As Paul is bringing correction to the Corinthians about their divisions over people (Paul vs Apollos vs Peter), he makes some important statements about living and working in Christ. He says that when Christ returns, each of us who have given our lives to Christ will have his/her work in Christ judged by God and we'll be given our wages/rewards. He compares our work in Christ to building a house with different materials and if our work in Christ is good, like gold, we will receive a reward. If not, we will still be saved, but only "as through fire." All of our effort and work will be burned up.
In the context, Paul has described several things that constitute "bad" work: First off jealousy, strife (v 3) selfishness, pride (v 18) and building our own "kingdom" versus God's produce divisions and detract from the solid foundation of Christ. He is contrasting spiritual versus fleshly/sinful works which in Gal 5:16-25 he provides a list of behaviors and characteristics that are examples of both fleshly/sinful versus spiritual. In his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 13:5) Paul says that we should examine and test ourselves to ensure that we are in Christ, and in this context, to ensure we are building our lives and working in the Kingdom of God according to his righteous, excellent standard.
Lord Jesus, help me to work unto you in such a way as to bring honor to you, not me. Purify me, mold me, use me. Shape us so that our lives will be a humble offering to you as we serve one another in your love.
Spiritual Immaturity
Paul's states that the Corinthians are infants in Christ, not spiritual, still taking milk and not solid food. This reminds me of Hebrews 5:12. This problem of spiritual immaturity cropped up in both these places and I think that it is a problem that still is common in the church today. Unfortunately many know many things about God, but maturity comes from righteous living, choosing holiness - with doing, not just knowing. Heb 5 describes maturity resulting from the constant use of discerning good from evil.
Father God, I pray that you will work in us so that your words go beyond our head and into our hearts so that they change the way that we live. Let our actions and our lives reflect your goodness, holiness and love.
In the context, Paul has described several things that constitute "bad" work: First off jealousy, strife (v 3) selfishness, pride (v 18) and building our own "kingdom" versus God's produce divisions and detract from the solid foundation of Christ. He is contrasting spiritual versus fleshly/sinful works which in Gal 5:16-25 he provides a list of behaviors and characteristics that are examples of both fleshly/sinful versus spiritual. In his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 13:5) Paul says that we should examine and test ourselves to ensure that we are in Christ, and in this context, to ensure we are building our lives and working in the Kingdom of God according to his righteous, excellent standard.
Lord Jesus, help me to work unto you in such a way as to bring honor to you, not me. Purify me, mold me, use me. Shape us so that our lives will be a humble offering to you as we serve one another in your love.
Spiritual Immaturity
Paul's states that the Corinthians are infants in Christ, not spiritual, still taking milk and not solid food. This reminds me of Hebrews 5:12. This problem of spiritual immaturity cropped up in both these places and I think that it is a problem that still is common in the church today. Unfortunately many know many things about God, but maturity comes from righteous living, choosing holiness - with doing, not just knowing. Heb 5 describes maturity resulting from the constant use of discerning good from evil.
Father God, I pray that you will work in us so that your words go beyond our head and into our hearts so that they change the way that we live. Let our actions and our lives reflect your goodness, holiness and love.
I am thinking about the "reward" mentioned by Paul in verses 8 and 14. I don't exactly know what kind of rewards God will give to His fellow workers, who build well on the Lord's foundation, but I think they are great beyond our expectation. Lord Jesus, I want to work for your Kingdom not only because of the reward but also the thanksgiving for the salvation from you and your daily love and mercy on me.
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