How can we ensure our works withstand the "fire" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:15? The Day of Testing “Each one’s work will become evident, for the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15) Laying the Only Foundation: Jesus Christ • 1 Corinthians 3:11—“For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” • Salvation in Christ is the unshakeable base; works are judged only after this foundation is in place. • Assurance of salvation frees us to labor from gratitude, not fear (Ephesians 2:8-10). Choosing Enduring Materials Gold, silver, precious stones = eternal quality Wood, hay, straw = perishable shortcuts • Enduring works spring from obedience to Scripture (Psalm 119:89). • They are done in love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • They are empowered by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). • They point people to Christ, not self (Matthew 5:16). Motivation Matters • 2 Corinthians 5:9-10—“So we make it our goal to please Him… For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” • God weighs motives (1 Samuel 16:7); love for God and neighbor must drive every task. • Hidden pride or self-promotion turns gold into straw (Matthew 6:1-4). Method: Obedience to the Word • 2 Timothy 2:15—“Present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” • Stay within biblical boundaries in ministry, business, family, service. • Measure success by faithfulness to the text, not by cultural applause. Power Source: The Holy Spirit • John 15:5—“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Acts 1:8—The Spirit supplies power to witness and serve. • Works birthed in self-effort combust; Spirit-led works endure. Personal Purity • 2 Timothy 2:19-21—Vessels for honor are cleansed from wickedness. • Unconfessed sin stains otherwise good deeds (Psalm 66:18). • Practice quick repentance and consistent holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). Faithfulness in Daily Tasks • Luke 16:10—“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Ordinary duties—parenting, honest labor, kindness—become gold when done for Christ (Colossians 3:23-24). • Perseverance counts; long obedience tempers works like precious metal (Hebrews 10:36). Stewardship of Gifts and Resources • 1 Peter 4:10—“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others… as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” • Matthew 25:14-30—Parable of the talents shows reward for diligent investment. • Neglected opportunities are lost lumber in the flames. Eternal Perspective • 2 Corinthians 4:17—“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” • Revelation 22:12—“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me.” • Keeping the finish line in view fuels sacrificial service today. Putting It All Together 1. Anchor every endeavor on the finished work of Christ. 2. Examine motives—seek God’s pleasure, not applause. 3. Filter plans through Scripture; discard anything unbiblical. 4. Depend on the Spirit, not fleshly energy. 5. Guard personal holiness; confess and forsake sin quickly. 6. Be faithful in routine responsibilities and in stewarding gifts. 7. Maintain an eternal outlook; rewards are certain, losses are possible. Live and labor this way, and when the refining flames sweep across your life’s work, what remains will gleam with imperishable glory. |
    |