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Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 44

"As a wise master builder I have laid the foundation..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:10

BUILDING A CHURCH

Paul was correct to use the term “master builder” to describe his work in planting and building churches. He had vast experience in doing this work. He was also a master builder in helping people construct their personal lives.

“According to the grace of God which was given to me,
as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation,
and another builds on it.
But let each one take heed how he builds on it.”
1 Corinthians 3:10

1. “According to the grace of God which was given to me”

a) Paul was not being proud to call himself a master builder.
b) He could be charged with “false humility” if he denied that he was a master builder.
c) He prevented himself from falling into both of these traps by speaking of the grace of God.
i) It was by the grace of God that he knew how to be a master builder.
ii) It was by the grace of God that he was successful in what he did.
iii) Acknowledging the grace of God effectively means that his success was not due to his human effort.
iv) Speaking of God as the One who gave the increase meant that all glory belongs to the Lord.
v) Paul was grateful that God’s grace was given to him abundantly so that he could succeed so well in his ministry.

2. “As a wise master builder I have laid the foundation”

a) A “master builder” comes from a Greek word that gives us the equivalent of an “architect”.
b) Every building needs a wise architect to draw the blue prints for the building.
c) Paul saw himself as that architect (master builder).
d) But he only claimed that he merely laid the foundation!

3. “And another builds on it”

a) The architect alone cannot single-handedly erect a building.
b) Others must be involved to make the whole project viable.

4. “But let each one take heed how he builds on it”

a) This is a good cautionary word of advice.
b) The builders must also acknowledge the grace of God and His personal involvement.
c) The builders must find the wisdom to know how to build a strong and beautiful building.