Christian Conduct: Abounding in the Work of the Lord
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Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "abounding in the work of the Lord" is deeply rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This phrase encapsulates the call for Christians to engage diligently and wholeheartedly in the service of God, reflecting a life transformed by faith and committed to the advancement of His kingdom.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for this concept is found in 1 Corinthians 15:58 : "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This exhortation follows Paul's extensive discourse on the resurrection, emphasizing that the hope of eternal life should inspire believers to remain steadfast and active in their faith.

Steadfastness and Immovability

Paul's call to be "steadfast" and "immovable" suggests a firm commitment to the faith, resisting the pressures and temptations of the world. This steadfastness is not passive but is characterized by an active engagement in God's work. The believer's foundation is the resurrection of Christ, which assures them that their efforts have eternal significance.

Abounding in the Work

To "abound" implies going beyond the minimum, engaging in the work of the Lord with enthusiasm and dedication. This involves various aspects of Christian service, including evangelism, discipleship, acts of charity, and the exercise of spiritual gifts within the church community. The believer is encouraged to use their unique talents and opportunities to further God's purposes on earth.

Motivation and Assurance

The motivation for abounding in the work of the Lord is rooted in the assurance that such labor is "not in vain." This assurance is based on the resurrection of Christ, which guarantees the ultimate victory over sin and death. Believers are thus encouraged to invest their time and resources in activities that have eternal value, knowing that their efforts contribute to God's redemptive plan.

Practical Implications

Abounding in the work of the Lord requires a life of discipline, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It involves prioritizing God's kingdom over personal ambitions and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. Christians are called to be examples of integrity, love, and service in their communities, reflecting the character of Christ in all they do.

Related Scriptures

Other passages that echo this theme include Galatians 6:9 : "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Similarly, Colossians 3:23-24 instructs believers: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Conclusion

The call to abound in the work of the Lord is a central aspect of Christian conduct, urging believers to live out their faith actively and purposefully. Through steadfast commitment and diligent service, Christians participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom, assured that their labor is meaningful and eternally significant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 8:7
Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 4:1
Furthermore then we beseech you, brothers, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... illustrated the principal branches of the Christian temper and ... Your conduct, in private
and in secret, will ... be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

Family Habits.
... Such should be the industry of each Christian home. ... "Be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the ... day-dreaming; and in all the feelings and conduct of your ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvii family habits.htm

Love and Discernment.
... is only by spiritual discernment which comes from abounding and increasing ... This has
to do with conduct. ... confidence that the possession of the Christian life is ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
... Reason directs us to pursue that line of conduct which will be most ... nature"let us
therefore be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon viii moses prayer to.htm

A Word to the Wavering Ones
... severe enough by which to call such unofficial conduct? ... and that he thought most
Christian experience was ... be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 12 a word to.htm

1 Cor. xv. 47
... he means nothing else than this: "therefore said I these things that thou mayest
learn that evil deeds conduct not to a ... "Always abounding in the work of the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xlii 1 cor xv.htm

A Serious Persuasive to Such a Method of Spending Our Days as is ...
... Surely you cannot be a Christian, surely you cannot be a ... will be the happy case)
divine mercy conduct you thither. ... to it, than to be "always abounding in this ...
/.../chapter xx a serious persuasive.htm

A Sermon for the Time Present
... with a brief word upon THE BRAVE CONDUCT SUGGESTED THEREBY. ... I think every Christian
man should answer the ... be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 33 1887/a sermon for the time.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... as difficult as for Xerxes' commanders to conduct the Persian ... We want Christian men
of this same sort, who ... be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

The Joyous Return
... How surely will he need the abounding grace of God for ... be a living sacrifice, and
our conduct a constant ... will she not now become a Christian, and straightaway ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the joyous return.htm

Resources
How important is Christian conduct to how the unbelieving world sees Christ? | GotQuestions.org

What does 1 Timothy 3:15 mean when it says that the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Noble Eightfold Path? | GotQuestions.org

Conduct: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Christian Conduct: Abounding in the Work of the Lord

Christian Conduct: Abstaining from all Appearance of Evil

Christian Conduct: Adorning the Gospel

Christian Conduct: Being Contented

Christian Conduct: Being Liberal to Others

Christian Conduct: Believing God

Christian Conduct: Believing in Christ

Christian Conduct: Blessedness of Maintaining

Christian Conduct: Controlling the Body

Christian Conduct: Doing As we Would be Done By

Christian Conduct: Fearing God

Christian Conduct: Following After That Which is Good

Christian Conduct: Following God

Christian Conduct: Following the Example of Christ

Christian Conduct: Forgiving Injuries

Christian Conduct: Fulfilling Domestic Duties

Christian Conduct: Hating Defilement

Christian Conduct: Honoring Others

Christian Conduct: Living Peaceably With All

Christian Conduct: Living: Soberly, Righteously, and Godly

Christian Conduct: Living: To Christ

Christian Conduct: Living: To Righteousness

Christian Conduct: Loving Christ

Christian Conduct: Loving God

Christian Conduct: Loving One Another

Christian Conduct: Obeying Christ

Christian Conduct: Obeying God

Christian Conduct: Overcoming the World

Christian Conduct: Perfecting Holiness

Christian Conduct: Putting Away all Sin

Christian Conduct: Rejoicing in Christ

Christian Conduct: Rejoicing in God

Christian Conduct: Showing a Good Example

Christian Conduct: Shunning the Wicked

Christian Conduct: Striving for the Faith

Christian Conduct: Subduing the Temper

Christian Conduct: Submitting to Authorities

Christian Conduct: Submitting to Injuries

Christian Conduct: Sympathising With Others

Christian Conduct: Visiting the Afflicted

Christian Conduct: Walking in Newness of Life

Christian Conduct: Walking in the Spirit

Christian Conduct: Walking: After the Spirit

Christian Conduct: Walking: As Children of Light

Christian Conduct: Walking: Honestly

Christian Conduct: Walking: Worthy of God

Christian Conduct: Walking: Worthy of the Lord

Christian Conduct: Walking: Worthy of Vocation

Conduct

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