Previously, we noted that Paul used the analogy of a field to describe gospel ministry. The Corinthians were the field, and Paul and Apollos were "co-workers" in the field. The goal was to stop the Corinthians from separating Paul and Apollos and instead realize that these two leaders were working together with the same purpose.
Now Paul switches to another analogy to build on his point. Let's read it.
"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 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. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames."
1 Corinthians 3:9-15 NIV
Question 1. What analogy is Paul using in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 NIV?
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Paul is now describing the Corinthians as a "building" and reminds them that, by grace, he wisely laid the foundation upon which Apollos is building.
The foundation Paul is referring to is Jesus Christ and His gospel. He reminds the Corinthians and us that the death of Jesus for our sins and His resurrection from the dead is the only foundation for the church; on it alone should we take our stand.
About this same foundation, David said, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40:2).
We see the gospel here in that Jesus died on the cross, was buried in the "slimy pit" of sin, and then was lifted out on the third day, and this same gospel is a rescue and a rock for us. When Jesus died on the cross, He lifted you out of the slimy pit of sin, out of guilt and shame, out of curse and condemnation, and this gospel is a rock, a firm place to stand, a solid foundation for your soul.
Next, we see the need to build on this foundation "with care" by not moving away from the foundation but building on it. Lay the framework of your house, life, and ministry on the message of the cross; build up the walls and roof using, as a friend of mine once said, "the gold of the cross, the silver of the nails and spear, and precious stones like the one rolled away from the tomb." Any other message is nothing but wood, hay, and straw which are worthless materials for building a life or ministry.
Finally, verses 14 and 15 offer a promise and a warning:
The promise is that if we build our lives on the gospel foundation, we will last to the end; there is keeping and staying power in the message of the cross and a final reward for those who build with this material.
The warning is that your work will perish if built on worldly wisdom, culturally appropriate messages, or religious activities without the gospel. You, as a believer, will be saved, but because you did not build carefully on the cross, you will suffer loss and barely escape with your life.
Question 2. What thoughts are you considering, having read the teaching today?
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