Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi

1 Corinthians 3:10–17 · Brendon Helm · August 30, 2026

Summary

Paul concludes his treatment of the Corinthians' divisions by calling them to build the church rightly. The sermon unfolds this text under three headings. First, The Foundation — Christ Alone (vv. 10–11) — like a skilled master builder, Paul laid the one foundation that can never be replaced, Jesus Christ, and no one may lay any other; whatever is built must rest on Christ alone or it will not stand. Second, The Construction — Faithful Work (vv. 12–15) — each builder must take care how he builds, for the Day will disclose his work when it is revealed by fire; gold, silver, and precious stones survive the flame while wood, hay, and straw are burned up, so that the faithful builder receives his reward, and the one whose work is consumed suffers loss, though he himself is saved, yet as through fire. Third, The Consecration — A Holy People (vv. 16–17) — the church is God's temple and the Spirit of God dwells in her; anyone who destroys God's temple, God will destroy, for God's temple is holy, and that temple is the people of God themselves, called to be a holy dwelling place for the Lord.