S) "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."
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NASB)
O) Through the first four chapters of this letter, Paul is breaking down the difference between spiritual and physical, mature and child-like, wisdom and basic, etc. The Corinthian church was not wise, not mature, not very spiritual. Consequently, he had only taught them the basics of the gospel, not delving into more difficult "solid food" (see v.2). So, because Paul only gave them the basics, over the course of time other teachers had given them more. Consequently, there began to be divisions in their church, as some were claiming a discipleship or allegiance to their different teachers (see v.4). In the above passage, Paul uses the metaphor of a building to remind them that there is only one foundation, who is Christ. There may be different builders on that foundation, but if Christ isn't the foundation (being the plain gospel of Jesus' life, burial, resurrection, and ascension) then the building won't stand. Beyond that foundation of the basic presentation of the gospel, though, there are deeper things that are built on that. In the verses above, Paul is warning them that bad teaching will have consequences, although a person will still be saved if their foundation is Christ. He is reassuring them that good teaching will be rewarded, too, if the quality of the work passes the test of fire. This idea of a fiery test is echoed the Peter, telling the church not to be surprised by fiery trials, or ordeals, that come. God allows tests into our lives, fiery tests meant to refine us.
A) This is relevant to ministry, and most directly applicable with my family. I lead my wife, and in spiritual things I should be building her up. In my children, certainly, I have a role as a teacher. I need to be building upon the foundation of Jesus, teaching them the ways of God, becoming more and more refined in things like theology, eschatology, morality, and exegesis. This verse is a reminder that, as long as they have Christ, they are saved, but more than just barely making it, I want them built up to withstand any challenge, any fiery test. This passage warns me that if I am not building them up well, they may still suffer harm. But on the other hand, this is a promise to me, to also pursue excellence for them, because God will also reward me.
P) Father, You are so good, and precious, and lovely, and beautiful, and worth knowing in every way possible; I want my wife and kids to know You as much as possible. I want to be faithful as I build them up. However, I also know that I can only teach what I have learned. Please open our eyes, God, that we will behold wonderful things from Your law. Speak to us, giving us open ears, to hear Your voice and obey Your command, and follow Your lead: Help me to build well, precious and beautiful things, upon the foundation they each have in Christ Jesus. Be glorified by what is built in them. Please show me grace, by being merciful to them if anything I teach does not pass the fiery tests they face. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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