Sunday AM Bible Class • October 18, 2026 • Jeff Arnette
What Happens When? — Lesson 7, Part 2: What the Accounting Is For. Subtitle: What Survives the Fire. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11–15.
These summarized companion notes follow the recorded teaching and class discussion; they are not a verbatim transcript.
Why stand before the judgment seat of Christ if our eternal destination has already been decided? This class continues the discussion of accountability, reward, and the motives behind the lives we build on Christ.
The work and the motive
First Corinthians 3 pictures work built on the foundation of Jesus Christ being tested by fire. Jeff distinguishes an outwardly good deed from the reason for doing it. Christ sees the heart behind an action, including selfish motives we may overlook ourselves.
Seeking the right reward
The widow’s gift and Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6 about practicing righteousness to be seen by others help explain the difference. A person who seeks recognition may receive that recognition while missing the reward of serving from love for God. The discussion also considers Philippians 1, where Christ is preached even when motives are mixed.
The judgment seat and grace
The class connects the word bema, a raised judgment seat, with Paul’s appearance before Gallio in Acts 18. Jeff uses that scene as an illustration while emphasizing that the Christian’s confidence rests in the cleansing blood of Christ.
Walking in the light
Walking in the light involves honest, repentant living and trust in Christ. Jeff stresses that this does not mean sinless perfection and that our effort does not save us. David’s response when Nathan confronts him illustrates acknowledging sin and receiving forgiveness, even when consequences remain.
Understanding loss
The discussion returns to 1 Corinthians 3:15 and its picture of work being burned up while the person is saved. Jeff describes loss as discovering that work did not have the lasting value or receive the reward we expected. The class also considers how seeking praise for ourselves can affect the people who see our good deeds.
Reflection and application
Why am I doing the good I do? Whose praise am I seeking? Ask Christ to expose selfish motives, keep acknowledging sin, and let gratitude for his grace shape service that directs attention to God.