Key Verse:  “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.” 1 Cor. 15:58

 The word “steadfast” means that one is stable or secure in position, unyielding to outside influences and resolute in intent.

 The word “immovable” means that one is not subject to change over adverse situations, resolute in conviction and unable to be distracted from purpose.

 So, we see that a Christian who is steadfast and immovable is a stable, secure person who is resolute in his convictions, and will not let anyone or anything distract him from his God-given purposes in life. That person will not bow to pressure or negative influences and will be indifferent to outside pressure or circumstances.

 There are times in life when positive effort does not seem to be rewarded.  This is not factual, no matter how it seems in the natural. Our lives are fixed with God in Christ Jesus. We do not have to worry about schemes and plots of the enemy that come into our lives to destroy our peace.  Instead, we must remember that our weapons are spiritual and they will produce victory in all situations. Notably, the situations that we go through today are not comparable to our future glory with Christ.

 Let’s look at a few scriptures to substantiate this.

 1. Review these scriptures and make a note of what each one is saying to you:

 “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your Thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”  Hebrews 3:1

 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, “Romans 5:1

 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 corinthians 9:24

 Let’s look at one of Aesop’s Tales-The Hare and the Tortoise: There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could run. Tired of hearing him boast, Slow and Steady, the tortoise, challenged him to a race. All the animals in the forest gathered to watch.  Hare ran down the road for a while and then and paused to rest. He looked back at Slow and Steady and cried out, "How do you expect to win this race when you are walking along at your slow, slow pace?"  Hare stretched himself out alongside the road and fell asleep, thinking, "There is plenty of time to relax." Slow and Steady walked and walked. He never, ever stopped until he came to the finish line. The animals who were watching cheered so loudly for Tortoise, they woke up Hare. Hare stretched and yawned and began to run again, but it was too late. Tortoise was over the line. After that, Hare always reminded himself, "Don't brag about your lightning pace, for Slow and Steady won the race!"

 So must we be.  We must resolve to live this live in submission and conformity to the will and purposes of God.  We must also understand that adversity, in various forms, will come our way.  Importantly, we must declare as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 2: 104):

 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with Excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”

 Questions

1. How will you challenge yourself to be a steadfast and immovable Christian, no matter what tests and trials you face in life?
2. Who will help you endure those challenges?
3. How will you know?

Summary

Nothing that we do is in vain.  All of our works (good or bad) have eternal results.  Christ died that we may have victory.  Note His declaration in the following scripture:

 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33Remember, “God has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2 Timothy 1:9

 “God has saved us and called us into a holy life--not because of anything that we have done, but through His own will and purpose. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2 Timothy 1:9

It is important that we remain anchored and steadfast in life; we must also commit ourselves to the fellowship that is provided from the Word of God and communion with God. Likewise, if we are to be followers of Christ, we will have a foundation that is built upon faith in the Word, and obedience to its commands.  Sequentially, we will receive wisdom, strength, and guidance to live peace and prosperous lives-no matter what the circumstances.