1 Corinthians 3
June 17, 2022
“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (v12-15)
Paul is saying there is ministry and service that will pass the final inspection – if it’s built on the foundation of Christ – and is done for His glory. But there’s another kind of service that will not pass inspection, because while it might glitter at first glance (because it looks like gold), it’s going to burn up like hay, if, when Jesus gets out the magnifying glass and shines His light on it – He sees that what we were really building wasn’t so much about Him as it was about us. Paul says everything marked by self-centered spirituality that leads to division and boasting – will burn up. The believer will be saved, ‘but only as one escaping through the flames’ (v15). That’s how important it is for us to build on the foundation of Christ – in unity with each other.
Lord Jesus, I can’t even read these verses without asking You to forgive me for the times I’ve been motivated in ministry - not to build Your reputation, but to build mine. I ask Your forgiveness, too, for the times I’ve failed to understand how important unity is to You. Forgive me (and Your people) for forgetting that one of the things You prayed for and died for was unity in Your Church. Forgive us for the times we’ve sacrificed unity on the altar of wanting something our way. Build in each of us a deeper love for Your Bride, so that all that we say and do is done for Your glory and her good.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
