Sermon: Heaven's Coronation Day (1 Corinthians 3:10-15): Pastor Tito Dizon

[This sermon was first preached on March 17, 2013 at Folsom Community Church by Pastor Tito Dizon]

1 Corinthians 3:10-15     HEAVEN'S CORONATION DAY

Intro: Today, I would like for us to take some time to look into the event known in the Bible as the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is an event that is spoken of in several passages of Scripture.

 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body) . 

This passage  speak of the same event. They refer to a time when every child of God will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and give an account of their service to the Lord.

I don't mind telling you that when I think of that event, I do so with a bit of dread. However, I also want you to know that there will be far more for us to look forward to than there will be for us to fear!

For it is on that day that the fruits of the journey are rewarded. It is that day when we may hear the Lord Jesus say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

Heaven's Coronation Day.

I want you to be ready when that day arrives.

This passage reveal three aspects of that great day that we need to notice today

It will be:

I. V. 10-13 A DAY OF INTIMATE DISCOVERIES

II. V. 14 A DAY OF INTENSE DELIGHTS

III. V. 15 A DAY OF IMMENSE DISAPPOINTMENTS

I. V. 10-13 A DAY OF INTIMATE DISCOVERIES

Paul describes the Christian life as a building. He tells us that he laid the foundation, but it is our responsibility and duty to build on that foundation. It is our duty to build correctly!

10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

Foundation: The whole idea of this word is this: When the Lord saved your soul, He placed you on the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ.  verse 11 makes it clear that this is an event that is for believers only!

 In other words, if you aren't building from your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, then you will not be at the Judgment Seat of Christ, but you will either be in the Tribulation or you will already be in Hell!

others are building on it. But whoever is building on : We (Pastor, BS Teacher, C’tian friend, Parents,(you )are building on it.must be very careful 

  A. V. 10 Our Methods Will Be Discovered - Paul tells us that "how" we built on the foundation will pass under the microscope of God in that Day. Since the very moment you were saved, you have been building a life. This life can either be a thing of glory to the Lord, or it can be a thing of disgrace before the Lord. When we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, we will answer for how we have built our lives.

12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.

    B. V. 12 Our Materials Will Be Discovered - This verse tells us that there are two possible categories of materials from which we can construct our spiritual house.

        1. There Are Worthy Materials - Gold, Silver and Precious Stones. These refer to things that are precious, valuable, beautiful and hard to come by.These are also things that survive and even thrive in the fire. These picture the kind of works that the Lord will bless in that day, and the kind of works that every believer should have in his/her life as they journey through this world.

        2. There Are Worthless Materials - Wood, Hay and Stubble. These refer to those things that are temporary, ugly, cheap and easy to come by. They would speak of things that are done out of the will of God, or things that are done out of a mean spirit, or things that are done out of selfishness, etc. They differ from the other materials in that each of these is immediately destroyed by flames. These refer to the kinds of motives, decisions & activities that we should avoid as believers.

 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.

 In Paul's day, in every city there was a place called the Bema, or judgment seat. It was from this raised platform, usually in the center of town, that announcements were made, judgments rendered and commendations handed out.

It was at the Bema Seat that rewards were given out to the winners of the Greek games. It was here that their crowns were given to them. All public proclamations came from this Bema seat. So, we mustn't think that it was only a place for fear and trembling. Certainly some were rebuked when they came here, but many others were rewarded and blessed.

Christ's seat of judgment is no different!

There are two issues that will not be addressed at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Those issues are:

1. Salvation - That was forever taken care of at the moment of conversion. Nothing can ever change the state of the believer's soul. If a person is saved, they are saved forever! Ill. No lost person will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ. There will be another Judgment that take care of the lost sinner. If you are here, you are saved!!!
2. Sin - Sin was taken care of forever at Calvary when the Lord Jesus died, John 19:30! When Jesus died, He died for the ALL sin of the world - 2 Cor. 5:21. Now, when a sinner places his faith in the Lord Jesus for salvation, all his sins are forever taken care of! They will not be mentioned when we arrive here! Hallelujah, that is enough to shout about!!!

