away from this hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23). Their hope is not empty but firm, built on the power and promise of their risen Savior and on God’s faithfulness, who cannot lie. This hope supports believers in life’s trials, strengthens them against the fear of death, and motivates diligence and perseverance in duty. Therefore, they should live in firm expectation of a blessed resurrection. This hope is an anchor for their souls, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19).
Third, he exhorts them to abound always in the work of the Lord—in serving Him and obeying His commands. They should be diligent, persevering, and continually growing in holiness and good works. Those who have such glorious hopes should be cheerful and steadfast in duty. Can we be too zealous in the Lord’s service when such a great reward awaits us? These hopes should inspire strength, perseverance, and patience. Christians should not limit their spiritual growth but always be improving in true religion and abounding in the work of the Lord.
The motive that follows from the whole discussion is that their labor will not be in vain in the Lord. They know this for certain. They have solid grounds for assurance: as surely as Christ is risen, they too shall rise. The apostles saw Him after His death, testified to the truth in the face of danger, and confirmed it by miracles. How could such a fact be doubted? True Christians have firm evidence that their labor in the Lord will not be in vain—neither their service nor their suffering will be wasted. They may lose things for God, but they will lose nothing by serving Him.
Their labor will be abundantly rewarded. God is not unjust to forget their work and love (Hebrews 6:10). He will do far more than they can ask or imagine. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18). Those who serve God have the best reward. They cannot do too much or suffer too much for such a good Master. If they serve Him now, they will see Him hereafter; if they suffer with Him, they will reign with Him; and if they die for His sake, they will rise again to be crowned with glory, honor, and immortality, inheriting eternal life.