The One Foundation: 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
May 22, 2022 Preacher: Bob DeWaay Series: 1 Corinthians
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
This sermon examines the reality of Jesus Christ as the one foundation of the church. In the previous section, Paul used the analogy of the church as God’s field. Here he uses the analogy as God’s building with Jesus Christ as the one foundation. Paul describes himself as a “wise master builder” in his previous ministry in Corinth who had laid this foundation through the gospel. This harkens back to the divisions and schisms in Corinth which made no sense if indeed Christ was the only foundation. Since the existence of the church was a gift of God’s grace, then identifying with a favorite preacher made no sense. Paul had been given grace and it is only by grace that anyone is in Christ. We make the claim that church history is filled with divisions and schisms due to lack of concern for the forthright proclamation of the truth of the gospel. A false Christ cannot be a valid foundation. Paul uses an imperative which is translated “take care” which is applied to ministers who would build on the foundation. We point out that adding human wisdom, mixture, and worldly ideas show either a false gospel, or serious lack of concern for how one builds. Salvation is only through Christ crucified. This offends the Jews and is deemed foolish by gentiles, but is the only means of salvation.
More in 1 Corinthians
June 30, 2022
The Danger of Self Delusion: 1 Corinthians 3:18-20June 26, 2022
The Church Is God’s Temple: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17May 29, 2022
Build in Light of the Day of the Lord: 1 Corinthians 3:12-15