How does 1 Corinthians 3:14 connect with Jesus' teachings on bearing fruit? Foundational Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:14 “If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.” Context in 1 Corinthians 3 • Paul pictures believers as builders on the one true foundation—Jesus Christ (v. 11). • Each believer’s “work” is tested by fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ (vv. 13, 15). • Only work that endures that testing “survives,” bringing eternal reward. Jesus on Bearing Fruit • John 15:5 – “The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit.” • John 15:8 – “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and prove to be My disciples.” • Matthew 7:17 – “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” • Luke 8:15 – Seed in good soil “produces a crop… with perseverance.” Connecting Surviving Work with Lasting Fruit • Same Goal: Enduring results that honor God—Paul calls it “work that survives,” Jesus calls it “fruit that remains” (John 15:16). • Same Source: Both stress dependence on Christ. Paul: “No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (v. 11). Jesus: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Same Test: Authenticity is proven over time. Paul envisions fire revealing quality; Jesus warns that diseased trees are exposed by their fruit. • Same Reward: Paul promises a “reward.” Jesus says fruitful disciples “prove to be My disciples” and glorify the Father, receiving His favor (John 15:8). What Survives at the Judgment • Works built with “gold, silver, precious stones” (v. 12) = acts springing from faith, love, obedience. • Works fueled by flesh (“wood, hay, straw”) burn up, like fruitless branches cut off and thrown into the fire (John 15:6). Practical Takeaways for Today • Build on Christ alone; reject any self-made foundation. • Stay vitally connected to the Vine through Scripture, prayer, and obedience. • Measure ministry not by size or speed but by faithfulness and Christ-likeness. • Pursue works that the Spirit empowers—those alone pass the fiery test and count as true fruit. Encouragement Faith-rooted, Spirit-led labor in Christ is never wasted. Keep sowing, watering, and trusting God for increase—because “if what you build survives, you will receive a reward.” |
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