Instructions For God's Building Committee

March 20, 2005 Preacher: Randy Smith Series: 1 Corinthians

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10–15

Transcript

Instructions For God's Building Committee

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Pastor Randy Smith



During the early years of my faith, I approached the Bible much differently than I do today. I viewed each verse as an isolated diamond, pulled from the pages of Scripture, to be admired, analysed and appreciated, and then placed back in its original location.

Yet later I came to realize that the best way to study the Bible was not to see each verse as a diamond, but rather as a pearl, joined together with other pearls to form a beautiful necklace. I began to read each verse not in isolation from each other, but rather in conjunction with one other. Context and following the author's intent became the key determining factors of interpretation.

Along these lines, I enjoy reading Paul because his outline is often easy to follow. Though his concepts can at times be difficult to understand (2 Pet. 3:16), his train of thought is very didactic, very analytical, very logical.

Consider with me the third chapter of 1 Corinthians alone: In verse 1 he laments that he must address the church as "infants in Christ." Therefore in verse 2, he is required to feed them the diet appropriate for a spiritual baby: Spiritual milk. Lest they disagree with his prognosis, he backs up his claim by pointing out that they are "fleshly," manifesting two deeds of the flesh, namely jealousy and strife in verse 3. If they demand proof, he gives hard evidence in verse 4. "For when one says, 'I am of Paul,' and another, 'I am of Apollos,' are you not mere men? (Are you not babies in Christ?)"

Paul takes a break. He thinks for a moment. He comes quickly to the conclusion that they thought much too highly of people and much too little of God. His logic is easy to follow: Verse 5, "What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one."

So Paul will spend the next five verses contrasting the role of a servant with the role of God. The former is humbled and the latter is exalted. Why? 1:29, "So that no man may boast before God." 1:31, "(So) let Him who boasts, boast(s) (only) in the Lord." "Corinthians," he says, "It's not about you, it's all about God!" The Corinthian church was a divisive church. And a divisive church is always a church that thinks too little of God and too highly of themselves.

Verse 9 ends with a fitting conclusion. "For…you are God's field." Do you remember the imagery Paul used to establish this dichotomy between God and human servants? Remember, it was one of agriculture.

Verse 6, Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God causes the growth. Verse 7, the planter and the waterer are nothing. Verse 8, the planter and the waterer are one and each will receive a reward. Verse 9, "We are God's fellow workers; you are God's field." People are only servants, farmhands, waterboys who labor in a vineyard owned by God and fully dependent on God if they wish to see any growth.

But at the end of verse 9 Paul provides another image. He switches his metaphors from agriculture to architecture, from a field to a building. Look there with me. The Apostle says, "For you are God's…building." This thought stays in his mind and he spends the next six verses (verses 10-15) explaining the way God expects His "fellow-workers" to be used by Him in the construction of His building, which is His church. I have therefore entitled this sermon: "Instructions for God's Building Committee."

God expects all of us to be members on His building committee. Each of us has a specific responsibility in the construction process. Now, I'm not talking about a physical building. What I am speaking about is the church or in other words, the true people of God. As Peter said, "Living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house" (1 Pet. 2:5). To some degree we are all called to "(build) up of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12). God is concerned about the "growth of the body for the building up of itself in love" (Eph. 4:16).

We cooperate with God in this construction process. He works through us. Yet we must remember that the church is "(His) building" (1 Cor. 3:9). Jesus told Peter, "Upon this rock I will build My church" (Mt. 16:18). We must remember that He "causes the growth" (1 Cor. 3:6, 7). Hebrews 3:4, "For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God." And since the church is so precious to God, "Purchased with His own blood" (Ac. 20:28), we must remember that God expects workers who will employ the utmost of their efforts and talents and materials and construct with excellence.

This morning, we will stay with Paul's image and examine three individuals crucial to any building project: The general contractor, the tradesmen and the building inspector. We will see how these individuals and the materials they use are essential to the building of God's spiritual people.

1. THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Let's begin with the general contractor.

A document recovered from the time of the Bible records the responsibilities of the ancient "GC." These terms would have been familiar to both Paul and the Corinthians. "He shall work continually, hire enough skilled craftsmen, and is warned, along with any who take part in the work, against dealing fraudulently. He is also warned about damage to the existing temple or damage to materials and is required to repair anything that is destroyed. Payments and fines are clearly spelled out, and the work must be demonstrated to be worthy" (IG VII.3073).

In the beginning of verse 10, Paul compares himself with such a person. He claims to be a "wise master builder." The Greek word is architekton, where we derive our English word "architect." He was the first one to enter the pagan city of Corinth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He planted the church. He started the construction process. And in a sense was (in his presence) and still is (now in his absence), the primary overseer of the Corinthian building project. He was the general contractor. Much of this was inherent in Paul's role as an Apostle.

