This week’s reflections are based on the work done by Derek Tidball in his book, Builders and Fools (1999, IVP), on the images and metaphors which Paul uses in his letters for Christian ministry. As Jesus uses us we may well find that that we begin to embody these same characteristics.
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 1 Corinthians 3.10-18 [NIV]
My next door neighbour has been building a wall around his front garden. Passers by have commented to him about how neat and tidy it looks! Paul frequently used building imagery to describe his own ministry and the life of the church. He talks about spiritual gifts being given to ‘build up’ the church. We are called to use our gifts to strengthen and encourage each other in living for Jesus. Our life together may not always be neat and tidy, but we are called to work together building on the foundation which is already laid: Jesus Christ.
We are to be a community centred in Christ that he is building, not bricks and mortar.
“You yourselves are God’s temple” 1 Corinthians 3.16 [NIV]
The temple Paul refers to is not a pile of stones! It is living, dynamic, growing and organic. Edmund Clowney writes, ‘God’s architecture is biological.’
Reflection: Is my heart orientated towards the building up of the church or do I just see it as a place to meet my needs?
Prayer: Lord, please build me up in your love so that I can build up others for the sake of your kingdom. Help me not to lean on my own strength today but on you – my foundation. Amen.
Hannah Mears
No comments:
Post a Comment