The Believers Fire Test

TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 3:11-15

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

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 abide 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."

THE FIRE TEST

People who work in fire and safety know what a fire test means. It is used to determine whether fire protection products meet minimum performance requirements. God also demands a measure of standard in the materials believers use in building for him. A solid, immovable, unshakeable and fireproof foundation has already been laid by God - his son , Jesus Christ. God said: "... Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken" (Isa 28:16). The Lord will make your foundation secure in Christ in Jesus name.

BUILDING ON JESUS, THE FIREPROOF FOUNDATION

Every genuine, born again believer already has Jesus as a sure foundation; but must be careful about the materials he uses to build on the foundation of Christ. This is so because every single building block and material you use to build will be tested by fire at the judgment seat of Christ. The fire of God shall reveal the quality of work you did.

"Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself" (Eph 2:20). The body of Christ is the building of God. We are called to build each other up in the Lord. To encourage and exalt one another until we grow together fitly framed, block by block; into the holy temple of God (Eph 2:21-22). We have been given the gift and fruit of the Holy Spirit to help, guide and equip us to build a solid edifice for God. (Gal 5:22-23). Love is the greatest gift God gave us and we are to use it to build each other up. "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Cor 13:7 NLT).

Eph 4:11-12 says: "Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ." Are you using your ministry gift to encourage others like Barnabas or are you getting people more discouraged?

WORDS, ACTIONS AND MOTIVES

Whatever we build with our words and deeds will either survive or be burnt up by the fire of God. The quality of our respective work upon the foundation of Christ will be revealed at the appearing of Christ. The motive behind every word and action shall be made plain. Believers, who in their respective ministries, callings and area of gifting/talent reflected the truth of the gospel of Christ, dedicated themselves to teaching the truth of the Bible and building up the body of Christ will survive the fire test. Like gold, silver and precious stone, their works will not be consumed by fire. They will receive rewards for building worthily on the foundation of Christ. You will not suffer loss in Jesus name.

BURNT WORKS, RESCUED SOULS

However, believers who added doctrines and traditions of men in their teachings and corrupted the truth of God's word will suffer great loss. Like wood, hay and straw, their work will be utterly destroyed by fire. They will lose their reward, but they themselves, will survive because of the foundation they have in Christ. Like a branch plucked out of fire, the Lord will rescue them.

God bless you. Shalom.