1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (NKJV) each man’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it because it is to be revealed with 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 up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Only God knows the motives behind someone who serves. Of course, the church would like to believe that every believer in church serves as a response to God’s unconditional love expressed through Jesus’ work of atonement for us. Nevertheless, some serve only to be seen and would only serve in areas of importance and significance.
The Apostle Paul understood the truth in this Scripture and was willing to preach the Gospel for free even though God has clearly stated in the Bible that those who preach the Gospel are entitled to live by the Gospel. He was more motivated by eternal rewards than the privileges and the entitlement that come with the position (1 Corinthians 9:7-18).
Each man’s work will be revealed on that day when it is tested by fire. The kind of work that survives the test of fire must be made of gold, silver, and precious stones. Works that are done out of a pure heart, the right motives, and out of our love for God are the kinds of works that the Lord will bless on that day. It means that we will continue to serve even if we are not paid, not given privileges, not acknowledged, or even appreciated by men. There are instances where some people have felt used and even abused by the church because we live in a broken and imperfect world, but God records everything that is done out of love and a pure heart, so these people will not lose their rewards.
All the work that we put in for the Lord will be tested by fire and the kind of motives and intent for service will be revealed on the day. What we should be doing are things that please God, walking in His will, and serving Him with the gifts and talents that He has given us, including stewarding the responsibilities that He has given us like preaching and sharing the Gospel and ministering to the people that He has put in our midst.
Nobody wants to see their work go up in smoke. Everyone wants to see that their work will withstand the test of fire and hear the Lord say, “Well done! My good and faithful servant!” The Bible says that those whose work remains when it is tested by fire will receive a reward—a reward that lasts for eternity!
Sermon Series: ServeFest (September 2023)
烈火试炼的工程
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 。人的工程若被烧了 ， 他就要受亏损 。 自己却要得救 。 虽然得救乃从火里经过的一样 。（哥林多前书3:13-15）
只有上帝知道服务者心中的真正动机。当然，教会愿意相信，教会中的每个信徒的事奉都是出于对上帝藉着耶稣为我们作的赎罪之工所表达的无条件的爱的回应。然而，还是会有些人踏出来事奉只是为了被看到，并且只在重要和显扬的领域事奉。
使徒保罗明白这段经文中的真理，甚至愿意免费传福音，尽管上帝在圣经中明确指出，传福音的人有权以传福音为生。比起职位所带来的特权和名誉，他更愿意得到那永恒的奖赏（哥林多前书9:7-18）。
各人的工程将在审判日那一天经过烈火试炼后揭晓。那历火尤存的工程必定是以真金白银和宝石所做成。那出于一片赤诚、正确的动机以及对上帝的爱而做的工程，是主会在那天祝福的工程。这意味着，即使我们没有报酬，没有特权，不被认可，甚至无人感激，我们还是会继续事奉。有些情况下，因为我们生活在一个破碎和不完美的世界里，会有些人感到被教会利用，甚至感到被辜负，但上帝记录了出于爱和赤诚所做的一切，所以这些人不会失去他们的奖赏。
我们为耶和华所作的一切工作，都要经过烈火的考验，在那日，事奉的动机和意图都被显露出来。我们应该始终做取悦上帝的事情，按照祂的旨意行事，用祂赐给我们的恩赐和才能事奉祂，包括担负起祂分派给我们的职责，比如传教和分享福音，事奉那些上帝放在我们生命中的人。
没有人愿意看到他们的工程灰飞烟灭。每个人都希望看到他们的工程能经受住烈火的考验，并听到上帝说：“做得好！我忠心良善的仆人！”经上说，那些工程在经火之后依然存留的，将领受奖赏—那奖赏存到永远！
讲章系列：服事招募节2023年9月
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