Monday
Read: 1 Corinthians 3
“Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” vs 10-11
Paul continues his discussion about the division that is developing within the Corinthian church. The problem these young Christians are experiencing, is a lack of understanding the different roles of pastors or ministers. God’s servants are given different gifts, there are some things in common yes, but pastors are diverse. These “servants” that are mentioned; Paul, Apollos, Peter (some translations call him Cephas) were appointed different tasks. Paul says he planted, and Apollos watered, but the credit goes only to God, who makes it grow.
The credit for everything needs to be given to God. Peter was given a task by Jesus to be the “rock” and to “feed God’s sheep” (John 21) but none of them are in competition and all of them are only about doing what Jesus has commanded all of us to do…make disciples. Paul also uses the illustration of building. Paul laid the foundation of the church there by preaching Jesus Christ. Then Apollos, peter and others added to the church by building on this foundation through their preaching and teaching. They used different materials for this building. The value of each builder’s work will be tested by Christ as the Dad of Judgment but we don’t need to be comparing them.
That is God’s business. Paul tells us that our work will be tested. Some will stand the fire test and some may not. But note that all the workers will be saved, even though some may barely escape. We just need to work to the best of our knowledge and ability. The key is doing the best you can, give it your all. My all may be way less than someone else who barely even tries but what God sees is our heart. How hard did we try? Could we do better?
Paul ends this chapter with acknowledging that Apollos and Peter are a part of God’s magnificent plan for His church in Corinth. We should not be in competition with other Christians, we should be building on what those who have gone before us have done or work together with those who have different gifts and talents.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Kathy