The Quality of Your Service Matters
Text: I COR. 3:10-15
By: Kaine, Marvis
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INTRODUCTION
Quality is often defined as the standard of excellence in a product, service, or performance. In business and construction, high quality materials and processes ensure durability, efficiency, and long-term value.
Likewise, in our spiritual service to God, quality is measured not by outward appearance but by its genuineness, faithfulness, and endurance under God’s test.
Today, we have seen or heard of low-quality goods or products and how people compromise quality for instantaneous gains.
There is this story of three little pigs which tells of the reward for hard work. Each pig built a house—one of straw, one of sticks, and one of bricks. When the big bad wolf came, he huffed and puffed, and the first two houses collapsed because they were built with weak materials.
But the third house, made of bricks, stood strong against the storm.
Paul reminds us that our works will be tested by fire, just like those houses faced the wolf’s breath.
That believers should take heed on how we build. To ‘Take heed’ means to pay close attention, be cautious, or carefully consider something, especially as a warning or instruction. It implies being watchful and mindful to avoid mistakes, dangers or negative consequences.
To Christians, it means to be vigilant in one’s faith, actions and obedience to Gods word The question is: Are we building our faith and service with straw and sticks—things that won’t last—or with bricks that can withstand God’s test?
1 Corinthians 3:10-15, emphasizing that our works will be tested by fire. Are you building with materials that will last in God’s eyes? Each believer must be mindful of the quality of their service to God, as it will ultimately be tested.
Today, we will examine how the quality of our service to God matters, how our work will be tested, and how we can ensure that what we build stands firm in His eyes.
Imagine a builder constructing a house. Some use strong, durable materials like gold, silver, and precious stones, while others use weak materials like wood, hay, and straw. When fire comes, only the strong materials will remain.
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SERVICE
1 Corinthians 3:10-11: According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. NKJV
Jesus Christ is the only foundation. no service is acceptable to God unless it is built upon Christ. If our works are not aligned with His teachings and purpose, they will not stand. Matthew 7:21-23: Not everyone who calls ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom. Many will claim they served God, but their service will not be recognized because it was not built on Christ.
Our service must align with God’s will, not just human effort or tradition. Is my service based on my own agenda or on Christ’s foundation?
THE QUALITY OF OUR WORK – Gold, silver, and precious stones vs. wood, hay, and straw.
1 Corinthians 3:12-13: Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. Gold, silver, precious stones – Represent valuable, enduring work done with sincerity, love, and faithfulness. Wood, hay, straw – Represent superficial, self-serving, or careless service that will not endure testing. Cf Colossians 3:22-24: Serve wholeheartedly as unto the Lord, not to please men.
COMMON ATTITUDES TOWARD SERVICE
Half-hearted Service –Serving to be seen by men, seeking recognition rather than glorifying God.
Sincere Service – Done with love, humility, and devotion to God. Example: The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows that God rewards faithfulness, not just ability.
Personal Reflection: Am I serving in a way that pleases God, or just fulfilling an obligation?
work. Fire represents God’s judgment and refining process. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15: each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each…
THE TESTING OF OUR SERVICE. Fire will test each person’s one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Also, Faith is tested like gold in fire—what is impure will burn away, and what is genuine will remain. 1 Peter 1:7; that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Some people serve faithfully in secret, and their rewards will be great, while others seek human applause but have no lasting impact. If God test your service today, what would remain?
I Encourage each person to evaluate their heart and ask themselves if they are building
something that will stand the test of God’s fire.
BECOMING A VESSEL OF HONOR There are vessels of honor and dishonor. God is looking for people who are purified and prepared for good works. 2 Timothy 2:20-21: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR SERVICE:
Serve with Excellence – Give God your best effort, not leftover time and energy.
Serve with the Right Motive – Do it out of love for God, not for personal gain or recognition.
Serve with Faithfulness – God values consistency more than occasional grand gestures.
Decide today to be a vessel of honor in God’s service.
Conclusion
Beloved, our foundation must be Christ. The Quality of our service matters – serve with excellence, right motives, and faithfulness. Our works will be tested by God’s fire. We must strive to be vessels of honor.
Beloved, what kind of materials are you building with? Now is the time for a renew commitment to serving God with sincerity and excellence.
May God strengthen us as we build on His foundation in Christ name Amen!
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