Building the Church on Christ's Foundation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the metaphor of the church as a building, as presented by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. This analogy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of both the foundation and the materials used in building the church. Paul emphasizes that the foundation is Jesus Christ, and it is crucial that we build upon this foundation with quality materials—symbolized by gold, silver, and precious stones—rather than with wood, hay, or straw, which will not withstand the test of time or fire.
The passage challenges us to consider the quality of our contributions to the church, both individually and collectively. It calls us to inspect our construction, ensuring that our efforts align with the foundation of Christ. This involves evaluating the message we preach, the ministries we engage in, the motives behind our actions, and the methods we employ. Each of these elements must be consistent with the gospel and aimed at eternal, rather than temporal, outcomes.
Furthermore, Paul warns against division within the church, urging us to recognize that all things—whether leaders, life, or even death—are for our benefit and growth in Christ. We are reminded that the church is not just any building; it is God's temple, a sacred space where His Spirit dwells. Therefore, the way we build and the materials we use are of utmost importance.
As we reflect on this passage, we are encouraged to take an honest look at our role in building the church. Are we contributing with quality and integrity? Are we using our gifts to serve and edify the body of Christ? Let us strive to build with materials that will endure, reflecting God's glory and holiness, so that the church may continue to stand strong for generations to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Foundation of Christ: The foundation of the church is Jesus Christ, and it is essential that we build upon this foundation with materials that reflect His character and teachings. Our efforts should be aligned with the gospel, ensuring that what we build is consistent with the foundation laid by Christ. [15:24]
- Quality Matters: The quality of both the builders and the materials used in building the church is crucial. We must strive for excellence in our contributions, recognizing that what we build will be tested by fire. Only that which is built with quality materials will endure. [24:15]
- Unity in Diversity: Paul emphasizes that all things, including leaders and life experiences, are for our benefit. We should not divide over preferences but recognize that each element contributes to our growth and maturity in Christ. Unity in diversity strengthens the church. [40:05]
- Sacredness of the Church: The church is God's temple, a sacred space where His Spirit dwells. This sacredness demands that we build with reverence and care, using materials that honor God and reflect His holiness. Our work should contribute to the church's integrity and strength. [36:37]
- Personal and Corporate Responsibility: Each of us has a role in building the church, and we must take this responsibility seriously. Whether through our gifts, service, or leadership, we are called to contribute to the church's growth and maturity, ensuring that it stands firm on the foundation of Christ. [46:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [2:00] - Announcements and Membership
- [5:30] - Gratitude for Contributions
- [8:00] - Dismissing the Kids
- [9:00] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 3
- [12:00] - Building Inspections Analogy
- [15:00] - Foundation of Christ
- [18:00] - Quality of Builders and Materials
- [24:00] - Testing by Fire
- [29:00] - Rewards and Loss
- [31:00] - Message, Ministry, and Methods
- [36:00] - Sacredness of the Church
- [40:00] - Unity in Diversity
- [44:00] - Inspecting Our Currency
- [46:00] - Personal and Corporate Responsibility
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
Observation Questions:
1. What metaphor does Paul use to describe the church in 1 Corinthians 3, and what is the significance of this metaphor? [12:00]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two categories of materials mentioned by Paul, and how do they differ in terms of value and durability? [24:15]
3. How does Paul describe the foundation of the church, and why is it important to build upon it with quality materials? [15:24]
4. What warning does Paul give about division within the church, and how does he suggest we view leaders and life experiences? [40:05]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of building with quality materials, and what might these materials symbolize in the context of the church? [24:15]
2. How does the concept of the church as God's temple influence the way we should approach building and contributing to the church? [36:37]
3. In what ways does Paul suggest that all things, including leaders and life experiences, are for the benefit of the church? How does this perspective promote unity? [40:05]
4. What does it mean for the church to be built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and how can this foundation impact the church's message and ministry? [31:26]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal contributions to the church. Are you building with materials that reflect quality and integrity? How can you ensure your efforts align with the foundation of Christ? [46:11]
