DEVOTION – DAY 363

I Corinthians 3:13-15 “God Judges All Work”

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 “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. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

In every church, there are people serving the Lord. Some full time, some on a part time basis. All work will be judged by God, both big and small work. The apostle Paul used the symbol of fire to describe God’s judgment of the quality of each person’s work. The work of some will stand the test of time, but the work of others will disappear because it has no lasting value. When God judges the work of every believer, they will not lose their salvation. This is because our salvation is based on belief in Jesus Christ’ work on the cross – and not based on our works. That was why 1 Cor.3:15 said that “the person will yet be saved” but if his or her work is without substance, it will be wiped away. The person is saved as if by a “narrow escape.” This was what Paul meant in 1 Cor.3:15 “even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

Work that lacks substance is when God’s Word is preached or taught wrongly. Work that draws attention and praise to individuals and not to God are also work that lacks substance. Work that is carried out in God’s name but does not honor God nor His Word will all be judged.

Carl Lentz was a co-founder of the New York branch of Hillsongs Church. He was a celebrity pastor who was a mentor for celebrities like Justin Beiber, Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner. He preached a persuasive and inclusive gospel that was appealing. He had tattoos, wore shredded jeans and sneakers and he had a large following. But his celebrity came crashing down when he was fired from his position for misconduct. In 2020, he admitted to having an adulterous affair with a Muslim woman. In 2022, he admitted to substance abuse and he admitted to having had a long-term affair with the wife of a fellow Hillsong pastor. His work had been tarnished. His rapid rise and fall were seen by many as God’s swift judgment on his questionable work.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You are All-knowing. Nothing escapes You. Please help us to always serve You with the right motives that are aligned to Your Word so that it is pleasing to You. We humbly ask this in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Questions

  1. How can you safeguard your work for the Lord in order to ensure that it is pleasing to Him? Discuss.
  2. What are some motivations that caused people to serve the Lord?
  3. What are some temptations that can cause people to fall as they serve the Lord? Discuss.
  4. What and how are you serving the Lord and how do you think God will judge your work? Share.