Paul had what we would call a 'church planting ministry'. He was there in Corinth when the first members of the church were converted. He made sure that they were standing on the right foundation, Christ himself. Paul was able to say 'God gave me the privilege of starting the work-others are building on it. Please be careful how you build'. Building was a favourite concept of Paul's. In fact it is only found once or twice elsewhere in the New Testament other than in Paul's writings. Paul says in v.12 that every Christian has an opportunity to build. There may be only one foundation, but there is an astonishing variety of materials to choose from. The builder is the one who chooses which material he will use. There are two classes of materials-those that last forever and those which do not. The one is valuable and the other is not. What do these materials mean for us? Gold stands for the kind of service in which God is glorified, not ourselves. Silver speaks of redemption-the great theme of the Bible and the great desire of the heart of God. When we share in this work and give out this message, we are building with silver. Precious stones - does that speak of work done in the power of the Spirit of God and not in our own strength? His work can stand the test. Ours will not. The other three materials speak of human effort. Wood can be made into something beautiful, but it cannot stand the fire. Hay is of less value than wood. Stubble is useless and worthless. Paul's great concern was that on the day we all stand before Christ we would have something to show which will last for eternity. We will be amazed at the work Christ will reward. We may be amazed at the work which will vanish. A THOUGHT: Only what's done for Christ will last. |
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