SERVING UNTIL CHRIST RETURNS

SERVING UNTIL CHRIST RETURNS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Key Verse: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:42-46; Matthew 25:14-30; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 12:35-43; John 9:4; Romans 12:11; Galatians 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Revelation 22:12

Description: The return of Christ is a glorious Christian hope and a call to faithful service. First Corinthians 15:58 teaches believers to remain steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Until Jesus returns, we are called to serve faithfully, use our gifts, win souls, encourage others, and remain spiritually prepared for His appearing.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is a life of expectation. Believers are not merely waiting for the return of Jesus Christ; we are called to remain actively engaged in the work of God until He comes. The certainty of Christ's resurrection and the promise of our own resurrection should inspire us to live faithfully and serve diligently. Paul therefore connects the glorious doctrine of resurrection with the practical responsibility of Christian service.

Jesus repeatedly taught His disciples to remain watchful and faithful while waiting for His return. The Master may return at an unexpected hour, but His servants must be found doing what He has entrusted to them. Waiting for Christ is not passive inactivity; it is active faithfulness. We prepare for His coming by serving Him, obeying His Word, loving people, and advancing His kingdom.

The world may become increasingly distracting, difficult, and hostile to Christian values, but the Church must not abandon its assignment. Until Christ returns, there are souls to reach, believers to disciple, the needy to help, and the Gospel to proclaim. Our responsibility is to remain steadfast and faithful, knowing that our labour in the Lord is never in vain.

1. CHRIST WILL RETURN

The return of Christ is a foundational Christian hope.

a) Jesus Promised To Return (John 14:3)
Christ promised His disciples that He would come again.

b) His Return Will Be Certain (Acts 1:11)
The same Jesus who ascended will return.

c) His Coming Will Be Glorious (Matthew 24:30)
Christ will return with great power and glory.

d) Believers Should Look Forward To Him (Titus 2:13)
The return of Christ is our blessed hope.

2. WE MUST REMAIN WATCHFUL

Waiting for Christ requires spiritual alertness.

a) Watch And Pray (Matthew 26:41)
Spiritual vigilance protects us from temptation.

b) Be Ready At All Times (Matthew 24:44)
No one knows the exact time of Christ's return.

c) Keep Your Lamp Burning (Matthew 25:1-13)
Spiritual preparation must be continuous.

d) Do Not Become Spiritually Sleepy (Mark 13:36)
Christians must remain alert and faithful.

3. SERVE WHILE WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY

Our present time is an opportunity for kingdom service.

a) Work While It Is Day (John 9:4)
Our earthly opportunities for service are limited.

b) Redeem The Time (Ephesians 5:15-16)
We should use our time wisely for God's purposes.

c) Do Good To All (Galatians 6:10)
Every opportunity should be used to bless others.

d) Do Not Delay Your Assignment (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Whatever God has placed in our hands should be done diligently.

4. BE STEADFAST IN THE WORK OF THE LORD

Paul commands believers to remain firmly committed.

a) Be Steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Remain firmly established in Christ.

b) Be Unmoveable (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Do not allow opposition or difficulties to shift you from your assignment.

c) Stand Firm In Faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Spiritual stability is essential for faithful service.

d) Continue In The Lord's Work (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Do not abandon your service because of temporary challenges.

5. USE YOUR GIFTS FOR GOD'S KINGDOM

God has entrusted every believer with opportunities and abilities.

a) Every Believer Has A Gift (1 Peter 4:10)
God expects His people to use their gifts to serve others.

b) Different Gifts Have Different Functions (Romans 12:4-6)
Every gift has a valuable place in God's kingdom.

c) Serve According To God's Grace (Romans 12:6)
God gives grace for the assignments He gives.

d) Be A Faithful Steward (1 Corinthians 4:2)
God requires faithfulness from those entrusted with responsibility.

