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Youth Conference 2018 Evening Message 3

Text: 1 Corinthians 3
4 December 2018

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