1 Corinthians 3:10-17 – “We are God’s Temple”

Introduction: Because we are God’s temple founded on Christ, we resist all attempts to destroy it.

1) Building Properly

 Paul changes metaphors in verse 9, calling the church in Corinth “God’s building.” Paul is a
master builder, but he recognizes that this is not his own doing. This is a task given to him by
God’s grace.

 As a master builder, Paul knows that a building needs a secure foundation, and this foundation
can only be Christ. He is the basis, the cornerstone, on which a church must be built if it is to
truly be God’s building. (see Hebrews 3)

 On top of this foundation, a builder must choose the materials he will use. The building Paul
has in mind is not a common building, but a temple. In building a temple, one must choose only
the most precious materials. (see 1 Kings 6)

2) Rewarding the Builders

 Paul is interested in the materials used, because this will determine the reward they receive.
There is a Day coming when God will judge all things with fire. (see 1 Cor. 1:8; 2 Thess. 1:7-
10) The precious metals will not be consumed by the fire. Whatever remains will be to the
credit of the builder, not because he has earned it, but because of God’s grace.

 The shoddy builder uses cheap materials to build this temple. This is inappropriate for a divine
building, but it is also flammable. He will find his building burning down around him, and he
will escape the flames by the skin of his teeth. This is certainly a warning both for the ‘builders’
and the ‘building’ in Corinth.

3) Punishing the Destroyers

 Paul and Apollos had already made progress building the church in Corinth, but now what was
built is being torn down! This is a serious matter, because this is God’s temple. In 1 Kings 8
God declares his favour on Solomon’s temple by filling it with the glory of his Spirit.

 God does the same with his church. This is the amazing thing about Pentecost, that the Holy
Spirit has come to dwell in (see 1 Cor. 6:19) and among his people. Who would dare to take a
sledgehammer to the Old Testament temple? Likewise one would expect that someone who
destroys God’s New Testament temple to be in serious trouble!

 With this warning in place, Paul concludes with a positive message. With all their flaws, the
Corinthian church remains God’s holy temple. They have been sanctified in the blood of Christ.
More than fear, it should be love of God’s holy place that should drive them to defend it from
attackers.