each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. Truth to Learn We need to be working in the church for God’s glory. Behind the Words “Each...
1 Corinthians 3:12 – Church Building Materials
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, Truth to Learn We all need to be mindful of how we build the church. Behind the Words “Builds” is from apoikomeō, which we saw back in verse ten, meaning “to build a structure.” The...
1 Corinthians 3:11 – A Sure Foundation
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn The church can only be as strong as its foundation. Behind the Words The word translated “other” is allos, meaning “another of the same kind.” A similar Greek word, heteros, means...
1 Corinthians 3:10 – Construction Gifts
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. Truth to Learn Christians are to use their gifts to build up the...
1 Corinthians 3:9 – Builder or Spectator?
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. Truth to Learn Every Christian is assigned a task in building God’s church and we all need to be hard at work, not just watching. Behind the Words In this verse, each time the word “God’s”...
1 Corinthians 3:8 – Unity and Individuality
Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. Truth to Learn The work of ministry is a team effort, but the rewards given will be based on individual effort. Behind the Words “One” is translated...
1 Corinthians 3:7 – Faithfully Serve and Trust
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Truth to Learn Every Christian needs to serve, trusting God for the result. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “so then” is hōste. It is made up of hōs, meaning “in...
1 Corinthians 3:6 – Farmers and Gardeners
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. Truth to Learn We are called to be servants, planting seeds and nourishing the church. God will do the rest. Behind the Words Phuteuō is the Greek verb translated “planted.” It is derived from phuton (a plant), which is itself derived...
1 Corinthians 3:5 – Leader or Servant?
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? Truth to Learn A pastor leads by being an example of a humble servant. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “who” is tis, an interrogative pronoun meaning “who?”...
1 Corinthians 3:4 – Only One Master
For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? Truth to Learn When preference leads to arguments, we leave the realm of the Spirit and enter the realm of the flesh. Behind the Words “Says” is translated from the Greek verb...