Sep 17, 2023
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
This passage is about the faithfulness of God's people and the coming day of judgment regarding that faithfulness. "It is required of stewards that they be found faithful" (1 Cor 4:2). God's evaluation is always right and in accordance with what is true. According to this text, God will judge someone's faithfulness and this judgment will include motives as well as acts … "the Lord . . . will disclose the purposes of the heart" (1 Cor 4:5).
The promise here is that, based on the coming judgment, "each one will receive his commendation from God" (1 Cor 4:5). There are many Biblical texts which promise eternal reward in the age to come. These texts are meant to encourage us to remain faithful, especially in days of hardship.
These promised rewards are not the payment of a debt that God owes us. They are granted by God's grace, no less than salvation itself. They are, however, granted in accordance with the quality of our lives. There will be a heavenly evaluation of the way we have lived as Christians. "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" (2 Cor 5:10). Let us, therefore, be tenacious in our discipline, longing for our Lord's declaration, "Well done, good and faithful servant."