“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
(1 Corinthians 3:14)
In every generation the church of Christ is tested by opposition and the temptation to depart from the truth once delivered to the saints. Yet this passage reminds us that whatever is truly built upon the foundation of Christ will endure every trial.
The apostle speaks of a work that abides. He is describing doctrine and labor that are founded upon Christ and agreeable to His Word. Human opinions rise and fall. The wisdom of this world changes with every age. Philosophies that once appeared unshakable eventually crumble into dust. But the truth of God remains.
The permanence of God’s truth rests upon the character of God Himself. He is truth and cannot lie. His promises are certain, His warnings are sure, and His declarations cannot fail. Heaven and earth may pass away, but His Word shall never pass away.
There is a temptation in every age to trust in novelty, popularity, or human approval. Men prefer doctrines that flatter their reason or accommodate their desires. But we do not follow cunningly devised fables or religious inventions. Rather, we stand on the testimony of the living God.[1] The doctrines of grace, the glory of Christ, the certainty of judgment, and the promises of eternal life are not shifting opinions but everlasting realities.
Yet we must remember that it is possible to hold correct doctrine while living an inconsistent life. A man may speak truth with his lips and yet dishonor that truth by his life.
Therefore, we must pray that our doctrine and our conduct agree for God graciously delights to honor faithful service. Every labor for His truth, every effort to uphold His gospel, and every act of faithfulness performed for His glory will receive His approval.
Therefore, let us hold fast to the truth of God. Let us love His Word, defend it, and live according to it.
And let us labor with eternity in view, desiring above all things to hear the commendation of our Lord and to receive from His hand that reward which He has graciously promised to all who remain faithful to Him.
Contemplations:
- Examining What I Am Building. I often ask myself whether my efforts are truly built on Christ or whether they are mixed with pride and self-interest. This passage reminds me that everything will one day be tested. I want my labor to rest in the truth of God and not the praise of men.
- Loving The Truth More Deeply. I am thankful that God’s truth does not change with the opinions of this world but that His Word remains firm. This gives me confidence to trust Him and to continue following Him even when others turn away.
- Seeking A Holy Life. Correct doctrine is a precious gift, but I do not want my life to contradict what I profess. I pray that the truth I confess with my mouth would also shape my thoughts, desires, and conduct. And that the gospel not only informs my mind but also governs my life.
- Looking Toward The Eternal Reward. I can become discouraged when my efforts seem unnoticed or fruitless. Yet this passage reminds me that the Lord sees every act of faithfulness. Nothing done for Him is wasted. This encourages me to persevere and to labor for His glory rather than for the approval of men.
Prayer (Confession):
Holy and gracious God, I confess that I have often been more concerned with the approval of men than with Your approval. My motives have been mixed, my efforts imperfect, and my heart too often distracted by things that will not endure.
I confess that I have sometimes neglected Your truth and failed to treasure Your Word as I ought. At times I have been careless in my obedience and inconsistent in my walk. I have professed what is right while falling short in practice.
Forgive me for every proud thought, every careless word, and every work that has been influenced more by self than by love for You. Cleanse me from hypocrisy and deliver me from a divided heart.
Grant me grace to build on Christ alone. Teach me to love Your truth and to walk according to it. Give me a sincere desire to honor You in both doctrine and life.
Strengthen me to remain steadfast when trials come. Preserve me from error and establish me more firmly in the gospel of Your Son. Let my labor be pleasing in Your sight and produce fruit that will endure.
I thank You that my hope rests not in my own works but in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Receive me for His sake, forgive my many sins, and make me faithful until the end.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
1 Cor. 3:8; Dan. 12:3; 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Tim. 4:8
[1] Anthony Burgess, The Scripture Directory for Church Officers and People, (London: Abraham Miller for T.U. and are to be sold by Thomas Underhill, George Calvert, and Henry Fletcher .., 1659), 181-184.
