(2 Corinthians 5:10) [Honoring God in Times of Trouble] Laboring Towards What Matters

INTRODUCTION:

At some point in our lives, preparing for retirement becomes a big deal.

Some carefully plan their careers making sure they get in the right schools, meet the right people, get the right job … all with an eye on retirement.

Others have a midlife wake up when they realize they are half-way through their life and need to seriously consider retirement.

And yet others focus on a solid financial plan.

- They carefully pay off their mortgage.

- Keep their debt ratio low.

- And aim to slowly, wisely, progressively build income over their lifetime.

All to prepare for eventual retirement.

But many people neglect an investment that is far more important than retirement.

The Judgement Seat of Christ

Regardless of your financial situation,

regardless of how well prepared you are for retirement.

The preparation for the Judgement Seat of Christ is far more important than any financial plan for this life.

Consider, 2 Cor 5:10

As we continue to understand what it means to Honor God in Times of Trouble.

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

According to Paul,

In every circumstance, we ought to wisely prepare for the Judgement Seat of Christ by pleasing God in everything.

And 2 Cor 5:10 teaches us why

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PRAY

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In order to understand why the Judgement seat of Christ matters,

- We need to recall what Paul said in 2 Cor 5:6-9.

- We need to remember Paul’s flow of thought in 2 Cor 5.

This is what we summed up two weeks ago.

Paul taught us that regardless of our situation,

(1) We Ought to Aim to Please God (2 Cor 5:6-9)

Recall what 2 Cor 5:6-9 says.

2 Corinthians 5:6–9 ESV

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

That verse 9 becomes a guidepost for us - when we face times of trouble.

ILLUSTRATION:

As I said last time,

life sometimes can be like an obstacle course.

And in any obstacle course,

there are flags that you must go around.

As you navigate the course of life.

Paul gave us a guideposts that will guide you -

- whether you experience peace and prosperity

- or whether you loose everything.

Notice his conclusion -

2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

No matter what our situation is -

We ought to seek to please God.

We ought to step aside from our desires,

and instead live to please God.

But why?

Certainly there are meany reasons.

Christ died to save us.

The incredible grace we receive when God adopts us into his family.

Because he created us.

But Paul gives us another reason why.

One that is just as compelling.

(2) Because We Will Receive Wages at the Judgement Seat of Christ. (2 Cor 5:10)

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

That word “for” in our text is important.

It gives us the reason that Paul seeks to please God in everything he does.

Why does Paul aim to please God in everything?

“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ”

Pleasing God in every situation is hard.

Sometimes Christians find themselves in overwhelming difficult situation, in which we struggle with despair.

The normal person rightfully fears death.

And even further, sometimes our desires can lead us astray.

We can depart the God that we so love.

We are prone to wonder.

And So Paul says,

I seek to please God always, because I know I will receive a wage at the judgement seat of Christ.

The word in 2 Cor 5:10 is the idea of wage.

Just like we receive a pay check every week,

We ought to please God in everything,

because one day will receive a wage for serving God.

And that happens at the judgement seat of Christ.

Paul says MY greatest concern is to wisely invest my life - in eternity.

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There are two main challenges for us to understand 2 Cor 5:10.

First, is understanding what the Judgement Seat of Christ is.

The Second, In every circumstance - to wisely prepare for the Judgement Seat of Christ.

So lets begin with the first,

(3) What is the Judgement Seat of Christ? (1 Cor 3:10-15)

Many Christians have over the years gravely miss understood the judgement seat of Christ.

- We have confused the judgement seat of Christ, with God’s judgement of the lost at the great white throne. (Rev 19:11-15)

- We have miss understood the meaning of judgement.

We have wrongly thought that the Christian will be punished, when instead the judgement seat of Christ is actually the giving out of rewards or wages.

The Word “Judgement Seat” - Or sometimes called BEMA Seat.

carries the idea of platform where the awards for athletic competitions are given.

So what is the Judgement Seat of Christ?

To to that question, we must turn to 1 Cor 3:10-15.

