In what ways can we build on the foundation as "God's building"?

◄ How can we enhance God's building? ►

God’s Building: Our Shared Identity

• “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

• The Spirit-inspired picture is corporate: every believer a living stone, joined to others, resting on one foundation—Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5).

Christ the Unshakeable Foundation

• “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)

• All genuine building must remain anchored to His person, His finished work, and His authoritative Word (Colossians 2:6-7).

Choose Lasting Materials

Paul contrasts “gold, silver, precious stones” with “wood, hay, or straw” (1 Corinthians 3:12). Lasting materials = works done in obedience, love, and truth; perishable materials = self-centered, worldly efforts.

Lasting building blocks include:

• Truth-filled teaching that aligns with Scripture (Acts 20:27, 32).

• Christlike character produced by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

• Sacrificial love that seeks others’ good (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

• Faith-driven obedience, even in hidden places (Matthew 6:4).

Build through Devotion to God’s Word

• “Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up.” (Acts 20:32)

Practical steps:

– Read and meditate daily, letting Scripture renew the mind (Romans 12:2).

– Memorize key passages for ready counsel and encouragement (Psalm 119:11).

– Teach the Word faithfully in homes, classes, and conversations (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Build through Holy Living

• “Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

Ways holiness strengthens the structure:

– Personal repentance keeps sin from rotting the beams (James 5:16).

– Pursuing purity in speech, media, and relationships models the standard (Ephesians 5:3-4).

– Setting apart time for worship and rest shows the building belongs to God.

Build through Love and Service

• “Serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)

• Love supplies the mortar that binds living stones together (Colossians 3:14).

Concrete expressions:

– Meeting practical needs (Acts 4:34-35).

– Encouraging the discouraged (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

– Hospitality that opens doors for fellowship (1 Peter 4:9).

Build through Spiritual Gifts

• “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Application: identify, develop, and deploy your gift—teaching, mercy, leadership, helps, giving, evangelism—so the whole structure rises (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Build through Gospel Witness

• “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

• Every new believer is an added stone (Acts 2:47). Share faithfully through:

– Personal testimony (Mark 5:19).

– Acts of kindness that adorn the message (Titus 2:10).

– Supporting missions with prayer and resources (Philippians 4:15-17).

Build through Enduring Relationships

• “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself.” (Ephesians 4:15)

Strengthen relational beams by:

– Practicing forgiveness (Colossians 3:13).

– Bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

– Meeting consistently for worship and mutual exhortation (Hebrews 10:24-25).