Text: “Every man’s work will be made clear, for the Day will make it known, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test everyone’s work as to what sort it is.” — 1 Corinthians 3:13
Introduction
The Apostle Paul reminds believers that a day is coming when God will evaluate every life and every work. The issue is not merely how much we have done, but what kind of work we have done and the motive behind it. Human applause may celebrate our achievements today, but God's fire will reveal their true value.
Fire does not create quality; it reveals it. Gold remains after the fire, while straw is consumed. Likewise, God's judgment will expose whether our works were done for His glory or for our own recognition.
1. Every Work Will Be examined
Paul says, “every man's work will be made clear.”
Nothing is hidden from God. The prayers offered in secret, the acts of kindness no one noticed, the sacrifices made for Christ, and even the motives of our hearts are all known to Him.
Many things that appear great before men may be insignificant before God, while many unnoticed acts of faithfulness will receive great reward.
God sees:
°What we do.
°Why we do it.
°How we do it.
The Lord is not only interested in activity; He is interested in authenticity.
2. The Fire Tests the Quality, not the Quantity
The text says, “the fire will test everyone's work as to what sort it is.”
God's question is not, "How much did you build?" but "What did you build with?"
Paul speaks of two kinds of materials:
°Gold, silver, and precious stones.
°Wood, hay, and straw.
Gold represents works done in faith, love, humility, and obedience to Christ.
Wood, hay, and straw represent works done for pride, self-promotion, empty religion, or worldly gain.
A small act done for God's glory is more valuable than a great achievement done for selfish motives.
3. The Day of Revelation is Certain
Paul refers to “the Day.” This is the day when Christ will judge the works of His people.
Today we may compare ourselves with others, but on that day we will stand before Christ alone. Titles, positions, popularity, and earthly success will not matter. What will matter is whether we were faithful stewards of what God entrusted to us.
Therefore, we must live each day with eternity in view.
4. Build on the Right Foundation.
Earlier in this chapter, Paul declares that the only true foundation is Jesus Christ.
A beautiful building on a weak foundation will collapse. Likewise, a life not built upon Christ cannot stand the fire of divine examination.
Our ministries, families, careers, and ambitions must all be rooted in Christ. When Jesus is the foundation, our labor is not in vain.
Conclusion
One day the fire of God's judgment will test every work. The question is not whether the fire will come—it will. The question is whether our works will survive it.
Let us therefore:
°Serve Christ sincerely.
°Work with pure motives.
°Build on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
Pursue eternal rewards rather than temporary applause.
May we live in such a way that when our works pass through the fire, they will remain, and we will hear the words:
"Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:21)
Prayer:
Lord, help us to build with gold, silver, and precious stones. Purify our motives, strengthen our faithfulness, and teach us to live for Your approval rather than the praise of men. May our lives bring glory to Christ and stand the test of fire on that great Day. ....Amen.
-Kunle Solomon
Ministering
SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t
Or call +2347051874707
Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com
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