2. Consider the ministries you are involved in. Are they focused on eternal outcomes? How can you shift your focus to ensure that your contributions have lasting value? [31:26]
3. How do you handle differences in preferences or opinions within the church? What steps can you take to promote unity and recognize the value of diverse perspectives? [40:05]
4. In what ways can you use your gifts to serve and edify the body of Christ? Identify one specific action you can take this week to contribute to the church's growth and maturity. [46:11]
5. Reflect on the sacredness of the church as God's temple. How does this understanding influence the way you approach your role in the church? What changes might you need to make to honor this sacredness? [36:37]
6. Are there any distractions or divisions in your life that are hindering your ability to build on the foundation of Christ? How can you address these issues to strengthen your contribution to the church? [40:05]
7. Think about the message and methods of your church. Are they consistent with the foundation of Jesus Christ? What role can you play in ensuring that the church remains faithful to its foundational message? [31:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Building on the Foundation of Christ
The foundation of the church is Jesus Christ, and it is upon this unshakeable base that we are called to build. This foundation is not just a starting point but the very essence of our faith and community. As we construct our lives and our church, we must ensure that every effort, every ministry, and every message aligns with the teachings and character of Christ. This alignment is crucial because it determines the strength and integrity of what we build. The materials we use—our actions, words, and intentions—must reflect the eternal nature of the gospel, ensuring that our contributions are not only meaningful but enduring. [15:24]
"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your daily actions and decisions are aligned with the foundation of Christ in your life and in your community?
Day 2: Striving for Quality in Our Contributions
The quality of our contributions to the church is of utmost importance. Paul uses the metaphor of building materials—gold, silver, and precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw—to illustrate the difference between what will endure and what will not. Our efforts, whether in service, leadership, or fellowship, should be characterized by excellence and integrity. This means being intentional about the motives behind our actions and the methods we employ. We are called to build with materials that will withstand the test of time and trials, ensuring that our work contributes to the lasting strength and beauty of the church. [24:15]
"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." (1 Corinthians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a recent contribution you made to your church or community. Was it done with excellence and integrity? How can you improve the quality of your future contributions?
Day 3: Embracing Unity in Diversity
Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, recognizing that diversity among leaders, experiences, and gifts is for our collective benefit. Rather than allowing differences to divide us, we are encouraged to see them as opportunities for growth and maturity in Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity; it means valuing each unique contribution and understanding that together, we form a stronger, more resilient body. This perspective helps us appreciate the richness of our community and the ways in which God uses our diverse backgrounds and talents to build His church. [40:05]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity in your church or community, especially when faced with differing opinions or preferences?
Day 4: Honoring the Sacredness of the Church
The church is not just any building; it is God's temple, a sacred space where His Spirit dwells. This sacredness demands that we approach our role in the church with reverence and care. The materials we use to build—our actions, words, and intentions—should honor God and reflect His holiness. As we contribute to the church's integrity and strength, we are reminded of the privilege and responsibility we have in being part of something so sacred. Our work should not only aim for temporal success but should also reflect the eternal nature of God's kingdom. [36:37]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you honor the sacredness of the church in your daily interactions and contributions?
Day 5: Embracing Personal and Corporate Responsibility
Each of us has a role in building the church, and this responsibility is both personal and corporate. We are called to use our gifts, talents, and resources to serve and edify the body of Christ. This involves being intentional about our contributions and ensuring that they align with the foundation of Christ. As we work together, we contribute to the church's growth and maturity, ensuring that it stands firm for generations to come. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, as it impacts not only our present community but also future generations. [46:11]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific gift or talent can you offer to your church community today, and how can you use it to serve others effectively?