Paul inserts this quick reference to the judgment seat of Christ in 2 Cor 5:10.

and Paul assumes that the Corinthians are familiar with this idea.

Because he probably talked to them about it when he was in Corinth.

And because he wrote about it in his previous letter to the Corinthians, in 1 Cor 3:10-15.

First Corinthians 3:10 – 15 is by far the most extensive description we have about the judgment seat of Christ.

So I ask you to turn your Bible to 1 Corinthians 3: 10 – 15.

1 Corinthians 3:10–15 ESV

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

What does this text teach us about the Judgement Seat of Christ?

Observe -

(a) The Focus of Judgement (1 Cor 3:10-11, 2 Cor 5:10)

When we ask the question, what is the focus of the judgement - we have two answers.

The first is -

1 Corinthians 3:10–11 ESV

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

CONTEXT:

Remember the context here.

1 Cor 3:5-9 discusses a dispute.

Some say they are followers of Apollos.

Others say they are followers of Paul.

Who should the Corinthians follow?

Paul answers, neither, but the foundation of Jesus Christ.

And we ought to seriously consider how we build upon that foundation.

English Standard Version Chapter 3

Let each one take care how he builds upon it.

So the Focus of the Judgement Seat of Christ -

is how are we laboring, planting, and building up the church?

This section contains a lot of construction terms.

So are you involved in building up the church of Jesus Christ?

Is what you doing continuing the foundation of Christ?

In other words, how are you involved in the evangelism and discipleship of humanity?

So one focus is on Our Labor.

(1) The Labor Towards Building Up of the Church on the Foundation of Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 3:10) [1 Cor 3:9]

And to make sure this is what Paul is talking about - considering Paul’s clarification at the beginning of this section.

1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV

For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

The focus of the judgement seat of Christ is how are we laboring to build up the church.

But 2 Cor 5:10 gives us a hint at another focus.

(2) Our Faithful Imitation of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 5:10, 1 Peter 2:21-22)

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

In some sense, Paul is saying - We receive a reward for living that which is good and right.

Of course, the greatest example of that is Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:21–22 ESV

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

So a second focus is our faithful imitation of Christ.

Why seek to please God in everything?

Because one day you will be rewarded for Building up the church and for Faithful imitation of Christ.

But further observe -

(b) Nature of Judgement: It Reveals the Kind and Quality of Our Labor. (1 Cor 3:12 - 13)

The reality is that the Christian will not be able to hide anything in that day.

Nothing shall be hid, and everything shall be revealed.

It is like being under a microscope.

1 Corinthians 3:12–13 ESV

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

The idea is this -

the revealing fire will not burn up the wages of gold, silver, precious stones. (The Foundation of Christ, faithfulness)

But it will burn up the wages of wood, hay, and straw. (Literally anything not of Christ, and lack of faithfulness)

Paul is describing the nature of the Judgement.

It reveals the kind and quality of our labor.

And remember the two focuses.

Is your labor to build up the church

or of distraction and self focus?

Is it a life of following Christ

or a life of sin?

And remember, we are to do this in everything.

2 Cor 5 addresses Christians who are going through trials.

In persecution and trials - we are to always please God.

In life or in death - we are to please God.

2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

We are not going to be able stand up and say, but God - I was in the middle of troubling times.

He is simply going to say - you did not labor on the foundation of Christ and his example.

And thus you have no reward.

It will be a sad day for the Christian who spends lifetime,

only to reveal he has labored in the wrong things.

He has no reward in eternity.

ILLUSTRATION:

Many of Pastors have noted that there will probably be many people we expect to have great reward,

who have nothing but wood, hay, and stubble.

While there are many nobody Christians who very little, and gone through incredible trials,

but will have labored wisely, faithfully … and will receive great reward.

Gold, Silver, and precious stones.

IF your life was fully revealed today? What would it reveal?

What is the state of your greatest investment?

Also observe the -

(c) Timing of Judgement: Day of the Lord. (1 Cor 3:13)

1 Corinthians 3:13 ESV

each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

On the day of the Lord,

the day Christ returns,

he will sit at the Judgement seat,

and give out rewards.