This judgment will not determine whether or not you get into Heaven. That was decided when you received Jesus as your Savior. This judgment will not take into account your sins. They were paid for at the cross. When we sin in this world, we reap the consequences of those sins, but the sins themselves were completely paid for by the Lord Jesus at Calvary!!!

What will be dealt with is the manner in which we have lived this earthly life, from the moment of our conversion until the day we died, or were raptured. It will be about how we used the responsibilities, privileges and opportunities we were given by the Lord Jesus as we journeyed through this world. Perhaps it would help us to remember that every born again believer is a "steward". That is, we are the servants of God. He has placed in our hands His ministry to the world.

To accomplish this ministry, the Lord has given each of us certain things.

1. He has given us 24 hours in every day.  Eph. 5:16; ¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷ Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
2. He has given us money. 2 Cor. 9:6-7 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” …9 As the Scriptures say,“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
3. He has blessed us with gifts and abilities to use for His glory.  1 Cor. 12:7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
4. He has given us opportunities for service and for ministry. Our Master, the Lord Jesus, has entrusted us with His business and He will require that each of His stewards give an account of their service unto Him when He returns.

The Bible tells us that we are the "stewards" of God as stewards, we are to be found faithful .We will answer for the lives we are living in this world.

    V. 13 Our Ministry Will Be Discovered - Verse 13 lets us know that all of our works will be put to the fire. Somehow, the Lord will apply the fire of His judgment to the things we did in this life and they will be made "manifest". This word means that they will be "Made known publically."

As we travel toward Heaven, there are those among us who have all the appearance of having plenty of good works in their life. However, behind the things they do is a self-serving motive. Their works will burn. There are others who do things and others see them and say they do them to be seen. However, behind their works it love for the Lord. They do what they do to glorify God. Their works will abide! What I am trying to say is that you cannot look around you this morning and tell much about a person's works by what you see. However, on that day, there will be no hiding from the truth! Every motive, every work, every secret thought, every self-serving motive will be revealed for all to see! The fire of Christ's judgment will make the truth known!

I am sure that there are sermons which I have preached that will burn up when I stand before the Lord. Maybe I preached them to "tickle" someone's ears. Maybe I preached them to make folks thing highly of me. I am sure that many of the things I have done in the name of the Lord will burn up before my eyes on that day. I cannot change the yesterdays of my life, but I can do something about the tomorrow's, and so can you!

What is the bottom line? Our cats/works  will all be out of the bag when we stand before Jesus and face Him in Judgment!)

Just how does one determine the difference between works that will burn and works that will endure the flames of judgment? That may be easier to answer by telling you of some areas that are sure to be judged by the Lord.

The greatest Commandment

Luke 10: 27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

How Faithful We Are To The Word Of God - 2 Tim. 3: 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

How We Treat Others - Matt. 10:42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.

II. V. 14 A DAY OF INTENSE DELIGHTS

For many, the Judgment Seat of Christ will be the moment when all their trials are made worthwhile. It will literally be their crowning moment!)

    A. A Potential Is Mentioned - The first part of this verse tells us that there is the potential that some part of our works will remain after they have been put to the fire. Wouldn't it be a glorious thing to see some of what you did for Jesus actually remain? Many will! What happens to your works all depends on you!

