Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

“10  According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it.  But each man must be careful how he builds on it.

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

12  Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

13  each man’s work will become evident;  for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.

14  If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss;  but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”  1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

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“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”  1 Peter 1:6-7.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6.

“For by it the men of old gained approval.”  Hebrews 11:2.

We tend to think that if we were free from trials and tribulations, then we could do great work for our LORD.  Moreover, we tend to think that if we had more clear sight, then we could do great work for our LORD.

But, Hebrews Chapter 11 and other Scriptures make it clear that the Hall of Fame belongs to those Christians who had faith and acted upon their faith.  They had trials and tribulations, but they had faith and acted upon it.  They lacked sight, but they had faith and acted upon it.  Their works (based on their faith) endured, even though tested by fire, and their works are praised to this day.

“By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain …”  Hebrews 11:4.

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death …”  Hebrews 11:5.

“By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household …”  Hebrews 11:7.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”  Hebrews 11:8.

“By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.”  Hebrews 11:11.

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;”  Hebrews 11:17.

“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.”  Hebrews 11:20.

“By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”  Hebrews 11:21.

“By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”  Hebrews 11:22.

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”  Hebrews 11:23.

“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt;  for he was looking to the reward.”  Hebrews 11:24-26.

And, the list goes on … ”  And all these, … gained approval through their faith, …”  Hebrews 11:39.

The Scripture for today makes it clear that the subject of this faith must be our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is the foundation, and all of our works that endure must be built upon Christ.

So, we look to Christ and have faith and act upon that faith in Christ.  By faith in Christ, we do those works which God prepared for us to do.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.