6. WIN SOULS WHILE WAITING FOR CHRIST

The return of Christ should increase our urgency for evangelism.

a) Preach The Gospel (Mark 16:15)
The Gospel must reach every nation.

b) Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
Our assignment includes helping people become committed followers of Christ.

c) Rescue The Perishing (Jude 22-23)
Believers should compassionately reach those who are spiritually lost.

d) Shine As Lights (Matthew 5:14-16)
Our lives should point people towards Christ.

7. DO NOT GROW WEARY IN SERVICE

Waiting can become difficult, but believers must persevere.

a) Do Not Grow Weary (Galatians 6:9)
God calls us to continue doing good.

b) Keep Your Eyes On Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)
Christ gives us strength to continue.

c) Endure Hardship (2 Timothy 4:5)
Faithful ministry requires perseverance.

d) Finish Your Course (2 Timothy 4:7)
The goal is to complete the assignment faithfully.

8. SERVE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

Our service should reflect Christ's character.

a) Serve With Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Spiritual service without love loses its value.

b) Serve With Humility (Philippians 2:3-5)
Christian service should not be motivated by pride.

c) Serve With Joy (Psalm 100:2)
God deserves joyful service.

d) Serve Wholeheartedly (Colossians 3:23)
Everything we do should be done as unto the Lord.

9. GOD WILL REWARD FAITHFUL SERVICE

Christ's return includes the evaluation and reward of His servants.

a) Christ Will Reward His People (Revelation 22:12)
Jesus will reward each person according to his work.

b) Faithfulness Matters (Matthew 25:21)
God values faithful stewardship.

c) Our Labour Is Not In Vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Nothing done faithfully for Christ is wasted.

d) A Crown Awaits The Faithful (2 Timothy 4:8)
Those who love Christ's appearing have an eternal reward.

10. BE FOUND WORKING WHEN CHRIST RETURNS

The greatest preparation for Christ's return is faithful obedience.

a) Be A Faithful Servant (Matthew 24:45-46)
Blessed is the servant whom the Master finds faithful.

b) Keep Your Garment Clean (Revelation 16:15)
Believers must maintain spiritual readiness.

c) Occupy Until He Comes (Luke 19:13)
Continue faithfully with the responsibility Christ has given you.

d) Say, “Even So, Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)
We should eagerly anticipate Christ's return.

CONCLUSION

Christ is coming again, and His return should not make the Church passive. It should make us more committed to the work of God. Every day we have is an opportunity to serve, evangelise, disciple, encourage, give, pray, and build God's kingdom. We do not know when the Master will return, but we know what He expects to find when He comes—faithful servants.

Therefore, remain steadfast and unmoveable. Do not allow discouragement, persecution, distractions, or delayed results to make you abandon your assignment. Keep serving until Christ returns. The King is coming, the harvest is waiting, the assignment is urgent, and your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me grace to remain faithful in Your service until Jesus Christ returns, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, keep my heart spiritually awake and help me to remain watchful and prayerful, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from every distraction that can hinder me from fulfilling my divine assignment, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to use my gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities faithfully for the advancement of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me fresh passion for evangelism and winning souls before the return of Christ, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, renew my strength whenever I become weary or discouraged in Your work, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to serve with humility, love, joy, excellence, and wholehearted devotion, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make me steadfast and unmoveable in every season of opposition and difficulty, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my life and service produce lasting fruit that will bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, when You return, may You find me faithful, fruitful, watchful, and actively serving You, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain faithful to Christ until He returns.

2. Every distraction assigned to hinder your divine assignment shall be removed.

3. You shall receive fresh grace and strength to continue serving the Lord.

4. Your spiritual gifts and abilities shall become increasingly fruitful for God's kingdom.

5. The Lord shall use you to reach, disciple, encourage, and transform many lives.

6. You shall not grow weary or abandon your assignment before its completion.

7. You shall remain steadfast and unmoveable even in seasons of opposition.

8. Your service shall produce lasting fruit and bring glory to God.

9. The Lord shall remember and reward every faithful labour you offer in His kingdom.

10. When Jesus Christ returns, you shall be found spiritually ready, faithfully serving, fruitful in ministry, and rejoicing with Him in eternal glory, in Jesus name.