Building Upon the Foundation of Christ
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 3:10-17 (NASB)
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.
16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.
SUMMARY
Paul explains that he has laid the foundation of Jesus Christ like an expert builder for each member of the Corinthian church to build upon. They must each be careful how they build on this foundation of the temple of God, as some will build with gold, silver, and precious stones, and others with wood, hay and straw. The building materials of the temple will be tested by the fire of God’s judgment. Those whose work withstands the fire will receive a reward, but those whose works are destroyed from the fire, will barely only receive their salvation. Paul reminds the Corinthians that as believers, they are the holy temple of God where He dwells. They are not to defile this holy temple or they would be destroyed.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
God sees the heart and motivation behind all things, even when they are works to build His kingdom and His church. The “quality of each man’s work” (v. 13) is determined by the attitude and the heart behind the person’s work. God’s judgment in this passage, compared to fire, will reveal whether works were done with the right heart or not. The only way I can have the right heart to produce good and lasting works for His kingdom, is if I ask God to change my heart in the likeness of Jesus.
APPLICATION
I commit to praying for our church members who have needs or are going through difficult times. Before I pray specifically for others, I will ask God each time, with open hands and a heart of submission, to give me HIS heart and HIS compassion to pray for others. I know He will surely hear and be pleased with those prayers coming from the right heart, like that of Jesus, but in my flesh, I am selfish and blind to the needs of others. I will fast some meals as I focus on praying intently. Fasting will remind me that I can deny my flesh for something far greater, which is to seek God, His answers, and His heart.
I believe God will hear these prayers coming from a right heart, and it will strengthen and build upon His foundation and His holy church. The Holy Spirit will help our church members in real and amazing ways, through prayers from a humble heart.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You that Your Holy Spirit, so holy, feared, and honored now resides in me as a child of God. It’s an unfathomable privilege. I want to build upon the perfect foundation of Jesus Christ, offering You my pure heart and the best intentions behind my works, but I humbly confess I can only do this with the help of Your Holy Spirit. Father, help me to overcome my complacent flesh, any wrong motivations behind my works, and also my moments of unbelief that are all defilements in God’s holy temple. Would those be burned away, and may both my faith and my works be purified by fire to be refined and shine brighter each day.
Thank You, Jesus, that You are my firm foundation, my solid rock who will never fail. I pray that I can bring glory and honor to Your holy name and Your holy temple with the faith that You are refining in me. I pray that this refined faith would be able to produce good and lasting works for Your kingdom.
Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. (We reserve the right to moderate comments.)