1 Corinthians 3:10-15 - Homiletics

The true foundation of character.

"According to the grace of God," etc. The words suggest certain important thoughts concerning character.

I. That there is an ANALOGY BETWEEN THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER AND THE ERECTION OF A BUILDING . "If any man build," etc. It is like a building in three respects.

1. In the variety of its materials. Buildings are generally formed of a variety of materials—stone, wood, iron, etc. Moral character is built up by a variety of things—the impressions that are made on us, the emotions that rise in us, etc.

2. In the unity of its design. Every building is formed on some plan. One design shapes the whole. So with character. The master purpose of the soul, whatever it may be, gives unity to the whole.

3. In the function it fulfils. Buildings are generally residences of some kind or other. The soul lives in the character. It is its home. In some cases the home is the mere sty of the animal; in some, the shop of the barterer; in some, the prison of the guilty; in some, the temple of the saint.

II. THAT CHRIST IS THE ONLY FOUNDATION OF A TRUE CHARACTER . "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." There are sometimes splendid edifices and poor foundations, and the reverse. All characters are based upon some one idea.

1. Some are based on the sensual idea; such as that on which the prodigal son started, etc.

2. Some are based on the secular idea. On this Judas, the young lawyer, and Demas built.

3. Some are based on the ambitious idea. Absalom, Haman, Herod, are examples.

4. Some are based on the Christian idea. What is that? Supreme sympathy with God; and this requires Christ. Christ is its Foundation, for he does two things to generate this supreme sympathy in the soul.

III. THAT TO CHRIST , AS A FOUNDATION , MEN BRING WORTHLESS AS WELL AS VALUABLE MATERIALS . Some build edifices of "gold, silver, precious stones," and some of "wood, hay, stubble."

1. There are edifices partially formed of "wood, hay, stubble."

All these characters are formed of "wood, hay, stubble "—things of no solidity, no value, no duration.

2. There are edifices entirely formed of valuable materials brought to Christ. They are formed of "gold, silver, precious stones." The profoundest thoughts, the strongest sympathies, the gold and silver of the soul, are connected with Christ.

IV. THAT THERE IS AN ERA TO DAWN WHEN ALL THE EDIFICES BUILT ON THIS FOUNDATION SHALL RE TRIED . "Every man's work shall be made manifest." Heaven has appointed a day for testing character. Individually, it is the day that dawns at the end of our mortal life; universally, it is the day that dawns at the end of this world's history.

1. This day will be injurious to those who have built on this foundation with worthless materials.

2. This day will be advantageous to those who have built on this Foundation with right materials. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward."