Lesson 454

(Lesson 454)(11-12-12) 1 Corinthians 3:12-23, "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 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. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."

Today's lesson stands out as very important to those who strive to properly do the will of God. I suggest that the serious bible student slowly read this text at least ten times to fully allow the message in these few verses to sink in.

In the first verses of this lesson, Paul is warning us that the purpose for which we use the power of the gospel, will ultimately be judged by God Himself. If we have applied true Christian principles for the work we do, we will receive a reward. If however, we use the power of the gospel, as many today do, to achieve personal fame, or gain, we will suffer the wrath of God.

Paul tells, those of us who are saved, that our bodies are the temples of God and that the Spirit of God dwells within us. He goes on to say, " If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

This, very clearly tells us that we are to conduct ourselves in a manner reflective of the purpose of Christ.

There are many who read this quote to mean that if we sin in our bodies (temples), we will be again lost, destroyed. This is true, but only to a point. If we defile the body (temple), God will destroy it, but He will NOT destroy the soul of the man, "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." This means that God will burn away the earthly, materialistic man/woman, while preserving the inner (redeemed) spirit, eternally.
In the latter portion of the lesson, Paul again warns us of those who would appear wise in the world. The great preachers and orators. Those who through the power of their great personalities, lead thousands upon thousands of the lost away from the amazing grace of God through Christ crucified, and into an eternal hell.

Therefore we should all adhere closely to what Paul says in the last verses of this lesson, "Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."
What an awesome power God has given us. Amen!~