Sep 4, 2023
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:10-17
In our passage, Paul changes from an agricultural metaphor to an architectural metaphor, in describing the church. In 1 Corinthians 3:9 the apostle had said "You are God’s field, God’s building." In that verse we see both pictures. In today’s section, the church now is likened to a building instead of a field. And Paul is now the layer of a foundation instead of a sower of seeds.
The building being described here is a temple, and the spiritual reality of this symbol is the church of Christ. Jesus, Himself is the foundation. Builders must therefore use building materials that are in accord with the foundation, which is Christ.
Any labor done to build Christ’s church must be done in accordance with the truth of Christ, and the righteousness of Christ. The gold, silver, and precious stones are the symbols of doctrinal purity and righteous attitudes and acts. The wood, hay, and straw are the symbols of falsehood and impure motives.
There is coming a day when our work in Christ’s kingdom will be judged. May we take to heart the exhortation of the apostle … "Let each one take care how he builds" (1 Cor 3:10). Let everything we do be in accordance with our glorious Foundation … Jesus Christ.