Preparing for Inspection

The Judgement Seat of Christ

Preparing for Inspection

Following the pretribulation rapture of the church, will be a time in Heaven where all church age believers will face Jesus Christ to be rewarded or experience a loss of rewards in relation to their works within the church age. It is vital that believers prepare themselves for this judgment in the present. The Lord has given us the ability to judge ourselves so we will do well at the Judgement Seat (I Cor. 2:15; 11:31).

1 Corinthians 2:15 KJV 1900

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1 Corinthians 11:31 KJV 1900

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

I. The Inspector—Jesus Christ

A. Jesus determines the work needed (I Cor. 16:10; Eph. 2:10; John 16:13; Matt. 28:18–20; Heb 13:20–21).

1 Corinthians 16:10 KJV 1900

Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

Ephesians 2:10 KJV 1900

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

John 16:13 KJV 1900

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20–21 KJV 1900

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

B. Jesus has the authority to inspect our works (Matt. 28:18; John 5:22–23)

Matthew 28:18 KJV 1900

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

John 5:22–23 KJV 1900

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

II. The Workers—Christians

A. Every Christian will be rewarded for their own works ((Prov. 11:18; I Cor. 3:8; Rom. 14:1–12; Rev.22:12).

Proverbs 11:18 KJV 1900

The wicked worketh a deceitful work: But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

1 Corinthians 3:8 KJV 1900

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

Romans 14:1–12 KJV 1900

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Revelation 22:12 KJV 1900

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

B. Every Christian has different duties in the work (1 Cor. 3:6–8; 12:11; Rom.12:4–8).

1 Corinthians 3:6–8 KJV 1900

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 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 12:11 KJV 1900

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Romans 12:4–8 KJV 1900

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

C. Every Christian must be trained to work (Eph. 4:11–16; II Tim. 3:16–17; Heb. 5:12-14)

Ephesians 4:11–16 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Hebrews 5:12–14 KJV 1900

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

D. Every Christian is required to work (II Cor. 5:10).

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV 1900

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

E. We must always work to please Christ and not men (I John 2:28; Gal. 1:10).

1 John 2:28 KJV 1900

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Galatians 1:10 KJV 1900

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

III. The Structure—The Church

A. The building we are constructing is the church (I Cor. 3:9; Ephesians 2:21-22

1 Corinthians 3:9 KJV 1900

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

Ephesians 2:21–22 KJV 1900

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

B. The church is God’s temple, that must never be defiled (I Cor.3:16–17).

1 Corinthians 3:16–17 KJV 1900

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

IV. The Inspection—Judgment Seat (I Cor. 3:9–15)

1 Corinthians 3:9–15 KJV 1900

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 10 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. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 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. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

A. We are accountable for how we build (I Cor. 3:10).

1 Corinthians 3:10 KJV 1900

10 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.

· How is what manner of work we do. It matters how we do things, not just what we are doing.

1. Build in Truth

1 Corinthians 3:9 KJV 1900

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

2 John 7–8 KJV 1900

7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Amos 3:3 KJV 1900

3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

2 Timothy 2:20–21 KJV 1900

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

2. We must work with and for others (I Cor 3:5–8; Heb 6:10)

1 Corinthians 3:5–8 KJV 1900

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

Hebrews 6:10 KJV 1900

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

3. Do our work carefully (Rev 3:11; I Cor. 15:58)

Revelation 3:11 KJV 1900

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV 1900

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.

a. Do not leave the work (Neh. 6:3; Col. 2:10).

Nehemiah 6:3 KJV 1900

3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

Colossians 2:10 KJV 1900

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

b. Continue working or others will get our rewards (Luke 19:11–27).

Luke 19:11–27 KJV 1900

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

c. prove our own work (Gal. 6:4)

Galatians 6:4 KJV 1900

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

d. Work while we can work (John 9:4).

John 9:4 KJV 1900

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

4. We must do our work faithfully (Ruth 2:11; Luke 19:17; I Cor 4:1; I Tim. 1:12; II Tim 2:2)

Ruth 2:11 KJV 1900

11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

Luke 19:17 KJV 1900

17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

1 Corinthians 4:1 KJV 1900

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Timothy 1:12 KJV 1900

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

2 Timothy 2:2 KJV 1900

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

B. We are accountable for Who we build upon (I Cor 3:11).

1 Corinthians 3:11 KJV 1900

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

· We build upon a foundation already established—Jesus Christ

1. Receive Christ as our Saviour alone (John 1:12).

John 1:12 KJV 1900

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

2. Follow Christ as Lord (Matt. 4:19; Eph 2:21; Phil 2:12–13).

Matthew 4:19 KJV 1900

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Ephesians 2:21 KJV 1900

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Philippians 2:12–13 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

3. be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29; Phil 1:6).

C. We are responsible for the quality of the work (I Cor. 3:12).

1 Corinthians 3:12 KJV 1900

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

1. be Spirit-filled (Matt. 6:10; Gal 5:22–25; Eph. 5:14–21).

Matthew 6:10 KJV 1900

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Galatians 5:22–25 KJV 1900

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:14–21 KJV 1900

14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

2. Be Self-emptied (Rom 12:1; Matt. 16:24–25).

Romans 12:1 KJV 1900

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Matthew 16:24–25 KJV 1900

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

3. be humble (Mark 9:41; II Cor. 9:8).

Mark 9:41 KJV 1900

41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV 1900

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

4. be fruitful (Col. 1:10; John 15:1-8

Colossians 1:10 KJV 1900

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

John 15:1–8 KJV 1900

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

5. Be separated (II Tim. 2:20–21; II John 1:7–8)

2 Timothy 2:20–21 KJV 1900

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

2 John 7–8 KJV 1900

7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

D. We must understand that our workmanship cannot be hidden from the Lord (I Cor. 3:13–15; 4:1–4; I John 2:15–27).

1 Corinthians 3:13–15 KJV 1900

13 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. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1 Corinthians 4:1–4 KJV 1900

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

1 John 2:15–27 KJV 1900

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.