Empty Handed?

1 Cor. 3:9-15-For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

This illustration would have been very significant to the people of Corinth because in 165 BC, their whole city had been devastated by fire.

Every house that was built out of wood, hay, or straw was destroyed, those house made out of granite, marble, and costly stones where still standing.

Stubble-(KJV)-The short, stiff, stalks that remain on a field after harvesting. God Gets What’s Left!

Wood, hay, and stubble are found above ground, they catch the eye.

Most People Will Work For The Lord, If It Draws Attention To Them.

They want their name on a plaque, their name announced from the pulpit, or they got to have a title.

The greatest deacons I have served with, have been those ones who know they are not worthy of such a position.

They were asked to serve in that position, they did not asked of that position for themselves.

Now you notice where silver, gold, and precious stones are found, below ground.

They Are Not As Noticeable And A Lot More Work Is Involved.

What is this fire?

Rev. 1:14-His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

Hebrews 12:29-For our God is a consuming fire.

The same fire that can warm you, can also burn you!

Reward or crowns-James l:12-Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

l Cor. 9:25-And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

2 Tim. 4:8-Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

1 Peter 5:2-4-Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

If I could give you a chance to go back to school and you would know how much school was going to affect the rest of your life (Better job, better quality of life...) would you do it?

That‘s what God is saying to us. What we do down here affects the next life or the continuation of this life!

Tony Evans-Scho1arship·The fee to go to college-free!

But the position on the squad has to be earned!

Salvation-Free

But your rewards, your place, your position in the kingdom is up to you!

Do you want to the low man on the totem pole?

Big Questions You Need To Ask Yourself

First you need to ask, am I doing any thing for Christ? _

Then, you need to ask, is what l am doing is it hay or gold?