If the YouTube video above is not available, here are two other ways to view:
Short Clip
I. An Appointment that is Constraining v. 10
A. The Time is the Day of Christ. This is mentioned six times in the New Testament [I Corinthians 1:8; 5:5; II Corinthians 1:14; Phil 1:6, 10; 2:16]. This is the judgment of the church, one of three last day judgments.
1. This event is not to be confused with the final Great White Throne judgment of Revelation. 20:11 after all the old universe is destroyed.
2. There is also the judgment upon the nations before the Millennial Kingdom starts in Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation. 20:4.
B. The Judge is Christ Himself as explained in II Tim. 4:8, John 5:22, II Corinthians 5:10 and Romans. 14:10.
C. The Intensity of evaluation by the Heavenly Judge is very great. It is:
1. A DAY OF FIRE: 1 Corinthians 3:13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.
2. A DAY OF TERROR [II Corinthians 5:10-11]. Good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
3. A DAY OF DAMAGE AND LOSS – LOSS OR GAIN. 1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 2 John 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
4. A DAY OF SHRINKING FROM HIS PRESENCE IN SHAME – SHAME OR HONOR. 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
5. A DAY OF THE BURNING UP OF A LIFE’S WORK – BURN OR REMAIN. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
6. A DAY OF BEING SAVED BUT ONLY BY FIRE 1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
7. A DAY OF BEING JUDGED BY GOD HIMSELF [Hebrews 10:30]. High or Low in Heaven Matthew 5:19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Hebrews 10:30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
D. The Basis of Evaluation by the Heavenly Judge is FAITHFULNESS.
1. Faithfulness is what God requires as the sum total of our life, deeds and opportunities [ I Corinthians. 4:1].
2. Faithfulness is obeying God in all we know that is good and right [James 4:17].
3. Faithfulness means that God desires sacrifice [Mark 12:42-44].
4. Faithfulness means God is watching for selfless love in our attitude [I Corinthians 13].
5. Faithfulness means God will someday reveal motives [I Corinthians 4:5].
6. Faithfulness means God wants us ready when the Master comes [Matthew 25].
7. Faithfulness to God demands that we let Him search and know our hearts [Ps 139].
E. The nature of the Rewards is that they are IMPERISHABLE!
1. Luke 19:17 Great vs. Nothing
a) Permanent vs. Temporary
b) Gain vs. Loss
c) Fireproof vs. Ashes
3. First Corinthians 9:27 Approved vs. Disqualified
4. First John 4:17 Boldness vs. Shame [cf. I J 2.28]
6. As Sons and daughters we get Christ’s life. As His servants we get His reward and He is coming quickly Revelation 22:12.
F. The crowns are offered to:
1. The Steadfast Racer that resists all Disqualifiers gets the Unfading Crown in I Corinthians. 9:25-27.
2. The unselfish Worker who faithfully wins souls gets the Crown of Honor in I Thessalonians 2:19; Phil 4:1.
3. The Victorious Warrior who faithfully watches for Christ gets the Crown of Righteousness in II Tim. 4:8.
4. The Example to the Flock who faithfully shepherds gets the Crown of Glory in I Peter 5:3-4.