As a good "GC": He kept the blueprint before his very eyes (the Scriptures). He carefully employed just the right workers. He encouraged the hearts of the laborers. He removed those who were detrimental to the project (false teachers, factious men). He rolled up his sleeves when an extra hand was needed. He supervised the entire project.

From where did the general contractor or as he said, the "master builder," receive this authority? Look at the top of verse 10. He received it "according to the grace of God which was given to (him)" (cf. 1Cor 15:10; Rom. 15:15).

In addition to oversight, what did the "master builder" see as his primary responsibility? Also in verse 10 he says, "I laid a foundation."

Although Paul served as the general contractor for many churches, he saw his primary mission as one who (verse 6) planted churches or as it is said here in verse 10, laid foundations. Paul's passion was frontier missions. He thrived on going into pagan territories where Christ had yet to be named and starting churches. Sometimes he would depart immediately. Sometimes he would stay for a few months. Oftentimes, after his departure he would visit and write the churches he founded. Yet never would he permanently root himself in one location. Once the church was started, he would move on to another work. His goal was to lay foundations. He put it like this in Romans 15. "And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man's foundation" (Rom. 15:20).

But what kind of foundation did he lay for God's building? We all know that a solid foundation is primary and crucial to any building. Our question is answered in verse 11. "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Paul did not build the church on the human philosophies the Corinthians wanted. He did not build the church on tradition or moral teaching or sentimental love or good works. He did not build the church on the Apostle Peter. He did not build the church on himself. The Scriptures declare that the church of the living God must be built on the Gospel of Jesus Christ! One commentator said, "The foundation is the Gospel, and its footings are anchored firmly in the message of Christ crucified" (1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2) (Garland, 1 Corinthians, 115). Quite logically, Christ, is the only foundation of the Christian church.

Other verses support this conclusion: In speaking to the Ephesians, "Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit" (Eph. 2:20-22). When the Jews rejected Christ, our Lord said, "The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone" (Mark 12:10; cf. Isa. 28:16; 1 Pet. 2:6-8). And how can we forget Matthew 7? "(The) wise man build(s) his house on the rock (of Jesus Christ)" (Mt. 7:24; Lk. 6:48).

Simply put, the church must be built upon the rock or foundation of Jesus Christ. This means, the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be spoken in accuracy. The holy character of Jesus Christ must be emulated by its members. The words of Jesus Christ must be faithfully proclaimed. The lordship of Jesus Christ must be intently pursued. And Jesus Christ Himself must be exalted and praised, found reigning pre-eminent in our lives both individually and collectively.

2. THE TRADESMEN

Now, with this in mind, I have two questions for you. First, isn't it only logical to expect a foundation to be built upon? After all, a foundation without further construction is pointless. And second, when construction of the structure begins, isn't it only logical to expect (since the foundation is Jesus Christ) nothing but the finest tradesmen and the finest materials to be used so that the excellencies of the structure may correspond with the excellencies of the foundation?

As we transition to the second point, these two thoughts were clearly in Paul's mind. Half way through verse 10 he said, "I laid a foundation and (1) another is building upon it." And (2) "But each man must be careful how he builds on it."

Paul now makes the shift from the general contractor to the tradesmen. In building any structure, the foundation must be laid first. But after that, different specialists need to be employed to complete the building. Electricians, masons, carpenters, plumbers, and roofers each have a responsibility.

The church of Jesus Christ is no different. We are all employed to be tradesmen. Once the foundation of Jesus Christ is laid, each of us according to our giftedness must respond. And since we are building on such an excellent foundation, we must respond with quality craftsmanship and quality building materials.

So you see, whether we intend it or not, our words and our actions will have a direct effect on the building of this church. No matter what we do, we are either constructing or demolishing the work of God. Each of us is a part of the same body. By our identification with Christ and this local assembly, each of us is a member on God's building committee. The foundation has been laid and God is saying, "Get to work" and "build with excellence!"

He did not recruit us as if He needed advisors. He enlisted us as "servants" (1 Cor. 3:5) and "fellow workers" (1 Cor. 3:9) with Him. He expects us to serve according to His strength and His will. He expects us to be good stewards of our gifts and talents and time and money that He has provided. He expects us to labor for His glory. He expects our motives to be pure. In other words, He expects us to be working, and working in such a way where excellence is built upon His most excellent foundation. The foundation (which is Jesus Christ) is the standard by which God evaluates the builders and the materials they utilize.

