Romans 14:10 – Rewards For Works
But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Truth to Learn
Christ will judge all the works of all Christians.
Behind the Words
The word translated “judgment seat” is the Greek word bematos, which means “an elevated step often with a seat upon it where a judgment or tribunal is held.” In the 1st century A.D. a bematos was where the victor in a race or other contest was awarded a crown (wreath) by the judge who sat on the bema seat. A bematos was always used as a place to hand out awards.
Meaning Explained
If we compare this verse to verse three we will see that Paul is talking to both the Jewish converts and the Gentile converts in the church at Rome. Back in verse three Paul told the Jewish believers not to “judge” the Gentile believers, and he told the Gentile believers not to “despise” the Jewish believers. The words in this verse translated “judge” and “show contempt” are these same two words. The reason we should not judge or show contempt to other believers is that Christians are all going to appear before the judgment (bema) seat of Christ. At this bema seat Christ will judge the works of all believers, Jew or Gentile. Those who are judged will be given rewards, in the form of crowns, for the works they have done while on this earth.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2Corinthians 5:10)
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 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. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1Corinthians 3:12-15)
It is the works of believers that are judged at the bema seat. We shall receive rewards for the works which have been done for Him. The works which we have done for ourselves will be burned up. According to 1Corinthians 3:13, the fire will “try” our works. This word is the Greek word dokimadzo, which means “testing or proving a thing to find its worth or goodness.” Hence, the judgment of the bema seat is for the purpose of finding good so that rewards can be given, not for the purpose of finding bad to be punished. Also notice that as the fire “tries” our works, those which are worthless will be burned up. There is no penalty or punishment, simply a loss of what was done because it is worthless in God’s eyes.
Application
We should not be judging the things that our brothers and sisters in Christ are doing. Instead, we should be focusing on doing works of righteousness that will bring glory to God, which He will judge and for which He will reward us.
Are you performing works that are worthy of reward from your Lord? Or are you too busy being critical of your brother or sister in Christ? We are not the judge, He is!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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