Your Labor Is Not in Vain

Three hopeful reminders whenever we question whether our labor for the Lord is worth it.

| 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 |

• We are and for .

| 1 Corinthians 15:35-44 | 2 Corinthians 3:18 | Romans 8:18 |

• takes .

| 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 | Matthew 13:1-23 | 1 Peter 1:5-8 |

• The only way out of the of is the of the .

| 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 | 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 | 2 Corinthians 5:8 | Matthew 24:36 |

Small Group Questions

What Do You Think?

What struck a chord with you from Sunday’s service?

The Story of Your Life.

1. 1 Corinthians 15:57 reminds us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” What thoughts come to mind when you read that verse?
2. On Sunday, Pastor Kyle mentioned how we can question the value of our “Kingdom work” when we lose even a tiny bit of “Kingdom focus.” What kinds of things help you to continue in the works of the Lord (when it would be easier to give up)?

Digging Deeper in God’s Word.

1. The Bible is full of examples of ordinary men and women who God uses to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Just like us, some of those also wind up questioning whether their work for the Lord was truly worth it. One great example of this in the Old Testament was Elijah after defeating the prophets of Baal. To give context, we’ll read that story first and then the subsequent one. Read 1 Kings 18:22-40 and answer the following prompts.
   1. Have a few group members recap the story using their own words.
   2. What does this tell us about God? People? Serving in ministry? You?
2. Now read 1 Kings 19:1-18 and answer the following prompts.
   1. Have a few group members recap the story using their own words.
   2. What does this tell us about God? People? Serving in ministry? You?
   3. What factors do you think might have caused Elijah to reach this low despite all God had used him to accomplish?
3. How might the following verses help us next time we are tempted to feel like our labor for the Lord is in vain?
   1. Psalm 119:11.
   2. Galatians 6:9.
   3. Philippians 1:6.
   4. Philippians 3:13-14.
   5. 2 Thessalonians 3:13.
   6. James 1:2-4.
   7. Hebrews 10:36.

Personal reflection and application.

1. Have everyone share one thing someone else mentioned that stood out to you.
2. Pray for one another.