Today we are living in the time of investment,

We are working towards our payday.

But one day we will reap what have sown.

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EXHORTATION:

The significance of this,

is that we know the time to invest is now.

And we know the time of reward is coming.

And Right now is the time to invest.

Don’t wait till it is to late.

Invest while the time is at hand.

And finally observe the -

(d) The Subject and Outcome of the Judgement: (1 Cor 3:14-15)

Probably the most confused part of the judgement is the subject and outcome of the Judgement Seat of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:14–15 ESV

If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Who is this judgement for?

And what is the outcome?

First, It is

(1) Not For the Lost And Not a Question of Salvation.

>>>>> 1 Cor 3:9 teaches us this is about

the Christian, not the lost.

>>>>> Further,

Eph 2:8-9 teaches very clearly we do not earn our salvation.

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

I don’t care what good work you think earns you a place in heaven, it is not true.

>>>> And finally, our text clearly says -

“he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved”

No Christian gets to the judgement seat of Christ, and looses his salvation.

Then what is the judgement seat of Christ about?

The Judgement Seat of Christ is -

(2) Only For Believers And The Giving of Wages.

If his foundation is of the wood, hay, stubble of sin and selfishness - he will not receive a wage.

If his foundation is the gold, silver, and precious stones of Christ - he will receive his earned wage.

One of the greatest words you will ever here - is Jesus Christ saying,

“you good and faithful servant”.

Not perfect, but when summed up - we lived for Christ.

CONCLUSION:

Which brings me to the second challenge of this text - And I believe the application of this text.

In every circumstance, wisely prepare for the Judgement Seat of Christ.

by pleasing God in everything.

Lets consider what Paul has said in 2 Cor 5:10 and 1 Cor 3:10-15.

We ought to Aim to Please God in everything.

Why?

Because we will receive a wage for faithful living at the judgement Seat of Christ.

In that day - it will be revealed -

(1) How we have labored to build up the church. (Evangelism and Discipleship)

(2) How we have faithfully imitated Christ. (Our Christian living)

ILLUSTRATION:

I began by noting that at some point,

we all realize we need to prepare for retirement.

Some of us are super planners, beginning very young in life.

Others it comes as a bit of surprise.

But regardless of how prepared you are for retirement,

the investment that really matters is - at the judgement seat of Christ

This is why Paul says

2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

As we face time of trouble,

may we remember what really matters.

Not what we loose in this life, not what we might gain in this life.

But what we gain in eternity.

EXHORTATION:

You can go to the Judgement seat of Christ, and receive no wage, but be saved by Christ.

Praise God the blood covers it all.

But a wise person - will carefully prepare for that day.

They will face every situation with what really matters.

And thus - seek to please God in everything.

This is why Paul willing gets shipwrecked, imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and ultimately martyred.

This is why John Huss willing goes to the stake to be burned for preaching Christ.

This is why Horatio Spafford can say - it is well with my soul.

Because they realized that what ultimately matters is Honoring God - even in times of trouble.

I believe Paul is challenging us with this -

In every Situation, Wisely Labor for the Judgement Seat of Christ.

Let’s bring this home to 2020

We are frustrated with how 2020 turned out.

ILLUSTRATION:

I was driving through Cheyenne last week,

and someone spray painted on their Shed - how they hated 2020.

Maybe you feel that way.

Maybe you are worried and afraid about what is going on.

May I remind you

- we as Christians should not be worrying about the situation.

Or what we might have lost.

But how I can wisely invest in eternity, by pleasing God in everything.

I challenge us - with Paul’s own words.

2 Corinthians 5:9–10 ESV

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

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Response:

a) How does pleasing God in everything contribute to our earned wage at the judgement seat of Christ?

b) Are you wisely laboring to build up the church? (Evangelism and Discipleship)

c) Are you wisely living in a way that pleases God? Does your living imitate the example of Christ?

d) Paul challenges us to invest in wages/rewards at the Judgement Seat of Christ when faced with trials and persecution. How does this redirect our response to suffering?

f) Are you prepared to face the Judgement Seat of Christ?