SUBJ: Our only Rock and our Foundation which is
Christ our Lord and the manner in which we labor upon that foundation.
AIM: That we might both rejoice in what we see in Him and that we be
mindful that we are as individuals and a church of the indwelling Spirit
as the Temple of God.
INTR: Having pointed out the causes and effects
of the divisions that were hindering their worship, Paul proceeds to set
before them the necessity that Christ alone was to be their anchor and
their foundation.
1. We would be reminded here of what is intended in
the message here for them that we might both be instructed and encourage
to continue on a proper way.
2. It is easy to get caught up in the
functions that are laid before us and lose sight of Him whom we serve.
3. We will endeavor here to consider Christ our Foundation, the matter
of building on that foundation, and the spiritual nature of that which
we are about.
THESIS: We are reminded of the words of the
Psalmist: Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that
build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in
vain.
I. The Only Foundation (vv. 10-11)
1. Paul continues the
metaphor of a building of God's doing, seeing himself as the builder
under the master architect: See chapter 2:2 and 5
2. How do we see
Christ as the foundation?
1) As to His person - the God-man, the
Mediator, As full of grace and Truth, and The Word made flesh.
2) As
the basis of the covenant of grace and the author of eternal salvation.
3) As giver and sustainer of faith, hope, peace, joy, consolation, and
comfort.
3. Thus, the essential to the divine purpose in grace: In
whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple
in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of
God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:21-22).
4. And we remember:
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a
foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16).
II. Building on that foundation (vv. 12-15)
1. The builders on
that foundation. Who are they? With what are they building? To what end
are they building?
1) The thought of many is that the reference here
is to the ministers at Corinth
2) Yet, all are concerned with the
issues at hand and should, as believers be also concerned with the
building.
3) The thoughts are that these are the good works of men,
some think the reference is to those people being added to the church,
others see this as the teachings that are built around all that is true
of Christ.
4) The aims are again varied - some focus on numbers,
others on worldly ends, still others make it a matter of pride, whereas
the aim should be the glory of God.
2. The context of teaching and
pointing them to Christ does not support well the idea of outward
appearances and such things as are dealt with in different ways.
3.
The metaphors employed are clearly understood; it is the application
that challenges our thought.
1) The Gold, silver, and precious stones
(building stones) speak of purity and durability.
2) The wood, hay,
and stubble speak to us of earthly things used of the more common sort.
4. Thus, we would endeavor to built thereon such things as are derived
from scripture, build up in the most holy faith, and redound in every
way to the glory of God.
5. A day of manifestation and the trial by
fire (a metaphor for proving) and the genuine properly rewarded.
6.
The building with false doctrine and those things promoting the works
and ideas of men suffer loss.
III. The building indwelt (vv.
16-17)
1. A matter of most serious consideration - Know Ye Not!
1)
Considered both individually and in the church collectively.
2)
Compare the Old Testament Temple with all the rules and prohibition -
The Lord manifested His presence there.
3) How shall we reckon this?
2. Consider what it means to be indwelt
1) The Lord promised that
both He and the Father would dwell in us.
2) Here the Spirit dwells
in us.
3. It is He who functions in us to bring about the operations
of God in us - building on that foundation which is Christ.
4. Verse
17 tells us just how serious a matter to defile the Temple of God;
Holiness is ever in view and such we are in Christ and with Christ in us
- "which temple ye are."
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