Bible Study
Topic: JUDGMENT OF BELIEVER’S WORKS
Text: 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Introduction
“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abides which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Works are compared to these materials: some become more pure in the fire and others are completely burned up by fire. Fire will try every man’s works. If his are gold, silver, and precious stones they will abide the fire and he will receive a reward for his works. If they are wood, hay and stubble his works will be burned up, yet he himself will be saved from loss of his soul. (v 12-15).
Judgment of Believer’s Works
1. Subjects: Believers (Gal. 6:8)(Eph. 6:8)(Col. 3:24)(Rom. 14)(2 Cor. 5:10).
2. Time: Between the rapture and the Second Advent. (Luke 14:14)
3. Place: In heaven (1 Cor. 9:24-27)(Rom. 14:10)(2 Cor. 5:10).
4. Basis: Works, both good and bad (1 Cor. 3:11-15)(2 Cor. 5:10)(Rom. 14)(Col. 3)(Matt. 16:27)(Rom. 2:6)(2 Tim. 4:14).
5. Result: Reward or loss of reward, but never the loss of one’s soul for any wrong doings properly confessed and forgiven (1 Cor. 3:11-15). This judgment deals with the believer as a servant (Rom. 14)(2 Cor. 5:10,11).
Believers will be judged concerning:
a. Doctrines (Rom. 2:14-16)(Rom. 14).
b. Conduct to others (Matt. 18)(Rom. 14).
c. Carnal traits (Col. 3)(Rom. 1-2)(Rom. 8:1-13)(Rom. 14:1-23).
d. Words (Matt. 12:32-37)(Rom. 14).
e. Things that affect others:- slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness, dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (Rom. 1:29-32)(1 Cor. 6:9-11)(Gal. 5:19-21)(Col. 3)(Eph 4:1-32)(Eph 5:1-33)(Rom 12:1-21)(Rom 14:1-23).
f. Things that affect themselves:- neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (Rom 2:14-16)(Heb 2:1-4)(Gal 5:1-26)(Gal 6:1-10)(Col 3).
g. Things that affect God:- refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to co-operate and yield to the Holy Spirit, etc. (1 Cor 12)(Rom 12)(Eph 4:1-32)(Eph 5:1-33).