Message Notes

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH

1. Complex

2. Comprehensible

TWO ATTEMPTS TO HELP COMPREHEND THE CHURCH

1. An agrarian imagery

a) A field   (1 Corinthians 3:9)

i) The one who sows Paul as the planter   (1 Corinthians 3:6)

ii) The one who waters Apollos as the one who watered   (1 Corinthians 3:6)

iii) The One who gives the increase God’s role is vital   (1 Corinthians 3:7)

b) God’s Fellow-workers   (1 Corinthians 3:9)

i) Workers together with God

ii) God’s field   (1 Corinthians 3:9)

2. A building imagery

a) God’s building   (1 Corinthians 3:9)

b) Paul as a wise master-builder (architect)   (1 Corinthians 3:10)

i) By the grace of God   (1 Corinthians 3:10)

ii) Laying the foundation   (1 Corinthians 3:10)

c) Building on the foundation

i) Good quality

Gold, silver, precious stones   (1 Corinthians 3:12)

ii) Poor quality work

Wood, hay, straw   (1 Corinthians 3:12)

THE CHALLENGE TO BUILD WELL

1. As an individual

“Each one’s work”   1 Corinthians 3:13

2. Corporately (as a Church)

“You are the temple of God”   1 Corinthians 3:16

3. Every work will be tested   (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)