what are you building with?

1 Corinthians 3:10–15 (NIV) — 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.

By the grace God has given me. We normally think of “grace” as what God gives when he forgives sin. Paul is talking about “grace” in the context of his assigned task (v. 5) – to plant a seed (v. 6) or to lay a foundation (v. 10).

How is being given a task the same as being given grace? Do you see your tasks as gifts of grace?

Paul laid a foundation for God’s building. Who or what is God’s building (see verse 9)? What was the foundation that was laid (see verse 11)? Has this foundation be laid in your life or in our church? Have you laid this foundation in others, perhaps your children or grandchildren?

He says someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. He then goes on to compare the building to various materials ranging from gold to straw (v. 12). What does it mean to build with those materials (consider the general categories rather than specific items)?

What materials are you building with? When was a time you built with gold, silver or costly stones? When was a time you built with wood, hay or straw? What should you and I do to make sure we are building with the good stuff?

Paul talks about our building material being tested by fire (v. 13-15). When will this occur? What happens to the material we build with? What happens to us?

If God were to test your building right now, what do you think would happen? Perhaps you would like to talk with Jesus about your building on his temple.