1 Corinthians 3:10-23 - Build On The Sure Foundation
We are called upon to contribute our share to the building of saved souls which is rising through the ages, to be an habitation of God through the Spirit, Ephesians 2:21-22. But in addition, we must not neglect the building of our own character on the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ. God has placed Him to be the foundation of every structure which shall stand firm in all the tests of fire through which we are destined to pass. We must needs go on building day by day. Whatever we do or say is another stone or brick. It is for us to choose which heap of material we take it from; whether from that of the wood, hay, or stubble, or from that of the gold, silver, or precious stones.
All things serve the man or woman who serves Christ. The lowliest life may be a link in a chain of golden ministry which binds earth and heaven. Our Lord was constantly described in the Old Testament as the Servant of God. He said that He had come down to earth to do His Father's will. "I am among you as he that serveth." When we serve Him as He serves the great purposes of God, then everything begins to minister to us. The extremes of existence, of creation, and of duration, all serve us. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 3
1Milk is fit for children 3Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind 7He who plants and He who waters are nothing 9The ministers are God's fellow workmen 11Christ the only foundation 16You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy 19The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 3:14
If any man‘s work shall abide [ει τινος το εργον μενει] Condition of the first class with future indicative, determined as fulfilled, assumed as true. When the fire has done its work, what is left? That is the fiery test that the work of each of us must meet. Suitable reward (Matthew 20:8) will come for the work that stands this test (gold, silver, precious stones) [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 3:14
1 Corinthians 3:10Another buildeth thereon [αλλος εποικοδομει] Note the preposition επι epi with the verb each time (1 Corinthians 3:10,1 Corinthians 3:11,1 Corinthians 3:12,1 Corinthians 3:14). The successor to Paul did not have to lay a new foundation, but only to go on building on that already laid. It is a pity when the new pastor has to dig up the foundation and start all over again as if an earthquake had come. Take heed how he buildeth thereon (βλεπετω πως εποικοδομει blepetō pōs epoikodomei). The carpenters have need of caution how they carry out the plans of the original architect. Successive architects of great cathedrals carry on through centuries the original design. The result becomes the wonder of succeeding generations. There is no room for individual caprice in the superstructure. [source]
What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 3:14 mean?
Ifof anyonetheworkwill remainwhichhe built upa rewardhe will receive
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 3:14
Condition of the first class with future indicative, determined as fulfilled, assumed as true. When the fire has done its work, what is left? That is the fiery test that the work of each of us must meet. Suitable reward (Matthew 20:8) will come for the work that stands this test (gold, silver, precious stones) [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 3:14
Note the preposition επι epi with the verb each time (1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Corinthians 3:12, 1 Corinthians 3:14). The successor to Paul did not have to lay a new foundation, but only to go on building on that already laid. It is a pity when the new pastor has to dig up the foundation and start all over again as if an earthquake had come. Take heed how he buildeth thereon (βλεπετω πως εποικοδομει blepetō pōs epoikodomei). The carpenters have need of caution how they carry out the plans of the original architect. Successive architects of great cathedrals carry on through centuries the original design. The result becomes the wonder of succeeding generations. There is no room for individual caprice in the superstructure. [source]