1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor In The Lord Is Not In Vain

1 Cor 15:58 (NIV)  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move
you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know
that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

There can be no sting in death when a person is a Christian, for Christ has
taken out that sting. There can be no victory in the grave, for Christ will
one day empty the graves and bring forth His own in resurrection power. . .
Christians can be steadfast and immovable, because they know that if their
worst enemy (death) has been overcome, they need fear no other enemy. They
can abound in Christian service, for that work will count for eternity.
Their labor is not in vain. [Wiersbe Expository Outlines]

Christians should live in the most firm expectation of a blessed
resurrection. This hope should be an anchor to their souls, firm and sure,
.(Matthew Henry's Commentary)

Because of Christ's resurrection and ours, we know that serving him is not
empty, useless activity. [NIV SB]

The hope of resurrection gives our life on earth new focus and meaning. We
dedicate ourselves to live for God, confident that our "labor in the Lord is
not in vain". [Victor Bible Reader's Companion]

In view of the coming resurrection we are to stand firm, and let nothing
move us. Since we see beyond this world, and beyond death, to realities
others cannot see, we can follow Paul's admonition to "always give
yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor
in the Lord is not in vain." [Victor Teacher's Commentary]

Your labour in the Lord is not in vain; you must not only work, but you must
labour-- put forth all your strength; and you must work and labour in the
Lord-- under his direction, and by his influence; for without him ye can do
nothing. (Adam Clarke Commentary)

How wonderful to know that no labor performed in His strength and for His
glory will ever be in vain. [Victor Bible Reader's Companion]

Paul says that because of the resurrection, nothing we do is in vain.
Sometimes we hesitate to do good because we don't see any results. But if we
can maintain a heavenly perspective, we will understand that we often will
not see the good that results from our efforts. If we truly believe that
Christ has won the ultimate victory, that fact must affect the way we live
right now. Don't let discouragement over an apparent lack of results keep
you from working. Do the good that you have opportunity to do, knowing that
your work will have eternal results.  [Life Application SB]

Those who serve God have good wages; they cannot do too much nor suffer too
much for so good a Master. If they serve him now, they shall see him
hereafter; if they suffer for him on earth, they shall reign with him in
heaven; if they die for his sake, they shall rise again from the dead, be
crowned with glory, honour, and immortality, and inherit eternal life.
(Matthew Henry's Commentary)

For many years as a struggling young Christian I was led to believe that if
I was just good enough, and kind enough, and loving enough, the whole of the
world would be bound to hug me to its heart.  Unfortunately and unhappily
one learns in time that simply is not so.  It is one of the sobering shocks
that comes to us as mature Christians.
If God, very God, who was all perfection suffered such abuse at the hands of
His adversaries when He was here among us as the Man Christ Jesus, how can
we expect less?
If in truth persecution does come to me because of my righteous character
and commendable, Christlike conduct ,it is proof positive that I am indeed
God's person.  [W. Philip Keller; Time with God SB]

The author of Ecclesiastes looked back over a busy and successful life, and
declared it meaningless. All he had accomplished meant nothing, he
complained, for he would die. And what he had built would be left to another
(Ecc. 2:17-23). Paul, however, shouted out in triumph. What we accomplish
for Jesus is never in vain. Death is not the end! Death is a defeated enemy,
to be swallowed up in victory when God clothes us with immortality. All that
we accomplish for the LORD will reflect His glory for eternity. [The 365-Day
Devotional Commentary]