Will Christians Face Judgment? Part 3
Criteria for the Judgment Seat of Christ
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
I.Will Christians Face Judgment?
A.The Judgment Seat of Christ
1. Foundation verses: (2 Cor. 5:9-10 AMP; Rom. 14:12) All believers must stand before the Judgment (Bema) Seat of Christ. This judgment is not a matter of salvation but a matter of gain or loss of reward. How did you function as a Christian? Did you live your life with God’s purpose and kingdom in the forefront of your mind?
B. The Criteria for the Judgment Seat of Christ
1. (1 Cor. 1:4-8) Paul (and others) wrote of this judgment day so that saints would understand the importance of it and live life in light of that day.
a. (Eph. 4:11-13) growing up in Christ
2. (Eph. 2:19-22) Paul uses the framing of a building to describe our lives and the building of the household or temple of God. We all have a part to play.
a. The foundation of the household of God is the word of God taught but the apostles and prophets.
b. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone. The cornerstone is the alignment stone that all the foundation and building is to be aligned with.
~Jesus Christ is to be the point of reference for all of life. (Every believers gender, race, politics, economics, worldview, etc. must be subject to Jesus Christ.)
3. (1 Cor. 3:1-17) each one’s work will become clear on that Day.
a. (v1-4) carnal vs. spiritual believers
b. (v5-8) planting and watering
c. (v9-11) Paul by grace, wise master builder laid the foundation, which is Jesus Christ.
d. (v12-13) 2 classes of building material: eternal indestructible vs. natural destructible.
~Gold, silver and precious stones vs. wood, hay and stubble.
~(ref. Rev. 1:14; 2:18; 19:12 eyes like fire)
e. (v14-15) everyone’s work will be tested by fire to determine receiving rewards or suffering loss.
f. (v16-17) we are the temple of God.
4. Four criteria for Judgment?
a. Deeds – (2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 10:40-42)
b. Desires – (Rom. 2:16 AMP; 1 Cor. 4:5 AMP)
c. Declarations – (Matt. 12:36-37)
d. Dependability – (1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:6-7)
[Pastor Lee Stokes]