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Building on the Foundation

1 Corinthians 3:10–23

Building on the Foundation

Bill White Updated Staff Photo

Bill White

Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director

Paul calls the Corinthians to live a cruciform life—a life shaped by the work of their crucified Lord. For church leaders, this means rejecting self-promotion and shepherding God’s people as Jesus did: through sacrifice and self-denial. For the church, it means taking up our cross daily, remembering our identity in Christ, and letting that inform every part of our lives.

Application

  1. Jesus commanded his followers, “Take up your cross and follow me.” What unique cross has God given you to carry? Is it one of suffering (an illness, a broken relationship, an ongoing sin struggle) or self-denial (giving up wealth or talent for the benefit of others)? How are you following Christ with your cross?

  2. Paul reminds us that the quality of our shepherding work will be tested. If you are leading others (e.g., in a small group, as a parent or mentor), take some time to consider how much intentionality you are putting into those relationships and if there is room for growth.

Key Points

  • The most important thing about us is not our individuality but our identity as God’s people. We belong to him and he is working in us.

  • We can have confidence that the work we do pleases God by measuring it against the foundation: Jesus, who sacrificed himself for others.

  • The purpose of the cross of Christ was not merely to give us life after death. It was to transform our lives now, through suffering, to prepare us for eternal life in glory.

  • The Church is God’s temple, and he will judge anyone who acts to destroy that temple.

Other Scripture References

2 Peter 1:3

1 Corinthians 2:2

Acts 20:26–27

Matthew 16:24

Galatians 4:19