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1 Corinthians 3:8
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

he will receive a reward
The concept of receiving a reward is tied to the faithfulness and quality of one's work for the Kingdom of God. In the cultural context of the Corinthian church, rewards were often associated with athletic competitions, where victors received crowns or prizes (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). This reward is not about salvation, which is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), but about the recognition of faithful service. The New Testament speaks of various crowns as rewards for believers, such as the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) and the crown of life (James 1:12). These rewards are seen as eternal and incorruptible, contrasting with earthly rewards. Theologically, this underscores the importance of living a life that honors God and contributes to His Kingdom, with the assurance that such efforts are not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

• The verse begins with a condition. Not every believer’s work automatically pleases Christ; it must meet His standard.

• Paul has already pointed to “the Day” when each person’s work is tested (1 Corinthians 3:13). That day is the judgment seat of Christ where “each one may receive what is due for the things done while in the body” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

• The little word “if” reminds us that we will give a real account. Our daily choices—motives, methods, and materials—really matter.

• Paul’s construction image stretches back to verse 10 where he describes himself as a “wise master builder.” Christ is the only foundation; everything we add sits on Him.

• Building materials picture our deeds and ministries: gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, straw (1 Corinthians 3:12).

• Good materials are:

– Acts of obedient faith (Ephesians 2:10)

– Service done in love (Galatians 5:13)

– Truth lived and taught accurately (2 Timothy 2:15)

• Fragile materials are:

– Self-promotion (Matthew 6:1)

– Worldly compromises (James 4:4)

– Empty busyness that ignores Christ’s words (Matthew 7:26)

• The test is fire. “The fire will prove the quality of each man’s work” (1 Corinthians 3:13).

• Fire does not destroy faith; it reveals it. Peter says trials refine faith “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7).

• Works that endure are those done in dependence on the Spirit, shaped by Scripture, and aimed at God’s glory (Colossians 3:23–24).

• Works that burn up are still forgiven, but the loss is real: “He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:15).

• The refiner’s fire motif appears throughout Scripture (Malachi 3:2–3), always separating the genuine from the counterfeit.

• Enduring work brings reward, not salvation—that is already secure in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9).

• Rewards include:

– “An imperishable crown” for faithful discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24–25)

– “The crown of righteousness” for loving His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)

– Commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23)

– Shared reign with Christ (Revelation 3:21)

• Jesus Himself promises, “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).

• Far from promoting pride, these rewards fuel perseverance. Paul calls present hardships “momentary affliction” producing “eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

1 Corinthians 3:14 assures believers that Christ notices every faithful act. If what we build on His foundation passes His fiery evaluation, we will receive lasting, personal reward from the Lord we love. Live, therefore, with the Day in view, choosing materials—faith, truth, love—that can stand the heat.