Now, this gets interesting. In keeping with the building metaphor, Paul lists six materials commonly used for construction in verse 12. He says we can build upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw. The foundation represents Jesus Christ. And the materials represent the service, supplies and motives of the builders. God asks us this morning, are we constructing His building, and are we building with quality?

3. THE BUILDING INSPECTOR

Now, I believe the key to unlock the difference between these materials in verse 12, as we move to the third point, lies in verse 13 when it says, "the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work."

So if fire will test the quality of each man's work, which of the six materials can survive the scrutiny of fire? Answer: Gold, silver and precious stones. Therefore any of our works that are compared to wood, hay and straw will be destroyed.

The latter three are inferior and cheap products. They are perishable items. They are found in quantity on the face of the earth. They are easy to locate and are received with minimum labor. Gold, silver and precious stones on the other hand, are found under the surface. They require one to "dig deep." They require effort and sacrifice. They are rare and non-combustible. They are valuable.

Back in the ancient days, the supreme test of a building was whether or not it could withstand fire. In the same way our works will be tested by fire.

Who will do the testing and when will this time of testing take place? Our answer is found in verse 13. "Each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work."

The tradesmen may be able to fool the new homeowner by cutting a few corners or substituting inferior materials, but they can't fool a good building inspector. In the same way, Christians can fool others, they might even be able to fool themselves, but they cannot fool the divine Building Inspector.

For God has given us clear expectations and clear responsibilities. He expects us to serve and He expects us to serve with excellence. He will keep us accountable. He will, as verse 13 says, make all of our service unto him "evident." When our Lord returns on that "day," when He is "revealed with fire" (cf. 2 Thes. 1:7), He will judge our service by fire "and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work."

Will that which we have built in our own lives and the lives of others be regarded as a wooden shack, insulated with hay and covered with a straw roof? Or will it be a house of gold, lined with silver and decorated with precious stones? Are you more concerned about building an earthly dwelling or an eternal dwelling? Are you using the supplies God has given you for His glory or your glory? Are you building with excellence? Fire will test the quality of our work. Will your work survive the test? Consider these categories:

First, there is the "I have no works" category: If you watched NCAA basketball rather than distribute tracts last Thursday evening or help a family move yesterday or a myriad of other God-honoring activities… If you have neglected to minister to any needs in this church or your family… If you are too busy this Wednesday to devote 15 minutes to pray for the church…

Second, there is the "I have works that will be destroyed" category: I came to church this morning out of obligation…that's wood! I began a prominent position in the church to gain more attention for myself…that's hay! I boasted about my service in the nursery or complained about my role on a committee…that's straw!

Third, there is the "I have works that will be rewarded" category: I joyfully visited that sick brother in the hospital…that's gold! I gave my financial offering cheerfully…that's silver! I began teaching a children's class in the Spirit that needed to be staffed…that's precious stones!

It is only natural that the divine Building Inspector will expect only excellence to be placed on His foundation. It is only natural that He would see if we have complied with His building codes. It is only natural that He would hold us accountable for the promise we gave Him to love Him and obey His commandments. It is only natural that He will reward those who are faithful (1 Cor. 15:58), even to the smallest degrees of kindness. There will come a time when the Lord will test the value of our works. Will they be gold, silver and precious stones?

There is much confusion in the church regarding this time of judgment commonly called the Bema Seat judgment. Allow me first of all to say that this will not be not a time to differentiate between the saved and the lost. The lost will stand before the Great White Throne judgment, but only believers will stand before the Bema Seat judgment because Christ took our judgment at Calvary 2,000 years ago. Therefore the Bema Seat judgment is not to determine our eternal destination, but rather the rewards we will receive to be enjoyed during our eternal destination.

Also, regardless of what you might think about the Bema Seat judgement, the concept is definitely biblical. In addition to 1 Corinthians 3, we read about it elsewhere in the Bible. Please turn with me if you would to Romans 14:10. "But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God." Look at 2 Corinthians 5:10. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." These are verses spoken to Christians.

Again, only believers will attend this judgment. And the purpose of this time of judgment is not to punish, refine or determine one's eternal destiny. The Bema Seat judgment is solely designed to disclose the quality of each man's works. Will they stand our Lord's test with fire?

We should approach this day with a degree of sobriety. We should conduct ourselves today in light of this awesome future reality. The Apostle John said, "Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming" (1 Jn. 2:28)."

