1 Corinthians 3:10-12 KJV
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
There is a good deal of liberty expressed in this chapter. In addressing the issue of rewards for ministry the Apostle states that there is no difference between the one who waters and the one who harvests, that each is entitled to an equal reward for the fruit. It reminds me of David's men who stayed by the stuff; some of the others felt like those who stayed behind did not deserve as much of the spoils as those who had actually done the fighting. David refused their sentiment ad gave equally to all.
Everything about this passage smacks of humility and the deprecation of self in favor of the Lord.
But then there is this word of caution, "let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." Just because there is grace in the work of the ministry does not mean there ought to be carelessness in that work. If one is going to build, he had better see that He has read the rule book. The foundation is Jesus Christ. To build anything upon Christ other than what is sanctioned in the Word of God is a grievous error, and will result in loss.
Go ahead. Grab your tools! God rewards all who get busy in his ministry. But take heed. Do this work
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
There is a good deal of liberty expressed in this chapter. In addressing the issue of rewards for ministry the Apostle states that there is no difference between the one who waters and the one who harvests, that each is entitled to an equal reward for the fruit. It reminds me of David's men who stayed by the stuff; some of the others felt like those who stayed behind did not deserve as much of the spoils as those who had actually done the fighting. David refused their sentiment ad gave equally to all.
- We are laborers together
- We are working for a common cause
- We will all receive our own reward
- One lays the foundation, another builds on the foundation
Everything about this passage smacks of humility and the deprecation of self in favor of the Lord.
But then there is this word of caution, "let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." Just because there is grace in the work of the ministry does not mean there ought to be carelessness in that work. If one is going to build, he had better see that He has read the rule book. The foundation is Jesus Christ. To build anything upon Christ other than what is sanctioned in the Word of God is a grievous error, and will result in loss.
Go ahead. Grab your tools! God rewards all who get busy in his ministry. But take heed. Do this work
- For the glory of God
- Resting upon Jesus Christ and
- According to the precepts of the Word
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