Use the best to stand the test

by Jonathan Spurlock
(Holts Summit, MO)

Text: I Corinthians 3:1-15

Background: Paul had left Athens and came to Corinth. He preached, God worked, and many people believed. He had been away from them for some time and wrote to them about many things. The idea of rewards for service and loss of these rewards was one of these topics.

Introduction: Paul gives information from the Holy Spirit in regards to two problems, in this chapter, and a great promise for believers.

I. They hadn’t grown as much as they could have.

A. Paul couldn’t speak to them as adults, but babies
B. Paul had to feed them with milk, not meat
Would anyone force a baby or infant to chew through a steak? Yet an adult or at least a school-age child should be able to do so easily.

These Corinthians had been believers for several years!

II. They were still holding on to human leaders, not being known as believers in Jesus Christ alone (see 1 Cor. 1).

They knew both Paul and Apollos—and neither was in competition with the other!

Paul and Apollos had different gifts, but the same Lord.

III. They needed to know about the responsibility and the promise of rewards for serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul compared himself to a wise master builder or a general contractor, one who actually builds things.
They could use gold, silver, precious stones or wood, hay, or stubble as building materials
If the work passed the test (tried by fire), each would receive a reward, but if the work didn’t, he/she would suffer loss.

We are building our future, a little more every day. Use the best!