Singed but Saved
January 25, 2015 Evening Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: Make sure the work you do for the Lord is actually for the Lord!
Focus Passage: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Introduction: A few years ago, I worked with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief in Creek County, Oklahoma, where wild fires had ravished the countryside and had completely destroyed dozens of homes. Without fail, every one of the victims told me that while they had lost everything they own, they were grateful that they escaped with their lives. One man, in his 70’s, told me he had nothing to show for all his work. He lost his house, his barn, his garage, all his tools, his vehicles and tractor, even his dog. But through all the loss, he praised the Lord for His goodness. There well may be some folks like that when they get to Heaven. They will have nothing to show for all their years of hard work. Their works will have been burned up in judgment. But they will arrive with their souls intact. Their britches might be smoking, but they will be saved.
I. Temporal Value Works
a. Attitude and motive is everything
b. Lack of desire to please God
c. Wanting to please others
d. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. (Matthew 6:1-2 NASB)
II. Eternal Value Works
a. Attitude and motive is everything
b. Desire to please God
c. Not interested in the praise of people
d. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NASB)
e. Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. (Romans 12:11 GNB)
f. Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB)
III. Eternal Rewards
a. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (1 Peter 5:4 NASB)
b. It might be as simple as hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Application/Invitation: We are all expected to be involved in this "building" project in God’s Kingdom. We are to invest in that which is spiritual, valuable and that which will last. Consider well how you are building today.
