INTRODUCTION - THERE ARE MANY VICTORIES AND DEFEATS IN LIFE, BUT WE HAVE THE PROMISE OF ULTIMATE VICTORY

• In the eyes of the world- death is the great equalizer- Wise man & fool-
• The greatest trap of Satan is discouragement- show you life's ultimate failure-what's the use?
• The message of this great Chapter- Death does not end it all! In Christ is Victory!

With Victory in Jesus there is a labor that is not in vain- so seek it!

I. THANKS BE TO GOD - I Cor 15:57

The Close of the Great Resurrection Chapter is a grand trumpet blast of victory -Thank God

A.  "BUT THANKS BE TO GOD" - 57a - MAN IS AT HIS GREATEST WHEN HE THINKS ENOUGH TO SAY THANKS!

1. Some do not think that they have anything to thank God for - Body of Death - Rom 7:24
2. But Paul, even though bound, knew that his spirit was free- Rom 7:25 - Thanked God
3. Our 4th of July message will be on this freedom- NOT FREEDOM TO SIN BUT FREEDOM FROM SIN!

B.  "IT IS GOD WHICH GIVETH US THE VICTORY" - THE VICTORY OVER ULTIMATE DEFEAT IS GIVEN TO MEN 

1. 8:28 In God all things work together for good - God guarantees this - works miracles
2. Rom 8:37 - In him we are more than conquerors - Satan's hosts cannot win against us!
3. But it is II Cor 2:14-17 - God causes us to triumph - we are sufficient in Christ! - v.17

C.  BUT THE SOURCE OF OUR RESURRECTION, POWER, TRIUMPH AND VICTORY IS JESUS CHRIST! - I Cor 15:57b

1. This is the eternal abiding principle set forth in the Bible- man in himself is NOTHING!
2. But the man that is in Jesus is EVERYTHING! Are you in Jesus? Without him -we fail!
3. This is why Paul says - v.17 -If Christ be not risen-ye are yet in your sins- FAILURE

But thanks be to God- for we can be in Christ- He invites us- we are able to come to Him.

II. BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVEABLE Cor 15:58a

The key words here are - SINCE VICTORY IS SURE - continue to be - THEREFORE! do your part

A.  BE YE STEADFAST SETTLED FIRM IN THE TRUTH OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS, YOURSELF INCLUDED

1. 1 Cor 7:37 - the picture of Steadfast in the heart- power over your own will- don't give up
2. We need men of faith- as 1:6,7,8 not wavering- not unsure no hope for unstable!
3. Make up your mind on Jesus Christ- and DO NOT BE SHAKEN IN FAITH! Can you stand the test?

B.  UNMOVEABLE - LET NOTHING SHAKE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST, HIS RESURRECTION, HIS VICTORY

1. Col 1:23 a verse that commands us to continue in faith- grounded, anchored
2. Deut 19:14 commanded us not to move our neighbor's landmark- same word in OT- don't be move
3. God gave us a promise- Isa 54:10- that his peace, kindness, would not be moved from us!

C.  ALWAYS ABOUNDING - NOT JUST HOLDING OUR POSITION WITH A POUT BUT ABOUNDING REJOICING

1. It is not enough for us to possess the Christian virtues- they must abound- II Pet 1:8
2. We are commanded to do all in the name of Jesus Col 3:17, & 23- Heartily- abounding
3. This must be in Jesus- for there is no other foundation- but abound!

For even a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus- Matt 10:42- will not be forgotten

III. YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD v.58.b

In the eyes of Ecclesiastes- all is vanity- but if your life, & labor is in the Lord!

A.  LABOR IS THE PLAN OF THE LORD - -THIS LIFE WAS NEVER MENT TO BE EASY - BUT TO BE WORK, LABOR

1. Men must earn their daily bread by hard labor- when things are easier, most forget God
2. Men must subdue their old nature through hard labor- Mortify- daily discipline- yourself
3. Anything accomplished for God is labor hard work- no easy way in church-soulwinning-serving

B.  BUT MOST OF MAN'S LABOR IS IN VAIN - AND MANY PASSAGES ECHO THIS THROUGHOUT BIBLE

1. The foolish man built his house on the sand- Matt 7:26, or tore down to build- and died - Luke 12:18
2. Or men earn wages to put it in a pocket with holes- Hag 1:6b- total depravity destroys all
3. No matter how lofty your aim, or hard you work- it is all worthless unless in Jesus!

C.  IF YOU WANT YOUR LABOR TO COUNT FOR ETERNITY, TO BE WORTH THE SWEAT OF YOUR BROW - IN JESUS

1. If you were to die right now would you be missed? What would be left? -good for fertilizer
2. Only what you put In Jesus - invest in salvation, and in the improvement of soul - is of value
3. Seek first the Kingdom of God- lay up treasures there- Matt 6:33,20 - this is worth while

As sure as the resurrection of Jesus- you will be brought back to see what you have done.

CONCLUSION - TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT WHAT GOD SAYS AND INVEST YOUR LIFE FOR AN ETERNAL GAIN

• Receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour- make a public profession- claim His resurrection Power!
• Then get busy, put some labor in the Lord - for this alone is not in vain