Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Proverbs 1
Faith and Works
2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may
receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 “… [The] fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built
survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved,
but only as one escaping through the flames.” (NIV)
Paul wrote today’s verses to the Christians at the church of Corinth. He is speaking of the judgment
where all Christians give account of their lives on earth. Jesus blood cleanses us from all the
sins that would have kept us from Heaven but it doesn’t exempt us from the judgment of how we
conducted ourselves as believers – whether good or bad. It is evident that this judgment does not
determine destination (vs. 15) but rather the rewards a person will receive in Heaven. There are
two key things to remember:
• Belief and repentance determines your eternal destination
• Behaviour and works determines your eternal rewards
Many people get this backwards and believe that you earn Heaven but when you get into Heaven
all the rewards are free. Whether or not you end up in Heaven or Hell will be determined by
whether or not you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:21 tells us that not everyone
who says to Jesus, “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It’s not about giving Him lip
service, going to church or even serving Him (although these things are important); you must have
faith in order to be born again. Once you enter Heaven, you will give an account for your life.
Some people that go to Heaven will receive little to no rewards; others will have piles of rewards
awaiting them in Heaven. How you live your life will determine your rewards. What you do today
will determine what Heaven will be like for you someday. God has an individualized life plan of
good works for each of us to do and He will reward us according to whether or not we do them. In
the next life, God will reward your faithfulness in this life.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. If you were to give an account for your life today, what would that look like?
2. Spend some time in listening prayer, asking the Lord to show you what good works He has
called you to do. Commit to obeying Him in these areas.
3. Thank the Lord for the opportunity to earn the Heavenly rewards that He desires to give you.
