February 24, 2002
“BUILDING
ON THE FOUNDATION”
I Corinthians 3:11-15
For no other foundation can anyone lay than
that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious
stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will
declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each
one’s work, of what sort it is. If
anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer
loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
In I Corinthians 3:9 Paul tells us we Christians are God’s building. In verse 11 we are told that the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of that building and no man can lay any other foundation. Verse 12 states that we can build upon that existing foundation with one of two types of material (1) gold, silver, precious stones or (2) wood, hay, straw.
These works will undergo a test of fire. The purpose of that test is to reveal the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work remains after the fire he will receive a reward (verse 14). On the other hand if any man’s work is burned up he will suffer loss of reward, yet he himself will be saved. How do we interpret all of this?
It seems to me that the gold, silver and precious stones are works in our lives that bring glory to God. On the other hand wood, hay and straw are works that we do that tend to bring glory and recognition to ourselves. This is talking about Christian men and women.
The question is - is it possible for any one person to show only gold, silver, and precious stones at the judgment seat? Is it possible for any one person to have only wood, hay and straw? Frankly, I don’t believe so. I believe, in light of the believer’s makeup, each person will have some of both. The New Testament makes it very clear that all Christians will be rewarded to some extent.
The question is – what are we working on in our lives? Are we working on making God look good or are we seeking to bring ourselves into the spotlight? This is something we have to evaluate and deal with, if necessary.
You will note in verse 15 that although a man may have some works burned up, yet the man himself will be saved. Every Christian is a work of God, though some of his works may not be! Every believer will pass through God’s fire. What an incentive to keep going for the gold.
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last!
Let’s work on our rewards. God bless.
Love
to you all,