Message Notes

Title: “Take Heed How You Build”
Text: 1 Corinthians 3

THE CHALLENGE TO BE A WISE MASTER BUILDER

1. It is obviously not easy

2. But it can be exciting

3. It can result in a very significant and satisfying life and ministry

WHERE SOME FAIL IN THEIR ENDEAVOUR

1. When we think that all it takes is effort

2. When we are side-tracked

3. When we give up too easily

4. When we allow doubts to discourage and overwhelm

5. When we do not see results quickly

6. When we do not expect set-backs and they appear

7. When we think we can do things alone all by ourselves

TAKING HEED ABOOUT HOW WE BUILD

1. Choosing the materials

2. Two possible sets of materials noted:

a) Gold, silver and precious stones

b) Wood, hay and straw

THE SYMBOLIC MEANING OF THE MATERIALS

1. There is deep symbolic meaning behind the materials: “gold, silver, precious stones”

2. Essential nuances

a) Costly
b) Difficult to obtain

3. Process of getting these precious materials

a) Silver -The pure words of the Lord
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times (Psalm 12:6)

i) Experiences cannot be compared to the Word of God

ii) Human ideas are not the pure words of God and thus not silver

iii) Faulty interpretation of the Word of God is not silver

iv) It is hard to find that pure word of God and yet nothing could be more important

v) Hence the command to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)

vi) And another command to understand the nature of the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

b) Gold- Symbol of a faith refined by fire
(Romans 5; 1 Peter 1; Job 23; Hebrews 12)

i) Fiery trials of life

ii) Designed by God to refine our faith

iii) To cultivate character

iv) The process of chastening

c) Precious stones: Paul’s example (2 Timothy 3:10-11)

i) Doctrine

ii) Manner of life

iii) Purpose

iv) Faith

v) Longsuffering

vi) Love

vii) Perseverance

viii) Persecutions