Christ, the Only Foundation

Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:11; 8:5–6; 10:1–4; 15:20–25

Introduction

When considering the meaning and significance of a foundation, we think of how a construction project begins. Proper permits are obtained. Schematics are pored over. Supplies of material are stacked and readied for use. Tools and equipment appropriate for the site are gathered. Before the actual structure can be raised, however, a proper foundation is necessary upon which the building will be built and sustained. Thus, the church rests on the foundation of Christ Jesus. As individual members, we must labor collectively toward our goal—to dwell with Him forever.

Key Verse

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

In the church at Corinth, Paul faced opposing factions. One group reserved honor for Paul, who most likely first brought the faith to them. The congregation had clung dearly to those tenets of doctrine which Paul first taught and instituted. Later, “a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures” (Acts 18:24), instructed them about spiritual matters. He had labored tirelessly, and many gave him credit for the growth of the local church.

Perhaps those who originally learned at the feet of Paul were indignant that another minister would gain such notoriety and accolades from members who were first instructed by Paul. They felt that Paul somehow had been dishonored. The apostle Paul was adamant that to be partisan was carnal, causing unnecessary strife among the brethren. He had planted the seed, Apollos was diligently nurturing, but it was Christ who performed the work!

Since the spiritual building upon which they labored belonged to God, they needed to take care in how they constructed that building. The quality of their workmanship would be revealed by the refining fire. Whatever is built upon eternal principles will abide because Christ is at the root. The work of those who build upon their own reasoning and abilities will fail.

In chapter 10, Paul reminds them of the examples of what their Jewish forefathers experienced. He tells of their deliverance and protection from Pharaoh and how God provided meat for them in the wilderness. These examples serve to magnify the importance of God’s leading through Moses and His divine intervention. Their perilous flight served to unite them.

Practical Truths for Today

First Corinthians 3:11 clearly states the foundation on which to build a successful Christian life, rear a faithful family, and maintain a pure church. This passage of Scripture graces the cover of Bible Doctrine and Practice, which summarizes our beliefs. This verse was also printed on the title page of all of Menno Simon’s articles. The key verse refers to the apostles and prophets as those who built on this foundation. This is reflected in both the Old and New Testaments, the former pointing with types and shadows to the latter. However, in all of this, Jesus is above all the apostles and prophets—He is the chief Cornerstone.

Modern highways are constructed with thick layers of underlayment. Loads of crushed stone and gravel are spread to form a firm base that can consistently handle high traffic volume and heavy weights. When a vehicle leaves the road, it encounters soft ground, which bogs the vehicle down, bringing it to a halt.

Our spiritual path is much the same. We travel down a road with a roadbed that has been packed and hardened with God’s truth. There are ditches on both sides of this highway. Self-righteousness evident in a legalistic keeping of the law seeks to bog us down on one side, while self-righteousness resulting from a claim of faith needing no works lurks on the other. Both are false and lead away from the way of the cross. Both sides are used by Satan, who seeks an advantage in a person’s unique tendencies of the flesh.

These deviations can be readily observed in modern Christianity as we note the struggles to cope with a changing world. Those groups that seek to control their members by a rigid observance of rules create a cool and formal worship environment. On the other hand, those who believe that denial of the flesh is not necessary to claim an eternal reward foster a carnal and shallow environment of supposed worship. Neither persuasion is on solid ground. Because there is only one foundation, only one body can be built upon that one foundation. The gospel teaches us that true faith with its resulting obedience is necessary to build a healthy church conference as well as an individual congregation.

God’s people are not immune to slipping from the way. Following the law provides a false sense of protection. By living Christian life in a legalistic way, we avoid some temptations because we separate ourselves from certain things and activities, but our spirit is not edified through grace. In our attempt to find safety in rules, we deny the Holy Spirit the power to teach and lead us. We are eventually frustrated because we lack the strength and fortitude to walk the narrow road. Others who fail to reject things we have rejected become a cause of offense.

Those who seek to follow the law place their works above Christ and His redemptive work. Doubts and fears often spring up because Christ is not given His proper place. We search for an assurance of faith, but faith has been reduced to little effect by our servitude to a mere process of self-denial. We cry out for God to take control of our rigid life, yet we may lack understanding of our condition or be unwilling to repent of the unbelief which originally caused us to trust in our own works.

Realizing that Jesus saves and that to be saved we must believe in Him, we may erroneously place our trust in that first step, feeling we have done what is necessary for salvation. However, to look upon our faith as the end brings spiritual insecurity. If we place our salvation in our part of the equation, we have misplaced our trust and will allow ourselves things of the flesh. When a brother reproves us, we become defensive, hiding behind a cloak of our alleged faith. We have a false sense of peace because our inconsistencies are simply filed away under that broad category of faith. We feel a certain measure of peace, assuring ourselves that our foundation is solid. This deception can wreak havoc with our conscience, blurring the pathway to heaven with our misguided understanding.

To believe with our whole heart in the saving power of Jesus is paramount to our salvation; faith in God is man’s part in cooperating with God unto salvation. True faith will cause us to take up our cross and follow Jesus. When we believe in God and obey His Word, we respect the church in her protective role and find security in her fellowship. Trusting Jesus with all our heart and completely surrendering our will brings peace and strengthens our faith. Our faith may be tested, but the result will be a lasting faith which produces quality fruit.

As we consider the different factions struggling at Corinth, can we draw parallels to the church today? As the church grows, matures, and expands, different forces seem to tug at her garments. As time progresses, many members, coming from a diversity of cultures, have been baptized into the church. Congregations labor to successfully grow and reach out to their communities. Whether the matter is internal functions, outreach, or a building project, various ideas are proposed. These contributions are influenced by one’s respective background, and they provide opportunities for brethren to blend and labor together toward the common goal: the purity of the church and the dissemination of the gospel message.

Satan would like to use these instances to cause disagreement, distrust, and strife. When we have the vision that this is God’s work, we carefully offer our suggestions, yielding them to the body of believers. Our motives are impure if we insist on our desires, and we hinder what could have been an opportunity to build in unity. When we work together in humility, building on the foundation, we can have confidence that our building will stand.

Aged leaders of the faith eventually go to their reward. Others remain to take up the torch and continue, remembering and using the experience and wisdom the elders have shared during their years of faithful service. We appreciate the united vision of young and old. When we are inspired to show appreciation for our elders, we must do it in a temperate way that meets the gospel parameters (1 Tim. 5:17–18). Should we be tempted to discount the younger leaders, let us remember Paul’s exhortation to Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). When the previous generation passes away and new leaders arise, our confidence is not shaken, because the church is built upon the Rock. The teachings of Jesus under the guidance of the Holy Spirit have provided safe direction through past generations and will safely show us the way into the future.

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9). The foundation, Jesus Christ, has been laid. Though the devil seeks to destroy the foundation, it is secure. Our concern today is to build on the foundation with proper materials. If we use corruptible materials, they will not bond to our Savior. In the end, “if any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward” (1 Cor. 3:14).

Questions

1. How can parents help their converted children build on the proper foundation?
2. What are ways to encourage those who seem to be under the law?
3. What are ways to help those who seem to be taking liberties?
4. Are we slipping in any tenets of faith? If so, what is the remedy?
5. Unity is important in the church. Where does it fit into our defining force?
6. Unsubscribe

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).