First Corinthians chapter 3

1 Corinthians 3 - A summary illustration.

Picture a building (the “growth” in v7); also referred to as the “field” in v9; the “temple” in v16).

The foundation of the building is Christ (v11). See also Eph.2:20-22.

There is servant workers (vss 6-9; i.e., the teachers; those who are doing the “building”).

Apostle Paul is the appointed foreman (v10 – “wise master builder”). He has the blueprint given to him from the Master Architect.

Different materials are available to build (or hold) the building together (v12 – “gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, straw”; i.e., figurative for doctrines (teachings); some good, some not so good, some worthless).

THE CAREFUL BUILDER - Some workers are more careful than others in the building materials they use (v10 – “be careful” i.e., in what they teach. cp. James 3:1, “Be not many teachers…”)

Fire will test the “work” (the material; the teaching; and the motivations behind their labor) used to build (v13). The “fire” of God’s judgment at the last Day, when all men will give an account of
their “works” to God (Romans 2:2-11; 2 Cor.5:10). Not something to be feared by the worker who
is following the foreman’s instructions (1 Thess.2:13 “…that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but as it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”

A careful worker will carefully teach the doctrine delivered to us. “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the
Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”
(1 Cor.14:37-38)

Quality material (sound teaching) will withstand the test and prove worthy (v14). cp 1Peter1:7, “that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ.”

Those workers (“if any man’s work…remains…”) who have used quality material (sound teaching) “he will receive a reward” i.e., the joy of seeing the fruit of their labors; cp.1Cor. 9:1, “are
you not (the result of) my work in the Lord?” also 1Thess.2:19-20, “For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation, is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?” The quality of the work is dependent upon how it relates to the foundation – Christ. (v14).

THE CARELESS BUILDER - Those workers (“if any man’s work is burned up…”) who, through ignorance or negligence, are careless in “how he builds”, will see their material (careless teaching) burned up (v15) but they themselves, by grace, “shall be saved”. The Day of Christ’s return will reveal the true interpretation of all biblical controversies. Careless teaching will be burned up, thereby showing its lack of quality – even uselessness (v15) cp. Phil.3:8, “…I have suffered the loss (same usage as in v15) of all things and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ”).

THE ONE WHO IS OUT TO DESTROY - In contrast to the careful and careless teacher, there are those workers (“if any man destroys…”) whose intent is to destroy the building (the “temple of God” in v17). Yet they will be destroyed.

These are false teachers. cp. 2Cor.11:13, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers…” also Phil.3:2,“…Beware of the evil workers…”

Summary - “Let no man deceive himself” (v18) i.e., to the false teachers, who believe the wisdom of the world will protect them from the judgment of God. “So then let no one boast in men.”(v21) i.e., boasting in the teaching of mere men without the authority of God’s Word.
Cp. 1Tim.4:16, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”