1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (NKJV) 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.
As Christians, we want to ensure our work for the Lord endures the test of fire! Paul compares our service to building a house on the foundation of Christ, using gold, silver, and precious stones rather than wood, hay, and stubble.
Gold, silver, and costly stones represent work that is durable, valuable, and eternal. They are services done with the right heart motive: out of love for God, for His glory, and in obedience to His Word; ministries that point to Christ rather than to us, with characters built on the fruit of the Spirit; and acts of kindness done in Jesus’ name, not for recognition.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NKJV) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
Money is no substitute for time. Many prefer to give financially and leave the work of ministry to others. While it is right and biblical to bring our tithes and offerings to God—because everything we have belongs to Him and we are merely stewards—it is prideful to think our financial giving makes us generous in God’s eyes. In reality, the more wealth we accumulate, the more tempted we may be to place our trust in it. This is why Scripture gives a clear command to those who are wealthy: be rich in good works.
Mark 9:35 (NKJV) And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
It’s wonderful when God promotes us to positions of influence in the marketplace. Yet in the Kingdom of God, true greatness is measured not by position but by a willingness to serve. To desire only leadership roles within the church means we are not seeking a place to serve, but a position. That is carnality.
But when our service flows from gratitude for the salvation purchased for us through the blood of Jesus Christ, we become willing to serve in any ministry, in any capacity. We gladly take on roles that are unseen and unnoticed. That is humility.
While the world emphasises leadership, the role of a servant is of great significance in the Kingdom of God. God rewards faithfulness, obedience, our willingness to serve in any capacity in the body of Christ, and a right heart in serving.
Sermon Series： Investing in a Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
祂看重正确的心态与甘心乐意
哥林多前书 3:12-14 若有人用金、银、宝石、草、木、禾秸在这根基上建造， 各人的工程必然显露；因为那日子要将它表明出来，有火发现，这火要试验各人的工程怎样。 人在那根基上所建造的工程若存得住，他就要得赏赐；
作为基督徒，我们都盼望自己为主所做的工，能够经得起火的试验。保罗将我们的服事比作在基督的根基上建造房屋，要使用金、银、宝石，而不是草木禾秸。
金、银和宝石代表那些持久、有价值、具有永恒意义的服事。这些服事是出于正确的动机——因爱神、为荣耀神，并顺服祂的话语而做；是高举基督而不是高举自己；是建立在圣灵果子品格上的事奉；也是奉耶稣的名所行的善举，而不是为了得人的称赞与认可。
提摩太前书 6:17-18 你要嘱咐那些今世富足的人，不要自高，也不要倚靠无定的钱财，只要倚靠那厚赐百物给我们享受的神。 又要嘱咐他们行善，在好事上富足，甘心施舍，乐意供给人，
金钱不能代替时间。许多人宁愿在金钱上奉献，却把服事的工作留给别人去做。虽然我们将十一奉献和供物带到神面前，是正确且合乎圣经的，因为我们一切所有的都属于神，我们只是管家；但若认为自己的金钱奉献就等于在神眼中是慷慨的人，那便是一种骄傲。事实上，我们拥有越多财富，就越容易把信靠建立在财富之上。因此，圣经特别对富足的人发出清楚的命令：要在善事上富足。
马可福音9:35 耶稣坐下，叫十二个门徒来，说：“若有人愿意做首先的，他必做众人末后的，做众人的用人。”
当神提升我们，在职场上赐下影响力与地位，这是美好的事。然而，在神的国度里，真正的伟大，不是由地位决定，而是由是否愿意服事来衡量。若一个人只渴望在教会中担任领袖职位，说明他追求的不是服事的机会，而是一个位置。这是属肉体的表现。
但当我们的服事，是出于对耶稣基督用宝血为我们成就救恩的感恩时，我们就会愿意在任何事工、任何岗位上服事。即使是那些不被看见、无人注意的工作，我们也甘心乐意承担。这才是真正的谦卑。
世界强调领导力，但在神的国度里，仆人的角色却极其重要。神所赏赐的，是忠心、顺服、愿意在基督身体里任何岗位上服事的心，以及正确的服事动机。
讲章系列：投资于那不能震动的国度