    B. A Promise Is Mentioned - Those things that remain will be the basis for rewards. The Lord Jesus will honor us by giving us rewards for the things we do for Him. That is almost beyond belief, but the Bible tells us five crowns that are available as rewards to the faithful saint of God. Those crowns are:

1. The Incorruptible Crown - Awarded for faithfulness to the Lord - 1 Cor. 9:25  All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.       Heb. 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.;
2. The Crown Of Life - For the person who endures and overcomes temptation - James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
3. The Crown Of Rejoicing - This is the soul winners crown - 1 Thes. 2:19-20 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. How Many Souls We Witness To And Win To Jesus ?  Dan. 12:3; 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
4. The Crown Of Righteousness - This will be given to those who anticipate and live in the light of the return of Jesus - 2 Tim. 4:8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
5. The Crown Of Glory -This will be given to the faithful ministers who give themselves to lead and feed the flock of God - How Faithful We Are To The Flock Of God? 1 Pet. 5:2-4 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
6. We need to understand that every deed done in the name of Jesus will be blessed and rewarded over there. Men may not see the value of your service, but rest assured that Jesus takes perfect note and that He will reward you fairly for your sacrifice for Him. Matt. 25:34-40) 

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?
39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Why is He going to give us crowns? The answer is found in Revelation 4:9-11.

 9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever),
10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,  and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
 

We will cast those crowns at His feet to honor Him!)

15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss.

The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

III. V. 15 A DAY OF IMMENSE DISAPPOINTMENTS

    A. The Pain That Is Mentioned - While some of our works will remain, others will be destroyed before our eyes. This will surely be a painful time for every believer. There will be many tears shed right here!

    B. The Price That Is Mentioned - "he shall suffer loss". This means that the believer will lose the reward he could have earned had his life been what it should be. Some would teach us that even earned rewards will be lost to. However, considering that God is Just, this probably refers to what the believer "could" have earned. Many of us will see rewards earned by others that could have been ours as well, if we had only been faithful too.

(I don't know about you, but I want to be as faithful as possible so that I might win every reward that I can. The reason is not so I can parade around Heaven with my crowns and trophies and show off. The reason is that I may have more to give back to Jesus, thus enhancing His glory! That is what this thing is all about! The Master rewards the servants and the servants in turn use those things to glorify Him! That is what this whole thing boils down to! If I will live my life to glorify the Lord God here; then I will have crowns to lay at His feet there, adding even more glory to the Lord, Rev. 4.)

    C. The Promise That Is Mentioned - Notice again that the believer who may see his works burn will still be saved. I cannot stress it enough that the issue here will not be about salvation! This was settled when you received Jesus. Now, some might take this and say, "Well, I'm saved! I can do as I please and live any way I want to and it doesn't matter." If you are really saved, you won't think like that! If you are really saved, there will be a part of you that will long to please the Lord. If you are saved, you will prove it by living for the Lord, at least some of the time!

    ( I thank God that I am saved forever. I thank Him that nothing can ever change that! However, I want to have something to show for my life when I arrive there. I do not want to see everything burn up. I want some crowns to lay at Jesus' feet. How about you?)

Application”:  Well, if these verses have taught us anything, they have taught us that there are two ways to ruin a good building: A faulty foundation and faulty materials.

Of the utmost of importance today is for every person in this room to determine what foundation they are building on. Only those houses built on the Lord Jesus Christ, His death and His resurrection will stand, Matt. 7:24-27. All other will perish in the waves of God's great wrath. Are you saved? Be sure before you leave this building today!

If you are on the right foundation, what kind of materials are you building with? Are you using gold, silver and precious stones? That is, are you building a life to the glory of God? Are you building with good actions and attitudes? If so, then won't it be a blessing to see those things stand the test and bring honor to the Lord? Maybe you are using wood, hay and stubble. If so, you know that your works are going to burn up before your eyes. You will miss out on some of the glorious things God has for those who are faithful stewards. Wouldn't you like to scrap that shabby house this morning, tear it down in this altar and with God's begin to build a house that will honor Jesus both here and in the hereafter? 

The choice is yours, but the reality remains: Heaven's Coronation Day is coming. How it turns out is all up to you. Works: Purified or Fried?

We need to reminded  that we are one day closer to eternity than we were yesterday! We need to prepare to meet God!

Resource taken from : Alann Carr