Building on the Foundation of Christ
Summary
In our journey through 1 Corinthians, we are reminded of the importance of building our lives and our church on the foundation of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul warns the church in Corinth about the dangers of constructing a church based on worldly values and personal preferences rather than on the teachings and example of Christ. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today, urging us to evaluate what we are building and why.
Paul emphasizes that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, and everything we do should reflect His character and mission. A church that truly follows Christ will embody His love, service, and teachings. It will be a place where the mind of Christ is evident in every member, from the youngest to the oldest. This foundation is not just about words but about actions that align with the heart of Jesus.
The materials we use to build our spiritual lives matter. Paul contrasts durable materials like gold, silver, and precious stones with perishable ones like wood, hay, and straw. The former represents actions and values that withstand the test of time and trials, while the latter symbolizes superficial and temporary pursuits. We are called to invest in what is eternal, focusing on spiritual depth rather than mere numbers or appearances.
Paul also reminds us of the coming day of judgment, where our works will be tested by fire. This is not about our salvation but about the rewards for our service and faithfulness. It challenges us to consider whether we are spending our lives on temporary pleasures or investing in eternal treasures. The choices we make today have eternal implications, and we are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective.
Finally, Paul assures us that when we build on the right foundation, we have everything we need in Christ. We can rest in the security of His provision and care, knowing that our investment in His kingdom will yield eternal rewards. This calls us to live out our purpose with confidence, trusting that God will supply all our needs as we seek His kingdom first.
Key Takeaways:
- Foundation in Christ: Building our lives and church on Jesus Christ means embodying His teachings and character. A true church reflects Christ in its actions and values, ensuring that He remains the central focus. [18:13]
- Eternal Investment: We are called to invest in eternal treasures rather than temporary pleasures. Our actions should be guided by an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual depth and growth. [28:26]
- Judgment and Rewards: The day of judgment will test our works, not for salvation but for rewards. This challenges us to consider how we are using our time, talents, and resources for God's kingdom. [29:56]
- Spiritual Maturity: Success is measured by spiritual growth, not numbers. A church should focus on equipping believers for service and maturity, avoiding superficial measures of success. [22:06]
- Security in Christ: When we build on the right foundation, we have everything we need in Christ. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that God will provide as we seek His kingdom. [39:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:55] - God's Building Project
- [01:56] - Evaluation Day
- [02:56] - Foundation of Jesus Christ
- [04:06] - Prayer and Reflection
- [05:17] - Personal Story: Building a Home
- [06:20] - Structure vs. Home
- [07:35] - Building for God's Glory
- [08:57] - External vs. Internal Growth
- [09:56] - Corinth's Prominence and Problems
- [11:03] - Right Foundation: Jesus Christ
- [12:08] - Paul's Role as a Master Builder
- [13:56] - Church Leaders and Their Role
- [15:21] - Building with the Right Materials
- [16:19] - Symptoms of Wrong Building
- [22:06] - Measuring Success by Spiritual Depth
- [28:26] - Focus on Eternity
- [29:56] - Judgment and Rewards
- [39:40] - Security in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he refers to Jesus Christ as the foundation in 1 Corinthians 3:11? How does this relate to the church in Corinth? [02:56]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two categories of materials Paul mentions for building on the foundation? What do these materials symbolize? [19:58]
3. How does Paul describe the day of judgment in 1 Corinthians 3:13, and what will be tested on that day? [29:13]
4. What are some symptoms of a church building with the wrong materials, as mentioned in the sermon? [22:06]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the cornerstone influence the way a church should operate and make decisions? [18:13]
2. What might be some modern examples of "wood, hay, and straw" that churches or individuals might mistakenly build with today? [20:57]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual maturity should be prioritized over numerical growth in a church? [22:06]
4. How does the idea of eternal rewards versus temporary pleasures challenge the way believers live their daily lives? [29:56]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal life: Are there areas where you might be building with "wood, hay, and straw" instead of "gold, silver, and precious stones"? How can you shift your focus to more durable materials? [20:57]
2. Consider your involvement in the church. How can you ensure that your contributions align with the foundation of Jesus Christ and reflect His character and mission? [18:13]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual depth over numbers. How can you personally contribute to fostering spiritual growth within your church community? [22:06]
4. How does the concept of the coming day of judgment influence your priorities and decisions? Are there changes you feel led to make in light of this perspective? [29:13]
5. In what ways can you invest in eternal treasures rather than temporary pleasures in your daily life? Identify one specific change you can make this week. [28:26]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of security in Christ, trusting that He will provide for your needs as you seek His kingdom first? [39:40]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the importance of building a home where Christ is the center. What steps can you take to ensure that Christ remains the focal point in your personal and family life? [39:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ as the Cornerstone
Building our lives and church on Jesus Christ means embodying His teachings and character. A true church reflects Christ in its actions and values, ensuring that He remains the central focus. The Apostle Paul warns against constructing a church based on worldly values and personal preferences, urging believers to evaluate their foundations. Jesus is the cornerstone, and everything should reflect His character and mission. A church that truly follows Christ will embody His love, service, and teachings, evident in every member. This foundation is not just about words but about actions that align with the heart of Jesus. [18:13]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your daily actions and decisions reflect the character and teachings of Jesus, making Him the cornerstone of your life?
