1 Corinthians 3:12-15
12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
You ever heard the phrase, “Only what you do for Christ will last?” The Bible tells us that on Judgment Day, only what you do for Christ will survive the flames!
There is no great significance in the “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and stubble.” God’s Word has been compared to gold, but it is always superior to gold. It is not an exact comparison. Paul was simply illustrating that a person can build with good building materials that will last (gold, silver, precious stones) or inferior materials that will be burned (wood, hay, stubble).
When building a house, you must have a good foundation and good materials to build it. Spiritually faith in Christ is our foundation. Once saved, we can either have works of the flesh (wood, hay, stubble) or works of the Spirit (gold, silver, precious stones).
Each person will one day stand before the Lord for the purpose of receiving rewards (Matthew 10:42). During this time of manifestation, all our actions will be revealed. Whether they were our own doing or directed by the Spirit of God. if they are spiritual (gold, silver, precious stones), we will be rewarded. If they were carnal (wood, hay, stubble), we will lose rewards, 1 Corinthians 3:15.
Not About Size
The refiner’s fire will reveal what “sort” our works are, not what size they are. People are focused on the quantity not on the quality of ministry. Paul is saying here, the Lord will reward us based on how well we did, not how much we did. God will reject and reduce to stubble through the fire, building materials they used (works of the flesh). Others who never gained acclaim here on earth because they never did any big works will be greatly rewarded. Because they fulfilled what the Lord called them to do.
Only What You Do for Christ Will Last
Those who were not governed by the Holy Spirit in their actions will see all their good works burned up on that day when we stand before the Lord and He tries our works. Those who acted only under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will find that their works will endure the test, and they will receive a reward.
Many people choose to do good things, thinking that God will be pleased. But our positive response to God’s direction (faith) is what pleases God. Hebrews 11:6, “ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” 1 Corinthians 3:15, shares these rewards are not for salvation which is by grace but for service.
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest anyone should boast.”
Revelations 3:11, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” As Believers we are warned that rewards can be lost through unfaithfulness or seeking validation from men rather than God. Rest assured, all good work done for the Lord, even small acts, will receive a “just reward.” Colossians 3:24, “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
We were created with a purpose, and each one of us has a God-given plan for our lives. Unless our actions are in agreement with God’s plan for our lives, they will not abide the test of God’s fire.
Marguerite Wafula