All engaged in the work of the Lord

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

All engaged in the work of the Lord

My beloved brethren, be steadfast, steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

In chapter 15, after dedicating 57 verses to the resurrection, Paul moves seamlessly in verse 58 to the commitment of Christians to the work of the Lord. This is the work that the Lord himself does by instruments which are none other than you and me. It is an immense privilege that we have of being used to bring people to salvation and thus to participate in the building of the body of Christ! In chapter 16, Paul will enumerate several aspects of this participation in the work of the Lord :

First, there are the collections to help the saints in Jerusalem who are in great need. Each one must set aside during the week the liberality that he offers on Sunday to the Lord for this specific need. The good we do for one of the redeemed is done to the Lord Himself.

There is the routing of collections by approved brothers. It was a very long and often perilous journey in somewhat uncomfortable conditions.

The one with the gift of teaching visits Christians in different cities (v. 5). Those who receive him offer him hospitality when he works there (v. 6) and accompany him on his travels (v. 6 and 11).

There is evangelistic work, especially where the doors are wide open and even where there are many adversaries (v. 9).

Let us encourage a worker of the Lord to go where there is need, as Paul does with Apollos.

Some are particularly dedicated to the service of saints, such as those of the house of Stephanas, who cooperate in the work and work.

Others, like Fortunate and Achaic, support and rejoice a servant in need or discouraged (vv. 17 and 18).

Let us not forget the brothers and sisters who, like Aquila and Priscilla, host a Christian congregation in their homes.

The development of such cooperation can only be done if all the actors have one and the same goal : to advance the work of the Lord, in fervent fraternal love.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)