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1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The Apostle Paul mentions building on “this” foundation. “This foundation” is Christ Jesus, and as Paul is speaking to the church at Corinth, he is referring to the message of the gospel in an ever-changing secular community. Paul does not desire that anyone should teach a different message (1 Corinthians 1:10), and the foundation that this message should be built upon is Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Paul mentions building on the foundation that he has laid in Christ Jesus with “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw” (1 Corinthians 3:12, NKJV) and references them to enduring the fire that will test each one’s work (1 Corinthians 3:13). Paul is not referring to the physical building of the church at Corinth but to the quality of one’s intentions – the quality of one’s heart in Christ Jesus and the work that they do for Him as Christians.
Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, “14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”
This is an example of the sincerity of one’s heart in relation to the works we do for Jesus.
This is a promise of our salvation in Christ Jesus regardless of the works we do.
This is a promise of a reward for the works we do in Christ Jesus; not as to earn a reward but for being a reflection of Jesus through our faith, obedience, and sincerity of heart to Him.
James 2:18 states, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” The works that we do as Christians should be a reflection of our faith, salvation, and obedience in and to Jesus Christ. That is what James is saying; that our works are reflective of our faith – our sincere faith in Christ Jesus that should overflow our cup and reach out to others in whatever way God has called us to serve Him. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:16 (NIV), “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The believers in Corinth were having trouble realizing that their deeds/works were not to bring glory to themselves but to God. Let us not make the same mistake but glorify God through our lives – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see today that we are saved through our faith in Christ Jesus, but through our salvation we are also called not only to be saved but to allow others to see what You have done and are doing in our lives so that they too may see Your power working in our lives and be drawn to You and the gift You offer us in Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul says that You will give us rewards reflective of our works done in our sincerity, faith, and obedience to You. Please help us to see that we are not earning our salvation through our works but that You will reward us for letting others see You in our lives – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.