Notes of Faith April 1, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
February 24, 2002
“BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION”
I Corinthians 3:11-15
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 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. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
In I Corinthians 3:9 Paul tells us we Christians are God’s building. In verse 11 we are told that the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of that building and no man can lay any other foundation. Verse 12 states that we can build upon that existing foundation with one of two types of material (1) gold, silver, precious stones or (2) wood, hay, straw.
These works will undergo a test of fire. The purpose of that test is to reveal the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work remains after the fire he will receive a reward (verse 14). On the other hand if any man’s work is burned up he will suffer loss of reward, yet he himself will be saved. How do we interpret all of this?
It seems to me that the gold, silver and precious stones are works in our lives that bring glory to God. On the other hand wood, hay and straw are works that we do that tend to bring glory and recognition to ourselves. This is talking about Christian men and women.
The question is - is it possible for any one person to show only gold, silver, and precious stones at the judgment seat? Is it possible for any one person to have only wood, hay and straw? Frankly, I don’t believe so. I believe, in light of the believer’s makeup, each person will have some of both. The New Testament makes it very clear that all Christians will be rewarded to some extent.
The question is – what are we working on in our lives? Are we working on making God look good or are we seeking to bring ourselves into the spotlight? This is something we have to evaluate and deal with.
You will note in verse 15 that although a man may have some works burned up, yet the man himself will be saved. Every Christian is a work of God, though some of his works may not be! Every believer will pass through God’s fire. What an incentive to keep going for the gold.
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last!
Let’s work on our rewards. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
There are way too many people that call themselves Christians that do not “repent” of their sin, and do not truly follow Jesus! Much of this life is a life of sacrifice, a sacrifice of self and the wicked sinful desires must be rejected to pursue the holy life to which we have been called. If there is no remorse, regret, no hate for the sin that rages within us, then we need to consider whether we really belong to God or are still separated from Him. We will continue to sin in some fashion until we are taken to be with God forever, but our striving must be toward righteousness and holiness. Consider the reward you are forfeiting when you sin and could be doing work for God that brings eternal reward… Because of what Jesus has done, providing forgiveness of sin, eternal salvation, and a relationship renewed with God, let us fervently seek Him, to know Him, love Him, worship Him, serve Him, until we are with Him, face to face!
Pastor Dale