10-25-09 1 Cor Series Message 10: Tried by Fire
Tried by Fire
I. Verse 10
A. Paul freely admits that his ability to build is all a result of God’s grace.
B. Paul does one activity. A co-labourer does another. Paul knows his call. He is in foundation work. He understands this and stays within the confines of what God calls him to do. If/when he gets outside of his individual mission, he runs into problems.
C. Notice we must take heed of “how” we build. The how is everything. We are not in a results driven organization. Our entire society and many Churches today are results focused. Even our code of ethics has become results based. This is absolutely contrary to the Word of God. We are completely process focused.
D. We are not responsible for achieving results in the things we do; however, we must be cautious and careful how we do God’s work. The “how” requirement is faithfully.
Col. 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Matt. 25:21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
1 Cor. 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
II. Verse 11
Jesus is the foundation for everything that is done in service to the Lord.
III. Verse 12-13
A. The best way to find a needle in a haystack is to burn the haystack. Our work shall be made manifest. God will reveal the “sort” of work we did. Whatever survives the fire was the right sort. RESULTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. God and only God is responsible for the results.
B. God is looking for good and faithful. Faithful is the how from verse 10. “Good” is shown here as that which is able to survive fire. This is work that God does.
Matt. 25:21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Eccl. 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
IV. Verses 14-15
A. Those whose work abides the fire will receive a reward.
Rev. 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
B. Those who labour to do their work, will suffer loss. The deception will be removed and it will be plain for all to see that they were building a haystack. No matter what you are trying to get your wife, husband, pastor etc. to believe now about your motives, one day your true motives will be revealed. That will be the loss.
C. But those whose desire is the applause of men will suffer greatly when everyone sees their true motives.
V. Verses 16-17
You are responsible for how you build, what you build and for yourself as you build.
