1 Corinthians 3:12–13

Memory Verse

And if someone builds upon the foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw, each one’s work will become manifested, for the day will declare, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will prove each work, what sort it is (1 Corinthians 3:12–13).

There is only one foundation, which was laid. The foundation is Jesus Christ. Proper and good works must be based upon who we are in Christ. If we try to justify ourselves by works, those works will have no value: wood, grass, and straw. But if we live out who we are in Christ and take hold of eternal life, our works result from our new identity. Thus, our works will be found to have value.

The Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19). In Christ, we are being built up into a dwelling place for God (Ephesians 2:22). Therefore, our works should be directed toward building up the Church; the edification of fellow saints. As we grow in maturity, we edify one another in love (Ephesians 4:16).

With this understanding, it is clear that good works are not about how much money we have in this world. God has prepared good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Those who are wealthy must not grow haughty or trust in uncertain riches. Instead, they are to do good, so they may be rich in proper works—ready to give and willing to share. In this way, they shore up a proper foundation for the time to come, laying hold of the eternal life they have in Christ (1 Timothy 6:17–19). As God provides, let us use it to build up other saints. Let us do good works based upon who we are in Christ, so our works are worthy of our identity in Him.