Day 2: Investing in Eternity
We are called to invest in eternal treasures rather than temporary pleasures. Our actions should be guided by an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual depth and growth. Paul contrasts durable materials like gold, silver, and precious stones with perishable ones like wood, hay, and straw. The former represents actions and values that withstand the test of time and trials, while the latter symbolizes superficial and temporary pursuits. Believers are encouraged to invest in what is eternal, focusing on spiritual depth rather than mere numbers or appearances. [28:26]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you are investing in temporary pleasures. How can you redirect that investment towards something with eternal significance today?
Day 3: Works Tested by Fire
The day of judgment will test our works, not for salvation but for rewards. This challenges us to consider how we are using our time, talents, and resources for God's kingdom. Paul reminds us of the coming day of judgment, where our works will be tested by fire. This is not about our salvation but about the rewards for our service and faithfulness. It challenges believers to consider whether they are spending their lives on temporary pleasures or investing in eternal treasures. The choices made today have eternal implications, encouraging an eternal perspective. [29:56]
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (ESV): "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."
Reflection: Reflect on how you are currently using your time and talents. What is one specific way you can align these resources more closely with God's kingdom purposes?
Day 4: Measuring Success by Spiritual Depth
Success is measured by spiritual growth, not numbers. A church should focus on equipping believers for service and maturity, avoiding superficial measures of success. Paul emphasizes that the materials used to build spiritual lives matter. Durable materials represent actions and values that withstand trials, while perishable ones symbolize superficial pursuits. Believers are encouraged to focus on spiritual depth rather than mere appearances, ensuring that success is measured by spiritual growth and maturity. [22:06]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: Consider your current spiritual journey. What is one area where you can seek deeper growth and maturity, and how can you take a step towards that today?
Day 5: Security in Christ
When we build on the right foundation, we have everything we need in Christ. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that God will provide as we seek His kingdom. Paul assures believers that when they build on the right foundation, they have everything they need in Christ. This calls for living out one's purpose with confidence, trusting that God will supply all needs as His kingdom is sought first. The security in Christ provides rest in His provision and care, knowing that investment in His kingdom will yield eternal rewards. [39:40]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more in Christ's provision and care? How can you actively seek His kingdom first in that area today?
Quotes
1) "And we know from Jesus' own words in Matthew 18, that Jesus is building something that he calls the church. And he's so confident in this building project that he said, the gates of hell will not prevail against it. But we need to know and recognize we have a part to play. And to the level that we are involved in it will allow us to be a part of the blessing of what God's building or... Or the sadness when we miss out on all that God wants us to be a part of." [00:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "What Paul wants to talk about this morning is he wants to remind us that a structure is being built. And the structure that's being built is dedicated to Jesus Christ. And the question is, are we taking that structure and making it our own? To the glory? To the glory of God? Are we investing in it in such a way that the things that happen within that building stand the test of time?" [07:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "And so Paul speaks to the leaders of the church and he says, what are you building? What are you trying to build here? And does it pass God's test, not just your own? And what he wants to ask is, he wants to ask each of us, what part are we playing in building this kingdom work called the church? And are we investing in something that will last for eternity or will one day go away?" [10:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "A church that is founded on Jesus Christ lives like Jesus, loves like Jesus, serves like Jesus, teaches like Jesus, expects the things that Jesus expects, preaches the things that Jesus wants. Reached out to the people Jesus preached, reached out to the people Jesus reached out to. In essence, a church founded on Jesus looks like Jesus, smells like Jesus, acts like Jesus, talks and sounds like Jesus, that people when they see us, they say Village Bible Church is all about that Jesus." [18:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You know you're building with wood, hay, or straw when numbers, not spiritual death, measure success. When numbers, not spiritual maturity, define success, that's why I needed my notes. It is often commonplace in our world today to determine that a church is successful based on a couple things. Its attendance records, and the size of the building and parking lot that it has, the number of services that it has." [22:06] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "There's a day coming where we are going to be a part of the greatest award ceremony in all of human history, where Jesus Christ is going to hand out awards or rewards. And it's going to be based on how we invested our lives in this life for the life that is to come. and it's where jesus is going to announce to some well done good and faithful servant there will be some who at that award ceremony will leave with no awards nothing to show for the salvation that god gave them they're saved but there's nothing left for them to show this is what i did to invest in it i spent all that god's salvation gave me i spent it in the here and now with nothing for eternity" [33:12] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And so a church helps to establish and grow and a good church reminds us there's a day coming are you ready for the day are you ready to stand before god are you ready to give an account for what you have done not so you can garner salvation but that you can say i understood my salvation so much that i wanted to serve and honor you with all that i am and all that i have it involves investment and here's what paul will say and i'll close with this because we're going to pick this back up next week paul says when you have a kingdom mindset when you have built your church and you have built your kingdom on the kingdom of god not your own you can sleep tight he says everything is yours you have everything you need you never have to worry you never have to doubt you never have to be anxious you have everything you need because you've got christ" [39:40] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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