July 6
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SOLID FOUNDATION IN JESUS CHRIST
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 person must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’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 one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire. – 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
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According to matterchristi.com, Houses in ancient Nazareth were made with a rough stone foundation and mud-bricks made on site. In this letter, Paul alludes to Christ as the Master builder. But he also says here that he is also one, but he builds on what Jesus laid a foundation to. In verse 11, he reminds the believers that no one else can lay that foundation except the Lord Jesus. He is the solid stone foundation that everything else in the church is built on.
In verse 12, Peter tells the believers that the other builders that work with the Master builder must ensure that whatever materials they use, it must anchor itself on the stone foundation. The material they choose to use will be tested through fire to ensure that they stand strong through time. What Paul is referring to here is the kind of work that the servant of the Lord does for the kingdom of God.
If the builder’s work is based on the teaching of Jesus, then it will manifest fruits that only comes from preaching the true gospel that leads to salvation. Sadly, many churches today look more like any other human organizations rather than the body of Christ. False teachings have crept in our churches today that the message of Christ is not being preached, let alone followed and lived. Paul warns us about the dangers of calling attention to ourselves and our efforts to bring the gospel to others. If it doesn’t point to Jesus and give him praise, it will likely be a self-focused effort.
In verse 14, we are given the hope that there is a reward for abiding in the truth and the foundation of this church who is Jesus Christ. Let us never forget that without the foundation of Jesus, we will all collapse into ruin and destruction.
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REFLECTION
• Why must we always abide in Christ and make sure that we glorify him always?