GO - Week 3

The Reward for the Worker

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

1. The Foundation of Our Work (v. 10–11)
- All true Christian work must be rooted in Christ, not ego, not ambition, not recognition.

2. The Quality of Our Building (v. 12–13)
- Gold, silver, precious stones → works done in faith, with eternal impact.
- Wood, hay, straw → works done for self, recognition, or convenience.

3. The Testing of Our Work (v. 13–15)
- 2 Corinthians 5:10
- Romans 14:10

What is the Bema Seat?

- A judgment for believers only (not unbelievers).
- Not about salvation (that’s settled by Christ at the cross).
- It is about reward, recognition, and responsibility in eternity.
- Christ evaluates faithfulness, motives, obedience, and endurance.

4. The Reward of Faithful Service

- Faithfulness — Did we use what we were given? (1 Cor. 4:2)
- Motives — Why did we serve? (1 Cor. 4:5)
- Obedience — Did we do God’s will, not just our own plans? (Matt. 7:21–23)
- Endurance — Did we remain steadfast through trials? (James 1:12) 

5. Living for Eternal Reward

Small Group Questions

1. Foundation Check: In what ways do we sometimes try to build on foundations other than Christ (e.g., success, recognition, comfort)? How can we ensure our life and service remain rooted in Him?

2. Materials Matter: What are some practical examples of “gold, silver, precious stones” vs. “wood, hay, straw” in everyday Christian living?

3. The Bema Seat: How does understanding the difference between the Bema Seat (for believers) and the Great White Throne (for unbelievers) affect your perspective on eternity?

4. Criteria of Reward: Which of the four criteria (faithfulness, motives, obedience, endurance) challenges you the most right now? Why?

5. Living Now for Then: If Jesus were to evaluate your work today, what’s one area of life or ministry you would want to shore up, so that it endures into eternity?

3-Day Devotional Guide

Day 1 — The Unshakable Foundation

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:10–11; Ephesians 2:19–22

Reflection: Christ alone is the foundation of our salvation and service. Everything we build must flow from Him, not from ambition, pride, or performance.

Prayer: Lord, keep me from building my life on anything other than Jesus. Help me rest in Him as the true foundation.

Action Step: Identify one area of your life that has been built on self rather than Christ. Invite God to realign it today.

Day 2 — Building with Lasting Materials

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:12–13; Colossians 3:23–24

Reflection: The “fire” of God’s judgment will test not just what we did, but why we did it. Acts done for recognition or convenience will not endure, but what is done for Christ, even if unseen, will last forever.

Prayer: Father, refine my motives. Teach me to serve with sincerity, seeking Your approval above all others.

Action Step: Do one unseen act of service today — not for applause, but for God’s glory.

Day 3 — Living for Eternal Reward

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:21

Reflection: Heaven is secure for the believer, but rewards and responsibilities are determined by our faithfulness. The words “Well done, good and faithful servant” should shape how we live now.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to live with eternity in mind. May my choices today reflect the eternal reward You promise to those who endure faithfully.

Action Step: Write down one area where you sense God calling you to deeper faithfulness — commit to walking it out this week.