GOD USES CERTAIN PRINCIPLES IN HIS JUDGEMENT THAT ARE RECOGNIZED IN FINANCE & BUSINESS

1. The Bible has been used in many different forms of government, and has fit in well
2. But some forms do not seem to prosper as others, and some try to restrict the Bible
3. The American system has prospered more than any other system in history- because it has stressed the individual responsibility before God and man 

I.- THE RIGHT FOUNDATION  I Cor 3:9-11

Each individual must make his own choice concerning the foundation of his life

A.- THE PARABLE OF THE WISE MAN AND THE FOOLISH MAN IS A PARABLE OF FOUNDATIONS- Matt 7:24

1. The Rock- is Jesus Christ - many allusions in Scripture to Christ as a solid rock
2. The Sand the shifting philosophy and educational intellectualism of every age-
3. It is unfortunate that many trust their eternity in a ship with holes- Titanic

B.- THERE IS NO OTHER FOUNDATION THAN JESUS CHRIST  I Cor 3:11

1. It is a shame that great works in this world are wasted on Idols that cannot appreciate-Buddha, etc.
2. But Jesus has never failed, and He never will fail- for He is faithful that promised
3. There is nothing else that will last- the abrasions of history have destroyed all else.

C.- CHECK UP ON YOUR FOUNDATION VERY CAREFULLY- Heb 6:1,2

1. "Repentance from dead works"- dig down through your dead works to the bedrock- Christ
2. "Faith toward God"- the solid layer of footing- believe that God is, & is a rewarder- 11:6
3. "Baptisms & hands"- present ordinances in Church --"Resurrection & judgement" Future in God's hands

If you do not have Christ, everything that you do with your life is wasted!

II.- THE RIGHT BUILDING MATERIALS I Cor 3:12

We laugh at the three pigs in the fable, but do we show any more sense in our lives?

A.- THE COST OF THE MATERIAL IS CONSIDERED IN CONSTRUCTION

1. Cheap material is shoddy, will not last; and some expensive looking material is just plated.
2. It is through your education that the material of your life is refined- Mud or strong steel
3. II Samuel 24:24 David would not offer God that which cost him nothing- what of you?

B.- THE COST OF THE LABOR IS ALSO IMPORTANT

1. Some people do only that which is convenient- others sow with tears- some ease, some hardness
2. Psalms 126 is very capitalistic- denying self food to sow for a harvest- little of this today
3. It is hard to get workers in little-rewarding jobs- or churches - Nursery, Tracts.  A lot given to church is shoddy working

C.- SEEKING THE VERY BEST FOR THE LORD

1. Matt 13:44 the Pearl, The Hidden Treasure, Sorting out the fish- do this for God!
2. Claim the very best of your life- your youth, strength, vitality,- for the Lord
3. Matt 25, Luke 19- Parable of the Talents, Pounds- Make a profit for God.

Our affluent Society stresses personal materialism, we need to stress value to God.

III.- THE RIGHT RESULTS   I Cor 3:13-15

If is is done for the glory of Man, God will bring it to naught, for God- it will last!

A. THERE IS A TRIAL BY FIRE, AND NONE CAN ESCAPE IT v. 13

1. The Fires of the destruction of the earth- materialism is transient- build in lives- Eternal
2. The fire of the eye of Christ- II Cor 5:10, Knowing the terror of the Lord-v.11 He knows
3. Anything done for self glory will be wiped out, but nothing wrong with doing a good Job for Him.

C.- IF ANY MAN'S WORK ABIDE HE SHALL RECIEVE A REWARD v. 14

1. Col 2:18 some people have been beguiled out of their reward by spiritual vanities- not real.
2. Some have already had their reward- doing it to be seen of men- Matt 6:2 & lost eternity
3. I will be glad that the fire will burn away the dross from me and my works- freed from death

C.- IF ANY MAN'S WORK SHALL BE BURNED HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS, BUT SHALL BE SAVED  v. 15

1. If you have the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall not be lost, He will save your soul!
2. But Cheap investments in life pay off little, and often are totally lost.
3. it is a terrible thing to see a person enter heaven as a poor bum, when he could be a king

It is an individual thing, and God judges each person personally- what of you?

NOW IS THE TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENTS FOR THE FUTURE

1. Receive Jesus Christ if you have not previously done so- be saved today.
2. Make sure that what you do for him is worth while, start an investment program tonight
3. Give him your best, and make sure that it bears a real profit- search the word to be sure