1 Corinthians 3:12–13: 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.
The materials used in the building may be interpreted in at least four ways: (a) The gold, silver, costly stones refer to the enduring quality of the builder’s work; and the wood, hay, or straw suggest work that is temporary and valueless. This view is supported by “work” (v. 13) and “what he has built” (v. 14). (b) The three expensive materials suggest sound doctrine which the builder “builds” into people’s lives, and the three valueless materials are false doctrines. (c) The first three materials refer to the worker’s worthy motives, and the other three point to his unworthy motives (cf. 4:5). (d) The “gold, silver, costly stones” refer to believers who constitute the church (1 Peter 2:5), and the “wood, hay, or straw” represent unregenerate people present in the church. The day of judgment is when Christ will judge the quality of His servants’ work. 1
Application
- Evaluate the quality of your work: Do you give God your very best, every day?
- Evaluate the motive behind your work: Is it for your gratification and recognition, or is your work offered to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable for His glory?
Thought to Share
The motive behind the work is more important than the work. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, purify my heart so my work is with pure motivation.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
