Imagine a master builder at work, carefully selecting each material, considering the purpose of every room, and consulting the blueprint to ensure every detail aligns with the original design. This builder knows that the foundation is crucial, the materials must be resilient, and the craftsmanship, impeccable.
Now, think of Paul, a tentmaker by trade, but more significantly, a master builder of the spiritual life, appointed by God to lay foundations in the hearts of believers.
Paul’s journey was marked by transformation—from a persecutor of Christians to a foundational pillar of the early church. His letters to the Corinthians are living instructions, filled with the wisdom of a seasoned builder in Christ.
Paul addresses the Corinthians, and us, with an understanding of the challenges we face in aligning our lives with God’s design. He speaks of a construction project of the highest importance: our spiritual lives and our bodies!
In his first letter to the Corinthians, chapters 2 and 3, Paul delves into the essence of true wisdom, the importance of discernment, and the art of spiritual craftsmanship.
He contrasts worldly wisdom with the power of the Spirit, illuminates the difference between living by the flesh and walking in the Spirit, and outlines the principles for building a life that withstands the tests of time and eternity.
1. Worldly Wisdom vs Power of the Spirit
When Paul spoke to the Corinthians in his letters (I Corinthians 2:1 & 4), he made it clear that he didn’t rely on fancy words or human wisdom.
“ And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. [4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: ” 1 Corinthians 2:1,4
Instead, he shared his personal experience with Christ, which was much more powerful. Paul explained that the spiritual power God gives us is way stronger than any worldly wisdom (I Corinthians 2:6-8).
And the best part? The amazing things God has prepared for those who love Him are beyond what we can even imagine if we simply learn to trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
2. Discerning Spiritual vs Natural
Paul teaches us about comparing spiritual things with spiritual (I Corinthians 2:13), which means we should look at everything from a spiritual viewpoint while using the Bible to define itself to reveal God’s truth. We are guided by spiritual things with spiritual things, never bending the knee to the carnal or worldly perspective to arrive at our understanding.
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13
Not everyone gets this because to “receive” these truths, one needs to have the Spirit (I Corinthians 2:14). And those who do can “judge” or discern all things, understanding life from God’s perspective (I Corinthians 2:15).
3. Discerning Spiritual vs Carnal
Here’s where it gets personal. Paul compares spiritual maturity to being either a baby in Christ or a grown-up (I Corinthians 3:1-3).
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
He points out that the people’s desire to have certain associations of man rather than God, revealed their childish state (I Corinthians 3:4-7).
Rather than focusing on man, we should be focused on God produced spiritual fruit. The results of our lives show our true growth in God (I Corinthians 3:8).
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” 1 Corinthians 3:8
4. Spiritual Craftsmanship
Spiritual craftsmanship in our lives means building with purpose, care, and alignment with God’s will. Paul lays out a clear blueprint for how we should approach our spiritual construction project:
Co-Laborers: Who are you building with?
In I Corinthians 3:9, Paul reminds us we are not working alone.
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
We are God’s field, God’s building, we’re co-laborers with Him in building our lives. Our partnership with God in this spiritual endeavor ensures that what we build has an eternal significance.
But we don’t only work with God. We are also standing on the shoulders of men before us.
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” 1 Corinthians 3:10
It’s far easier to work where a foundation is already laid. However, we cannot forget who laid the main foundation, which is Christ.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11
Paul emphasizes that no other foundation can sustain our spiritual building. This foundation is secure, eternal, and unshakeable.
Materials: What are you building with?
Your Choices: The materials we use in our spiritual building — our motives — are highlighted in I Corinthians 3:12.
“ Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;” 1 Corinthians 3:12
Paul categorizes these materials into those that stand through fire (gold, silver, precious stones) and those that don’t (wood, hay, stubble), urging us to choose wisely.
The motives behind our building efforts are scrutinized in I Corinthians 3:13. We will stand before God and will have each work examined.
“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” 1 Corinthians 3:13
Thankfully, if we are saved, this examination won’t be for our soul’s eternal destiny. That’s already settled under the blood of Christ if we know him as our Savior. The motives and effort we put into servicing Him, however, will be rewarded accordingly.
“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:15
Our work will be tested by fire to reveal its true quality and the purity of our intentions. This testing ensures that what remains is what was built out of genuine love for God and His people.
The ultimate goal of our spiritual craftsmanship is to receive God’s approval.
“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” 1 Corinthians 3:14
When we build according to His design, using durable materials and with the right motives, we will receive the reward from God, affirming the eternal significance of our labor in Him.
In crafting our lives and ministries, Paul’s guidance offers a timeless blueprint. By focusing on these foundational principles, we ensure that our spiritual building stands firm against the tests of time and reflects the glory of our Creator.
