January 23, 2025
1 Corinthians 3:10-17 (HCSB)
10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire. 16 Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s sanctuary, God will destroy him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.
Caleb Doolittle
Paul, the “master builder” (v1), has laid the foundation in his teachings: Jesus Christ. Now, he turns his attention to those who build upon it. He urges caution and care, because the building represents the work we do in God's kingdom, the lives we touch, and the impact we make for eternity. He introduces a powerful image: building with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw (v12). These materials represent the quality of our work. Are we building with enduring, valuable materials that will stand the test of time, or are we using flimsy, temporary materials that will be consumed by fire? The "day" will come when our work will be tested by the fire of God's judgment, revealing our motives. If our work survives, we receive a reward. If it burns up, we ourselves will be saved, "but only as one escaping through the flames" (v15). Finally, Paul reminds us that we are God's temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We must treat ourselves and others with reverence and care, avoiding anything that defiles or destroys this sacred dwelling place. Today, evaluate where you are "building" for God's kingdom. Consider your work, relationships, or ministry involvement. Are you investing your time and energy in things that last? Ask God to show you how to build with "gold, silver, and precious stones."
10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire. 16 Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s sanctuary, God will destroy him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.
Caleb Doolittle
Paul, the “master builder” (v1), has laid the foundation in his teachings: Jesus Christ. Now, he turns his attention to those who build upon it. He urges caution and care, because the building represents the work we do in God's kingdom, the lives we touch, and the impact we make for eternity. He introduces a powerful image: building with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw (v12). These materials represent the quality of our work. Are we building with enduring, valuable materials that will stand the test of time, or are we using flimsy, temporary materials that will be consumed by fire? The "day" will come when our work will be tested by the fire of God's judgment, revealing our motives. If our work survives, we receive a reward. If it burns up, we ourselves will be saved, "but only as one escaping through the flames" (v15). Finally, Paul reminds us that we are God's temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We must treat ourselves and others with reverence and care, avoiding anything that defiles or destroys this sacred dwelling place. Today, evaluate where you are "building" for God's kingdom. Consider your work, relationships, or ministry involvement. Are you investing your time and energy in things that last? Ask God to show you how to build with "gold, silver, and precious stones."
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