Was it in Vain? ~ I Corinthians 15:1-4 & 10-11 & 14 & 17
Pastor John Opferman
11:00 AM
November 10, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: The Song and the Prayer
Reflect on the song just sung, praying that its truths will come to pass.
Emphasis on the importance of these words becoming a reality.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15
Call to open Bibles to 1 Corinthians 15, with selected verses for reflection.
Read verses responsively to draw focus on the message of the Gospel and its power.
Veterans Day Reflection
Recognize the significance of Veterans Day, honoring those who served the nation.
Personal reflection on military service, relating it to duty, honor, and sacrifice.
Mention the Vietnam War, the lack of appreciation for veterans, and personal experiences of being treated with disregard.
Transition to the concept of “vain” sacrifice when one’s labor lacks recognition or ultimate purpose.
Focus on the Word “Vain” in the Passage
Definition and Context of “Vain” in Scripture
Two Greek words translated as “vain” in this passage:
One meaning “failure” or “without purpose.”
Another meaning “empty” or “without result.”
Comparison to military service that might seem in vain if the result is lost.
Examples of Vain Faith and Service
Living a life of faith without true commitment to the Gospel can result in a life lived in vain.
Parallel to soldiers whose sacrifices seem in vain when a war does not achieve peace or freedom.
Causes of a Life Lived in Vain According to the Gospel
Rejecting the Gospel
Verse 1–2: Without accepting and living the Gospel, one’s faith is in vain.
Emphasis on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as essential to salvation.
Failure to accept Christ’s sacrifice means missing out on salvation.
Hebrews 10:29–31: Warning about rejecting Christ’s sacrifice, which leads to divine judgment.
Believing a False Gospel
Verses 14 and 17: Belief in a Christ who didn’t rise from the dead makes faith empty.
Faith in a “different Jesus” or a works-based religion leads to an unfulfilled spiritual life.
Galatians 2:21: If salvation could come through works or the law, Christ’s death would be meaningless.
Trusting in Works and Rituals over Faith
Many religions promote works-based salvation; however, true salvation is only through faith.
Examples from personal experience and historical figures like Martin Luther realizing that faith alone saves.
Matthew 7:22–23: Warning about relying on works rather than a relationship with Christ.
Not Sharing the Gospel
Verse 1: Paul’s declaration of the Gospel is central; faith is shared so that others might believe.
Romans 10:13–14: Importance of preaching for others to hear and believe.
Failure to share the Gospel leads to souls being lost, rendering one’s own faith inactive or “in vain.”
The Apostle Paul’s Example of a Life Not Lived in Vain
Verse 10: Paul’s life and ministry are demonstrations of grace received and actively used.
Paul’s Transformation and Labor
From persecutor to apostle; he labored abundantly for the sake of the Gospel.
Paul’s dedication to preaching the Gospel and ensuring others could believe, exemplifying a life “not in vain.”
A Warning from Ecclesiastes
Reflect on Solomon’s concluding words, describing much of life as “vanity.”
Without God’s purpose, even wisdom, power, and riches are ultimately empty.
Challenge to examine if our efforts align with eternal, lasting value.
Encouragement to Live a Life Full of Meaning in Christ
Verses 57–58: Thanks to God for victory through Christ, a reminder that our labor for God is not wasted.
Assurance that a life devoted to God and aligned with His Gospel is meaningful and impactful.
Call to steadfastness, immovability, and abounding in God’s work, knowing it holds eternal significance.
Application and Call to Response
Prayer and commitment to making a life of faith intentional and purposeful, without regret.
Invitation to reaffirm or accept faith in Christ, aligning lives with the true Gospel for eternal value.
Encouragement to share this Gospel with others, to ensure others find salvation and purpose in Christ.
Biblical References
1 Corinthians 15:1–2
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:10–11
"But by the grace of God, I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed."
1 Corinthians 15:14
"And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain."
1 Corinthians 15:17
"And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins."
1 Corinthians 15:57–58
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 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."
John 1:29
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
Hebrews 10:29–31
"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
John 8:24
"For if ye believe not that I am, ye shall die in your sins."
Galatians 2:21
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
Romans 10:13–14
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"
Matthew 7:22–23
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Reflection Questions
In what ways might I be relying on my own efforts or works for spiritual fulfillment rather than fully trusting in the grace of God and the power of Christ’s resurrection?
How can I ensure that my faith and actions are not “in vain,” but rather rooted in a genuine understanding and commitment to the true Gospel?
When I consider the people around me—family, friends, coworkers—am I actively sharing the Gospel with them so that they, too, can know Christ? What barriers might be holding me back, and how can I overcome them?
Reflecting on Paul’s transformation and his labor for the Gospel, in what ways can I increase my own commitment to serving God and sharing His message? What specific actions can I take to make my service more abundant and impactful?
Am I living a life that reflects confidence in the victory we have through Christ? How can I cultivate a steadfast, unmovable faith that abounds in the work of the Lord, knowing that my labor is not in vain?
Daily Activities
Daily Gratitude for Salvation
Activity: Each morning this week, take five minutes to thank God for the gift of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection.
Application: Reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for you and journal a few sentences on how His grace impacts your daily life.
Share the Gospel with One Person
Activity: Identify someone in your life who may not know Christ and, through prayer, look for an opportunity to share the Gospel with them this week.
Application: Focus on sharing God’s love and the hope we have in Christ’s resurrection, whether in person, over the phone, or through a written note.
Examine Your Priorities
Activity: Take time to evaluate your activities and commitments.
Application: Ask yourself if they align with your faith and God’s purpose for you, making a list of things you might need to shift or reduce to dedicate more time and energy to what God has called you to do.
Serve in Your Church or Community
Activity: Sign up for one new service opportunity this month, whether in your church or community.
Application: Focus on a way to serve that reflects Christ’s love to others and allows you to make a meaningful impact, such as volunteering in a ministry, helping with a local outreach, or assisting someone in need.
Create a “Steadfast in Faith” Reminder
Activity: Find or create a small visual reminder (such as a Bible verse card, a screensaver, or a small token) that represents being “steadfast, unmovable” in faith.
Application: Place it somewhere you’ll see it often, like your desk, phone, or bathroom mirror, as a reminder to remain grounded and abounding in the work of the Lord
