Building Homes

There was a problem in the church at Corinth, and the problem was pride. Some teachers had come in after Paul had left and undermined his teaching and impugned his character. They said he wasn’t a real Apostle (for one thing). In the letter, Paul defends himself and the Evangelistic work he had done among them. In 1 Corinthians 3:10-16, he describes himself figuratively as a wise Master Carpenter who laid a perfect foundation. That foundation was Jesus Christ. He goes on to say that someone came after him and started building on that foundation with inferior materials. The inferior materials were false teachings (lies). Paul says these buildings (who are individual Christians) would be tested with fire. If the building was made with combustible materials (lies) the buildings (Christians) would be burned up. If they were built with non-combustible materials (truth) the buildings (Christians) would not be damaged. He concludes in verse 16 that Christians are a Temple of God in whom the Holy Spirit resides. Paul warns that these false teachers could destroy the Temple of God and if they did the false teachers would also be destroyed (by God).

Paul had to demolish these buildings (remove the lies they had been taught) until he reached the true foundation and begin re-building with non-combustible materials (truth). Christians must be careful to examine the scriptures to see if truth is being taught. If they don’t, and build their spiritual house with lies… God won’t live with them and they will be destroyed.

Let’s build a nice house together so God can live with us.