Quotes
1) "And in many ways, we're going to see today in 1 Corinthians 3 that the church is like a building. Paul uses this analogy saying that that's what the church is like and it's important for us from time to time to build in some of these building inspections. And we know that if we do them honestly, sometimes they're going to be costly. They're costly at the outset just because you've got to take the time, you've got to set aside time to come and take an objective look at things and say, are we meeting the standards? Are we doing things? Are we being built up in the way that we are meant to be built up?" [10:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The foundation is laid by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul laid that foundation. The foundation is the most important part of the building because it determines the size shape and strength of the superstructure so a ministry may seem to be successful for a time but if it is not founded on Christ it will eventually collapse and disappear you right so paul is saying listen you corinthians right now i laid the foundation and you are running the risk that you are building off of that foundation you are not following its size you are not following its shape you are not following its strength because right now you are not building on the foundation which is christ you are building a structure that is centered around the eloquence and charisma of individuals and of men that is not consistent with the foundation that's being laid" [19:00] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "You want the cheap church, you're going to build it with wood, hay, straw. You want the church that's going to last, you're going to build it with gold, silver, and precious stones. Notice verse 13. Each one's work will become manifest. You're not going to hide this. The quality of how a church is built will not be hidden. It's going to be revealed. If not in this life, it will be on the day. The day of judgment, that's what he talks about here. Because it will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done." [24:15] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "What does he mean by that? What's the reward that paul's talking about well he doesn't exactly say here does he but other places he kind of does in first thessalonians chapter 2 he says for what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting for the lord jesus that is coming is it not you for you are her glory and joy he's writing to the church what's the reward what's the thing we have to brag about isn't it you isn't it the church philippians chapter 2 verse 16 holding fast to the word of life so that in the day of christ i may be proud that i did not run in vain or labor in vain therefore my brothers whom i love and long for my joy and crown stand firm thus in the lord my beloved so what what does paul view this reward to be that on that day on that day when all things are laid bare the reward is that paul's saying we're going to get to see a lot of you in glory we're going to get to see brothers and sisters in christ who were built up by the off that foundation of jesus christ in their lives and in their lives and in their lives and in their lives and in their lives and in their lives are going to resemble these great things built up in godliness and and righteousness that we're going to see the church that someday you look around this room we are gathered here now someday what would it look like to have reunion in heaven what would it look like for us to to meet up again and say hey you remember those days when we were meeting and we were we were working next to each other we were laboring for the gospel we were encouraging each other in the faith, and we're going to meet up with some of our friends who precede us in going to the Lord. We're going to meet up with our friends who come after us, and we're going to say, hey, this is a great reward. I kind of think that's what Paul's getting at. On that day, there's going to be a great reward. There's going to be much to rejoice over because the church was built up with sound materials." [29:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The message. It's like if the foundation that has been laid is of Jesus Christ, then don't you think... that the message that the church preaches ought to be consistent with that foundation. Why would the church preach and proclaim and teach something inconsistent or contrary to that foundational message? In Galatians chapter one, Paul calls this out with that church in Galatia, and he says, listen, if anyone comes to you speaking a different gospel, they should be what? Just kind of welcomed in, put your arm around them, like have a good time. Just correct them. Maybe notify a couple of little changes. Galatians one is like if someone comes preaching a different gospel, they should be accursed. Like the nature of the message that is being preached and proclaimed in the church should be consistent. The materials that are being built on that foundation should be consistent with the foundation itself. So the message matters. What are we gonna teach? What are we gonna preach? We're gonna preach Christ crucified. We're gonna proclaim the repentance of sins. We're gonna teach God's word faithfully. And we're gonna let it say what it has to say. Is that a conviction that we will stand on and continue to build on?" [31:26] (87 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you? See, this is not just somebody. This is not just a building that's being built. This is a sacred building. The church is God's temple. He dwells with you. Like, so we're not, like, you talk about the quality of the materials. The quality of the materials matter because you're not just building a shack in your backyard to store, you know, yard tools. We're building the temple of God. It matters. Using the right tools matters. Using the right materials matters because we're building something of significance, of sacredness. That's why he says here that if anyone would destroy God's temple, God will destroy him for God's temple is holy and you are that temple." [36:37] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "So are we working in the way that is consistent with God's kingdom or are we working and evaluating based on the ways of the world? We're called to so much more. God has given us all that we need. For life and righteousness. Including his spirit. So as a church, just like any other structure, we recognize that we are always under construction. I love the fact that this building, this church started in this area 150 years ago. And it's continuing to be built today. That's why it's important for us from time to time to go back and say, where are we at? Where are we at? And if it's important enough with our physical structures to have them inspected from time to time, it's important enough for us to go back with the church and say, are we building with that gold, that silver, those precious stones? Are we building in a way that's consistent that we're actually building on the foundation which is Jesus Christ? Are we continuing in this race strong?" [44:21] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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