1 Corinthians
15:57-58
Won by One
Our Wyneken staff at the conclusion of last year’s term chose today’s theme. Now hear the word of our LORD. “But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ. Therefore my brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD your labor is not in vain.”
LORD give these children a thirst for knowledge. Wisdom. And understanding. May their hearts be read to learn this year. At home. Church. And school. Open their minds. May they crave knowledge. And seek it out. For the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Give strength to our teachers. Guidance to their parents. And an eternal perspective and purpose to our students. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
Victory is defined. As overcoming. Or winning. In a
competition. Or struggle. Over an opponent. Or when facing some difficult
problem. You have already been given this victory. The victory is yours!
The apostle John teaches – “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that
has overcome the world. Even our faith.” -1 John 5:4
1. There is victory for those in Christ Jesus.
A.
There is victory over sin.
The coming of Jesus into our world changes everything. For we do not have a God who is too proud to know His people. Or, a God content to rule from a great distance. Or, a God whose majesty was just too awesome for us to behold.
We have the complete opposite. Jesus is the only ONE who experienced the very same humanity, the very same problems, the very same challenges that you do.
No. You do not walk this road alone. Jesus is the ONE who came down from heaven. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Surely, he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed.”- Isaiah 53:3-5
Behold Christ’s Cross. He did this by Himself, suffering an unjust arrest, by Himself being killed most unfairly. Jesus – the most righteous ONE – the only perfectly righteous ONE – He would be arrested, tried, and put to death, when it was clear he was entirely not guilty.
On His cross, your sin became His. Your troubles His burdens. He died your death. Only to rise again. Look to His cross for your every burden in life. While the world spins, the cross stands!
B.
There is victory of death.
St. Paul explains so clearly. “But in fact, Christ has been raise from the dead.” –V.20 Every day, You can say confidently. “Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.” For in fact He is! And because He lives. You will live also. We are always Easter people.
C.
There is victory over the devil.
John will go on to explain: “Little children. You are from God. And have overcome them. For he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”-1 John 4:4
Transition: Most of you. Before school started. Had to go to the doctor. For a checkup. Since the doctor has given you a clean bill of health. You can now return to school. With the sure confidence that you can successfully carry on your work.
2. This confidence does not disappoint.
A.
Stand firm.
St Paul encourages us, Be on the alert. Stand firm. Be steadfast. Immovable. Always abounding in the work of the LORD. – V.58
B.
Let nothing move you.
For you are anchored and grounded in Christ. Will there be challenges in this school year? Of course so. But you are not alone. Peter encourages us with these sure words, “Resist him. Firm in your faith. Knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being experiences by your brotherhood throughout the world.” – 1 Peter 5:9 Let nothing move you.
C.
Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.
King Solomon reminds us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10 the LORD’s work began at creation. The LORD created you to join Him in service. The work of the LORD includes what you do every day. In your work as students and teaches motivates you to work with energy and excellence.
Each of you are created with talents, abilities and gifts. To be used for the glory of God and in serviced to your neighbor. That’s what school is for – To discover the abilities the LORD has given you. And then to use them for the glory of God and service toward your neighbor. Like the cleaning company Service MasterTM – In all that you do is for Service to the Master.
D.
Know this. You labor in the LORD is
not in vain.
You rush to school. Every day. Where
you spend long hours. And spend tremendous amounts of energy. And what’s the
reward? A good grade? A gold star? A
paycheck? A pat on the back? Is the reward worth the time and energy? It is all
worth it. For your labor is in the LORD.
What is the LORD’s work? Every time
you pray for another person. Every time you speak words of cheer and
encouragement. Every time you give of yourself. Your time. Your resources to
relieve suffering.
Every time you give God glory for His grace and for His mercy. This is the work of the LORD that you do here at Wyneken. Every. Single. Day.
Another school year begins with
possibilities. Challenges. Potential. Will it be a good year? The ONE who loves you with an everlasting
love - wins you. Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School – Godspeed and God Bless.
Passive Sentences –5%
Readability – 82.6%
Reading Level -3.4
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