1 Corinthians 3:10-17

10: According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.
11: For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
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.

16: Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17: If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

*** 

The foundation of Jesus Christ is the only foundation which can support the true teachings of Christ. Paul was careful to lay only this solid and sound foundation. His call was to lay a strong foundation of Christ that others would build on it. Anyone who builds on this foundation, or anyone who teaches or instructs believers in the way of the Lord, needs to be careful how he builds. Whatever doctrine is built upon this foundation must be worthy of the foundation. The doctrines and practices need to be the solid, simple truth of the Word of God. Not speculations or reasonings.

Gems are solid, durable, and hold up under fire. Wood, hay, and straw are flimsy, temporary materials which will not hold up under fire. They may not necessarily be false doctrines but could be opinions or practices that are not supported by the Word of God. Not only do they not hold up under fire, but they feed the fire. Whereas gems, will shine brighter after the fire.

The fire, or times of testing, will reveal whether the doctrine was true or not. The day will reveal it. This could mean the day of the Lord when all things are revealed for what they are, or simply the day as when any true light shines on it. The building that does not survive the test will cause loss to the builder, yet he himself will be saved. If what one builds—teachings, doctrines, practices, converts, disciples—remain, he is rewarded. If not, it is evident that his efforts were lost, and he has nothing to show for his work.

This warning is beneficial for teachers or builders in the church to advise them to be careful about what they are teaching. It’s also beneficial for all believers who are to judge what they hear according to the Word and Spirit of God. Paul told them they were a holy temple of God and had the Spirit of God living in them. God will not take lightly those who try and destroy His temple with erroneous or misleading teachings.



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