What if we have very little to offer our Lord? What if most of our works are destroyed? Will we be ashamed? I don't know. But I do know that we will only be evaluated according to our opportunities. The Lord will consider our gifts and wealth and knowledge and time and health. He will only hold us accountable to how we use what He has given us (Mk. 12:42; 14:8a). I do know that there will be no tears in heaven. I do know that there will be no jealousy or coveting another's reward in heaven. I do know that all in heaven will be completely satisfied. And I do know that our Judge is none other than our merciful Redeemer and He has the scars on His hands to prove it!

Also, I have had many people say to me over the years that they are not concerned about receiving rewards. They don't want their service clouded by the thought of "what's in it for me" when they desire to see God get all the glory in their service.

That's a great heart! I praise the Lord for these God-fearing selfless individuals. But consider a few points. First of all, if we are not serving whereby God's glory is our ultimate pursuit, our work will be wood, hay and straw and we will not receive any rewards! Second, Jesus Himself spoke often about us receiving rewards (Mt. 5:12, 46; 6:1, 4, 6, 18, 20; 10:41, 42; 19:21). In the final chapter of the Bible Jesus said, "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done" (Rev. 22:12). So saying we are not concerned about rewards may sound very noble, but it is not very biblical. We must not speak as if we are wiser than our Lord who spoke often of rewards. Third, if our ultimate goal is to glorify our Lord, what do you think will bring Him greater glory at the Bema Seat judgment? One who was a poor steward of all the resources He entrusted to one's care or one who used those resources for God's glory and hears those words (from the parable of the talents - which is very appropriate), "Well done, My good and faithful servant" (cf. Mt. 25:21, 23; Lk. 19:17)?

With all this as a backdrop, I believe the final two verses, when read in context and seen as two more pearls on this beautiful stringed necklace, will be clear to interpret.

Verse 14, the first condition. "If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward."

Self-explanatory. If at the Bema Seat judgment a person's work survives the Lord's test by fire and it is found to be gold, silver and precious stones, he or she will receive a reward (cf. 1 Cor. 3:8; 9:25).

Verse 15, the second condition. "If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

Self-explanatory again. A Christian's work is burned up if it is found to be wood, hay and straw. "It was shabby building on the matchless foundation of Christ" (Piper, 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, Sermon). They will suffer loss as they watch their work go up in flames. But they will be saved (because this is a time to determine eternal rewards and not eternal destinies). The text says the individual will be saved "yet so as through fire." In others words as so many have said, "They'll get to heaven, but they'll enter eternal life smelling like smoke!"

I think many of you are familiar with Joni Eareckson Tada. A diving accident as a young girl in 1967 left Joni a quadriplegic and in a wheelchair the rest of her life. Yet God has used her in awesome ways to further His kingdom.

I think she really models the tradesman we have discussed. We covered a lot this morning, but her own words provide a fitting summary and conclusion to being a faithful servant on God's building committee. To Joni, the real tragedy is not being paralyzed. The real tragedy is living a long and prosperous life and failing to use our time, talents and treasures for the glory of God.

I'm constructing with an eye toward eternity, and so can you. Every day we have the opportunity to roll up our spiritual sleeves and apply our spiritual energies toward building something that lasts, in our lives and the lives of others…We will bring to the judgment seat of Christ all that we are and all that we've done. One look from the Lord will scrutinize the quality of what we've built, and selfish service will be consumed in a fiery flash. Although it's true that no child of God will be scolded, some will walk away scalded from the heat; their only reward will be their eternal salvation.

This is sobering. I can't help but see myself coming away a little singed on the edges. Don't get me wrong, I believe I will bask in God's approval for my service on earth, but pride and impure motives have probably sullied a lot of it. Burnt away will be those times I gave the gospel out of puffed-up pride. Up in flames will go any service I performed for "performance's sake." Reduced to charcoal will be manipulative behavior and lies-dressed-up-like-truth.

But, hey, even if a lot of people survive the judgment seat by the skin of their teeth, keeping only their crown of salvation, that's plenty of cause for rejoicing. Look at all the people who trusted Christ on their deathbed with barely time to say yes to Jesus, let alone build anything for eternity. Think of being snatched from the jaws of hell seconds before one dies. Such joy would be hard to beat.

One look from the Lord will consume worthless service. But it will illuminate God-honoring service. Like gold and silver and precious stones, pure service will easily survive the test. It is this for which we shall be commended…I want to put to death every selfish motive and prideful pretense so that when the Lord's eyes scan my service, what I have built will stand the test. I want to be careful how I build, and realize that every smile, prayer, or ounce of muscle or money sacrificed is a golden girder, brick, or two-by-four. I want everything I do here to be an eternal investment, a way of building something bright and beautiful there. That's how much things down here count. And no one will be left out. Each will receive his reward (Tada, Heaven…Your Real Home, 59-60.).


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