1 Corinthians 3:10-23
On what was Paul’s foundation built? What challenge did Paul give to the believers? Will all our service stand the test of time? When will our service be rewarded? – (1 Cor.3:10-15)
The foundation that Paul laid was the Truth of the Gospel in Christ Jesus. Others such as Apollos and Peter also built on this Foundation of the Gospel (1 Cor.1:12; 3:4-5). The ultimate and only Foundation is Jesus Christ – For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor.3:11). Not only did different gifted leaders build on this Gospel foundation, so must all other true believers. (1 Cor.3:10, 12-13). Paul warned – … each man must be careful how he builds on it (1 Cor.3:10). What did he mean? Paul explained that we need to build with quality durable or perishable materials which will be tested by fire (1Cor.3:12-13). Our service for Christ will either endure or perish and will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor.3:13-14 c.f. Rom.14:10; 2 Cor.5:10). Paul made it clear that this particular judgment will not be about salvation but will be about awards granted for services rendered out of our love for Christ – If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Cor.3:15 c.f. Rev.4:10-11).
Q.2. How useful will our service be if we destroy our ‘temple’? What attitude at Corinth did Paul go on to address? Where was Paul in view of the authority of Christ? – (1 Cor.3:16-23)
It is a sobering thought that we can only bring glory to God in this world, as long as we are in this earthly body (Ps.30:9; 115:17; Isa.38:18). Therefore, we need to look after our bodies which are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.3:16). – 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 (1 Cor.3:17). Some of the Corinthians were wise in terms of the spirit of the age (1 Cor.3:18). Paul addressed the lack of humility which made many of the Corinthian Christians unteachable (1 Cor.3:19-20). He reminded them that even the apostles and gifted leaders who had ministered in their midst, understood their place as being under Christ. Though these Corinthians had many of the world’s benefits, they were to remember their place, because – you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God (1 Cor.3:23). Their real advantage came through belonging to Christ, and not from their possessions – 21 let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you (1 Cor.3:21-22).