What does "if what he has built survives" imply about our spiritual efforts? The Setting of 1 Corinthians 3:14 “If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.” Unpacking the Phrase “What He Has Built Survives” • “What” = every work, ministry, act of service, motive, and word we contribute to the kingdom. • “Built” = intentionally produced—our investments of time, gifts, and resources. • “Survives” = endures God’s testing fire (v. 13) unharmed, proving genuine and eternal. Why Survival Matters • God’s final assessment is not about quantity but quality. • Eternal durability reveals alignment with Christ’s character and truth. • Reward follows survival; loss follows collapse (v. 15). Implications for Our Spiritual Efforts • Our labor is never meaningless when done in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Motive matters as much as action—hidden attitudes will be exposed (1 Corinthians 4:5). • Works done in the Spirit translate into enduring “gold, silver, precious stones” (v. 12). • Flesh-driven projects are “wood, hay, straw,” impressive now but combustible later. • The Judgment Seat of Christ evaluates believers’ works, not salvation (2 Corinthians 5:10). What Counts as Durable Building Material 1. Truth-centered teaching (2 Timothy 2:15). 2. Love expressed sacrificially (1 Corinthians 13:3, 8). 3. Evangelism rooted in the gospel (Romans 1:16). 4. Holiness in daily choices (Hebrews 12:14). 5. Persevering faith amid trials (James 1:12). 6. Stewardship marked by generosity (1 Timothy 6:18-19). 7. Obedience springing from gratitude, not coercion (John 14:15). How to Build So Our Work Survives • Stay anchored to the only foundation—“Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). • Walk in the Spirit, rejecting self-promotion (Galatians 5:16-17). • Let Scripture shape methods and content (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Serve for God’s glory, not applause (Colossians 3:23-24). • Keep short accounts through confession, maintaining purity (1 John 1:9). • Encourage others to grow, not remain dependent (Ephesians 4:12-13). Echoing Passages • Matthew 25:21—“Well done, good and faithful servant.” • Revelation 22:12—“My reward is with Me to repay each one according to what he has done.” • Ephesians 2:10—created for “good works, which God prepared beforehand.” Encouragement and Warning • Encouragement: every unseen act done for Christ is recorded and preserved (Hebrews 6:10). • Warning: impressive platforms built on ego will vanish in the flame (Matthew 6:1-2). Takeaway Truths • Spiritual efforts have eternal consequence. • Invest in what cannot burn—truth, love, obedience. • Live today with the fire test of tomorrow in view. |
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