Don’t Let Your Work Be Burned
Text: I Corinthians 3:13-15 IBCWPM June 10, 2026
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
A man’s masterpiece is a visible outcome of his labor and also an expression of his meticulousness in doing a quality work. In this fast-paced world, some people’s works are qualitative and some are quantitative. One important thing in doing something special is to put our heart on it so the result will be outstanding and well-favored.
People whose works are of poor quality is obviously because they were done in mediocrity. Worst of all, it is shameful in the sight of God if a man’s work be found with deceit and with self-interest.
In the spiritual path of duty, we must be careful in doing things in the Lord’s work. We must do our best in serving the True and Living Savior until He comes. The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (KJV)
(I) Let Your Work Be Found Pure I Corinthians 3:13-15
In the ministry, we must keep in mind that we are serving the Lord and not men. We do things that are acceptable and well-pleasing to God and not to please men. The Apostle Paul mentioned six things to build upon and he wrote them in a figurative way so we can easily sense and categorize the quality of work we are doing for the Lord. In I Corinthians 3:12, it is written, Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (KJV)
Our Christian service must be pure and not be polluted by hypocrisy, guile and self-interest. In Acts 20:19-21, Paul said, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) Humility, selflessness and honesty are excellent marks of a godly servant of God.
-Avoid building on combustible foundation I Corinthians 3:12, 15
Wood, hay and stubble are easily consumed by fire and they depict works that are of poor quality. In I Corinthians 3:13, it is written, Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (KJV) May the Lord find our works like gold or silver in quality.
Despite the unworthiness of believers, God is so gracious that His precious promise concerning their eternal assurance of salvation will never be broken. The Bible says in I Corinthians 3:15, If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (KJV) A believer’s work may be burned and he will surely suffer loss; but praise God because his salvation will never be lost.
Let your work abide I Corinthians 3:13-15
Be sincere in serving the Lord Jesus and let your work abide and be rewarded. In I Corinthians 3:14, it is written, If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (KJV) Don’t let your reward be lost. Do what is right and pleasing before the sight of God and be rewarded.
In every thing we do or say, let it be done in the Name of Jesus for God’s honor and glory. The Bible says in Colossians 3:17, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (KJV) Let your works abide by doing them according to God’s standard.
Spiritual insights to live by:
Believers must avoid competition in the work of the Lord. Avoid envy and strife while spreading the Gospel of Christ. Take note of what Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:15-16, Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: (KJV) Sad to say that even in our time, many professing believers are doing things that are questionable and outside the framework of truth.
The Apostle Paul said in Galatians 6:9-10, And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (KJV) Don’t let your work be burned. Serve God in sincerity and in truth and be rewarded in due time.
