Building the Lord’s Church – 1 Corinthians 3:5-23
Have you ever been part of a project where someone else took credit for your hard work? Frustrating, isn’t it? Now, imagine taking credit for the work of God. That’s exactly what was happening in the Corinthian church—people were boasting about their leaders instead of giving glory to God.
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul paints three pictures of the church: a family, a field, and a building. He challenges the Corinthians to rethink their priorities. Their focus was on human wisdom and leadership rather than on Christ. But Paul reminds them—he and Apollos were just servants, mere tools in God’s hands. It is God who gives the increase.
Paul uses the analogy of a building to emphasise a crucial truth: Jesus Christ is the only foundation. Churches can be built on many things—charismatic leaders, clever programs, emotional experiences—but if Christ is not at the centre, the structure will not last. Only what is built with eternal materials—God’s Word, the Holy Spirit’s power, and prayer—will withstand the test of time.
Paul warns that each builder’s work will be tested by fire. Ministries built on human wisdom will not endure. Those who build faithfully will be rewarded, while others may suffer loss. Even more sobering, Paul declares that those who destroy God’s church will face judgment.
So, how are we building? Are we focusing on Christ or human personalities? Are we using materials that will last? Unity in the church comes when we recognise that we belong to Christ alone. Our wisdom must come from Him, and our efforts must be for His glory. Let’s build wisely, with eternity in mind.