TAKE HEED HOW YOU BUILD

I Corinthians 1:22-24

Our thoughts will be drawn from Paul's first epistle to the Corinthian Church, about 59 A.D. This would be about a quarter of a century after the cross. The Gospel had spread across to Europe, and beyond. Corinth was in what is now known as Greece: the land of the Greeks. By nature, they were Gentiles, but in Christ the distinction is erased, I Corinthians 1:22-24.

I would, in an abreviated way, outline these verses: I Corinthians 3:9-15.

(a) "...ye are God's building." We do not build ourselves, but are built of God, vs. 9, and then we are to build upon this "foundation".

(b) "Let everyone take heed how he buildeth thereupon." vs. 10. We build, but HOW we build is important, vs. 10.

(c) The only acceptable foundation "...is Jesus Christ."

(d)This building on the only foundation is tested by an illustration using 6 materials, vs.12. In the test by fire, 13, we see some are good,and some perish when tested, vs.13. We surely see the difference; yet they represent how men build, 10.

The words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 7:24-29 are practical and purposeful. We can see the practicality of starting with a good foundation. I believe Paul uses the title "rock" as a reference to Jesus Himself:

(1) A living stone - - - rejected by some men, but chosen as the chosen One of God, I Peter 2:4.

(2) He is called the chief corner stone, and precious or dear in the sight of the One who chose Him. (3) He is the mediator of both our prayers, John 16:23; and "spiritual sacrifices", I Peter 2:5. (4) He is a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense to the ones disobedient to the Word, I Peter 2:8.

He is the only foundation, I Corinthians 3:11. If you, or I are to build, remember that as a child of God we are "God's building", I Corinthians 3:9; Take heed how you build upon the Lord Jesus, I Corinthians 3:10.

(e). Do it right - - - and, 'Happy building' in the days ahead. DDH