Built for Judgment Day

What you build today will face the fire. Only what’s built on Christ will stand on Judgment Day.

1 Corinthians 3:13

“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.”

What a loaded verse. I really enjoyed digging into this one.

Earlier in this chapter, Paul explains that he laid a solid foundation for the early Christians by preaching the gospel. That foundation—Christ—is strong and sure. From there, others are called to build upon it. The "building" Paul refers to is the continuation of teaching, leading, and growing the church based on that original foundation.

But here’s the warning: don’t build with cheap materials.

Paul isn’t talking about wood or stone—he’s talking about the quality of our work in ministry. The effort we put into teaching, discipling, and serving. The high-quality materials? Those are harder to find, tougher to work with, and take longer to shape—but they last. They endure the fire.

Low-quality materials? Minimal effort. Shallow teaching. Watered-down truth. Works that lack depth, discipline, or sacrifice. These things won’t stand in the fire of judgment.

Our works will be tested. Not by people, not by popularity, but by fire—God’s refining fire. And on that day, only what’s genuine and of eternal value will remain.

As leaders and servants, it’s our responsibility to pursue excellence in how we teach, lead, and use our gifts. The church deserves more than half-hearted sermons and low-effort ministry. We’re called to a higher standard—not for recognition, but because our work is being built on the name of Jesus.

So if you choose to serve, to teach, to build—whether it’s a message, a ministry, or a moment of encouragement—seek out the highest quality “materials.” And don’t worry—our heavenly Father knows exactly where to find them.

Amen.

1 Corinthians 3:14–15

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

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