The Reformed Life

Do you remember the story of the Three Little Pigs? Each pig built a house—one with straw, another with sticks, and the last with bricks. When the wolf came, huffing and puffing, only the brick house stood firm. This childhood tale illustrates a profound truth: what you build with matters. The Apostle Paul uses a similar metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 to warn about how we build the church. If we build on anything other than the foundation of the gospel, our work won’t stand the test of time.

This post explores Paul’s instructions about building the church, the importance of gospel-centered work, and the dangers of relying on other methods. Whether you’re a pastor or a church member, these truths challenge us to evaluate the work being done and ensure we’re building for eternity.

1. The Gospel: The Only Sure Foundation (v. 10-11)

Paul makes it clear: the foundation for the church has already been laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ. No other starting point will suffice. The gospel—the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—is the cornerstone of the church’s life and mission.

For pastors, this means the gospel must shape every sermon, program, and ministry initiative. Are we pointing people to Christ and His redeeming work, or are we focused on surface-level engagement?

For members, this calls for reflection on how we engage in the church. Are we seeking activities that entertain or meet personal preferences, or are we supporting ministries that faithfully proclaim the gospel?

2. Building Materials That Last (v. 12-13)

Paul describes two types of building materials: gold, silver, and precious stones—which endure—and wood, hay, and straw—which burn. The quality of our work matters because, one day, it will be tested.

What does gospel-centered work look like?

• Expository Preaching: Teaching rooted in Scripture, pointing to Christ in every passage.
• Discipleship: Investing in spiritual growth over numerical growth.
• Evangelism: Sharing the true gospel, not just feel-good messages.

Faithful, enduring work often looks small or slow, but it’s focused on eternal impact rather than instant results. Ask yourself: are we building something that will glorify Christ for generations or just satisfy temporary desires?

3. The Danger of Pragmatism: Wood, Hay, and Straw (v. 12)

Paul warns against using perishable materials to build. In ministry, this could mean relying on pragmatism—methods that prioritize results over faithfulness. While these approaches may seem effective in the short term, they lack eternal value.

What does pragmatism look like in the church?

• Programs Driven by Numbers: Designing ministries solely to attract large crowds, with little focus on spiritual growth.
• Cultural Compromise: Teaching that prioritizes relevance over biblical truth.
• Charismatic Leadership: Relying on personality or human effort rather than prayer and the Spirit’s power.

Pragmatic methods often produce quick results but fail when tested by trials or time. The true measure of a ministry is not its popularity but its faithfulness to Christ.

4. The Day of Testing (v. 13-15)

Paul reminds us that a day is coming when every work will be revealed and tested by fire. Only work built on the gospel will endure. This is both a sobering warning and an encouraging promise.

For pastors, this means assessing not just what you’re building but how you’re building it. Are your sermons, strategies, and systems designed to exalt Christ or just to keep things running?

For members, it means evaluating your role in the church. Are you contributing to eternal work, or are you content with temporary comfort?

Faithful work may feel slow, but it’s deeply rewarding. God sees and rewards even the small, unseen acts of obedience done for His glory.

Conclusion

Paul’s metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 challenges us to consider the foundation and materials of our work. The gospel must remain central to everything we do in the church. Building with gold, silver, and precious stones requires faithfulness, intentionality, and a long-term view.

As you reflect on this passage, ask yourself:

• Is the gospel explicitly driving the ministry of your church?
• Are you investing in what will last for eternity?
• What steps can you take to evaluate the “materials” you’re using to build?

The church’s work is ultimately tested by fire. Let’s build on the right foundation with enduring materials, trusting that God will reward faithfulness, even in the smallest things. As Jesus reminds us, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) is the goal we’re striving toward.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

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