I Corinthians 3:9-15 “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 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. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Text Revelation 14:13 “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
Revelation 14 is a chapter of wrath and judgment, but right in the middle, John tells of a supremely blessed and happy people, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.” In verse 13 he tells of their condition, “Blessed”, their comfort, “they may rest” and their companion, “their works do follow them.” Most of us rejoice over the condition and the comfort while giving very little thought to our companion; our works that will accompany us to heaven. In I Corinthians 3:9-15, Paul tells us that those works which accompany us will be reviewed in heaven! Paul reminds us of the revelation of works (vs.9-12). The very fact that your works are being reviewed reveals that you are a child of God; that you are resting upon the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, there is the refining of works (vs. 13). On that day God will pull the covers off of our works. He will disclose that which is sordid and distasteful and He will declare that which righteous and holy. No one will be exempt from the refining, “Every man’s work shall be made manifest.” Finally there is the rewarding of works (vs. 14-15). The rewards will be determined by kind, are they “gold, silver, precious stones” and by stamina, will they endure the fire? Does our works contain the right kind of materials and will our works endure the scrutiny of His judgment? It may seem insignificant now, but one day it will matter!