In what ways can we "build" for God in our daily lives? Key Passage—1 Corinthians 3:10-15 “According to the grace God has given me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.” Why the Image of Building Matters • Scripture describes believers as “God’s fellow workers…God’s building” (1 Colossians 3:9). • Construction language reminds us that daily choices leave permanent spiritual structures—either enduring or combustible. • The foundation is fixed: Christ alone (v. 11). Our part is to select the right “materials” in everyday life. Daily Materials—Choosing What Lasts • Gold, silver, precious stones = obedience, love, truth, sacrificial service (John 14:21; 1 John 3:18). • Wood, hay, straw = self-promotion, empty talk, compromise, hidden sin (Matthew 6:1-2; James 1:22). • Fire at Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10) tests motives as well as actions. Practical Ways to Build for God Each Day Time • Start and end the day acknowledging Christ as Master Builder (Psalm 90:12). • Schedule blocks for Scripture reading and meditation—laying bricks of truth (Psalm 119:11). Thought Life • Take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Colossians 10:5). • Replace anxious or sinful patterns with praise and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-8). Words • Speak only what “builds up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Encourage fellow believers; share the gospel with those outside (Colossians 4:5-6). Work and Study • Labor “with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Show integrity, punctuality, excellence—craftsmanship that honors the Cornerstone. Relationships • Forgive quickly, just as God forgave us in Christ (Ephesians 4:32). • Serve family members through acts of kindness and patient listening (Galatians 5:13). Stewardship • Budget with eternity in view; give generously to kingdom causes (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). • Care for the body as God’s temple—rest, exercise, purity (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Spiritual Gifts • Discover and deploy gifts for the common good (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Join in local-church ministries; your faithful presence strengthens the whole structure (Hebrews 10:24-25). Trials • View hardships as chisels shaping stronger stones (James 1:2-4). • Respond with faith and gratitude, displaying Christ to onlookers (Philippians 1:12-14). Enduring Motivation • God remembers every unseen nail driven for His glory (Hebrews 6:10). • The reward is both present—fruitful, joyful living—and future—“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Build today with materials that will shine when the scaffolding of time comes down and the eternal structure stands revealed. |
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