1 Corinthians 3:14
If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
If what he has built
This phrase emphasizes the conditional nature of the outcome based on the quality of the work. The Greek word for "built" is "oikodomeō," which means to build or construct. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul is speaking metaphorically about the spiritual work and ministry of believers. Historically, Corinth was a city known for its impressive architecture and construction, which would resonate with the audience. Spiritually, this phrase challenges believers to consider the foundation and materials of their spiritual lives and ministries, ensuring they align with Christ's teachings.

survives
The Greek word used here is "menō," meaning to remain or endure. This implies a testing or trial that the work must withstand. In the broader scriptural context, this refers to the judgment seat of Christ, where believers' works will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:13). The imagery of fire is significant, as it purifies and reveals the true nature of materials. Historically, fire was a common method for testing the purity of metals, which would be a familiar concept to the original audience. This word encourages believers to build with materials that can endure divine scrutiny, such as faith, love, and obedience.

he will receive
This phrase indicates a future promise and assurance. The Greek word "lambanō" means to take or receive. It suggests an active reception of something that is due. In the context of Christian doctrine, this points to the rewards believers will receive in heaven for their faithful service on earth. The certainty of this promise is rooted in God's faithfulness and justice, providing hope and motivation for believers to persevere in their spiritual endeavors.

a reward
The Greek word for "reward" is "misthos," which refers to wages or recompense. This term is used throughout the New Testament to describe the blessings and honors that God will bestow upon His faithful servants. In the historical context of Corinth, a city known for its competitive games and rewards, this concept would be particularly meaningful. Scripturally, this reward is not about earning salvation, which is a gift of grace, but about the acknowledgment and celebration of faithful service. This promise of reward serves as an encouragement for believers to invest in eternal, rather than temporal, pursuits, aligning their lives with God's eternal purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul is providing guidance on spiritual maturity and the foundation of faith.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced issues of division and immaturity, which Paul addresses in his letters.

3. The Builders
Refers metaphorically to believers and church leaders who contribute to the spiritual growth and edification of the church.

4. The Foundation
Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which believers build their lives and ministries, as mentioned earlier in 1 Corinthians 3.

5. The Reward
Symbolizes the eternal recognition and blessings believers receive for their faithful service and enduring works.
Teaching Points
Building on the Right Foundation
Emphasize the importance of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith and works. Without Him, our efforts are in vain.

The Nature of Enduring Works
Encourage believers to focus on works that have eternal value, such as acts of love, service, and spreading the Gospel.

The Promise of Reward
Highlight the assurance of reward for faithful service, motivating believers to persevere in their spiritual journey.

Spiritual Maturity and Growth
Challenge believers to grow in their faith and contribute to the spiritual edification of others, building with materials that will withstand the test of time.

Self-Examination and Accountability
Urge believers to regularly evaluate their works and motives, ensuring they align with God's purposes and will endure His scrutiny.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and how can we ensure our works are aligned with this foundation?

2. How can we discern whether our works are of eternal value and will survive the test of time?

3. In what ways can we encourage and support one another in building enduring works within our church community?

4. How does the promise of a reward for enduring works motivate you in your personal faith journey?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to evaluate your spiritual contributions. What changes did you make to ensure they were built on the right foundation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus speaks about the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing the importance of building on a solid foundation, which parallels Paul's teaching on building upon Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:10
Paul discusses the judgment seat of Christ, where believers will receive what is due for their deeds, connecting to the idea of receiving a reward for enduring works.

Ephesians 2:20-22
Paul describes the church as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, reinforcing the concept of building on a solid foundation.
A Good FoundationA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:10-15
All of GraceA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Building MenA. Crummell.1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Building on the FoundationA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Building the True LifeC. Short, M. A.1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Christian Work and its TestingE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
FoundationsA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:10-15
The Foundation and the SuperstructureH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
The Foundation of FaithBp. Basil Jones.1 Corinthians 3:10-15
The Spiritual Foundation1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Workmen and Their WorksC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
Classic Buildings and Their MaterialsDean Howson.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
God's Truths are of a Durable Nature, Notwithstanding TrialA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Good Qualities Seen in the Fiery DayT. H. Leary, D. C. L.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Loss Through Little SinsE. B. Pusey, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Severely TestedPresbyterian1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Successful and Unsuccessful BuildersJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
That All Errors in ReligionA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
That All the Hidden and Secret Ways of False Doctrines God Will One Day Make ManifestA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
That All the Ways and Works of WickednessA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
That Every Godly ManA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
That Every Man Will be Altogether a Loser in Any Error or False Way that He Hath MaintainedA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
That God Hath His Time When He Will Discover the Errors of Men's DoctrinesA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
That God Useth to Bring People Out of Errors and False Ways by His Word and AfflictionsA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The Doctrine and Truths of Christ are Very Precious and ExcellentA. Burgess.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The Losses of the SavedE. B. Pusey, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The Perishable from the ImperishableS. Holmes.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The Revelation and Test of FireDean Stanley.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The Test of Christian TeachingCanon Liddon.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Two Builders on One FoundationA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Corinthians 3:12-15
Final Testings of Our Life WorkR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 3:13-15
The Cure for the Party SpiritR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 3:13-23
People
Apollos, Cephas, Corinthians, Paul, Peter
Places
Corinth
Topics
Abide, Abideth, Building, Built, Erected, Foundation, Man's, One's, Receive, Remains, Reward, Rewarded, Stands, Survives, Test, Thereon, Thereupon, Wage
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 3:14

     5603   wages

1 Corinthians 3:9-15

     5240   building

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

     4516   straw
     5212   arts and crafts
     5317   foundation
     8426   evangelism, motivation

1 Corinthians 3:11-14

     9413   heaven, inheritance

1 Corinthians 3:12-15

     5398   loss

1 Corinthians 3:13-15

     5828   danger

Library
Twenty-Third Day. Holiness and the Body.
The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. The body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you; therefore glorify God in your body.'--1 Cor. iii. 16, vi. 13, 19. 'She that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit.'--1 Cor. vii. 34. 'Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.'--Rom. xii. 1. Coming into the world, our Blessed
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

November the Ninth the Holy Spirit as Emancipator
2 CORINTHIANS iii. 4-18. In the Holy Spirit I experience a large emancipation. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." I am delivered from all enslaving bondage--from the bondage of literalism, and legalism, and ritualism. I am not hampered by excessive harness, by multitudinous rules. The harness is fitting and congenial, and I have freedom of movement, and "my yoke is easy and my burden is light." And I am to use my emancipation of spirit in the ministry of contemplation. I am to
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Temples of God
'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?'--1 COR. iii. 16 The great purpose of Christianity is to make men like Jesus Christ. As He is the image of the invisible God we are to be the images of the unseen Christ. The Scripture is very bold and emphatic in attributing to Christ's followers likeness to Him, in nature, in character, in relation to the world, in office, and in ultimate destiny. Is He the anointed of God? We are anointed--Christs in Him. Is He the Son of God? We in Him receive the
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

God's Fellow-Workers
'Labourers together with God.'--1 COR. iii. 9. The characteristic Greek tendency to factions was threatening to rend the Corinthian Church, and each faction was swearing by a favourite teacher. Paul and his companion, Apollos, had been taken as the figureheads of two of these parties, and so he sets himself in the context, first of all to show that neither of the two was of any real importance in regard to the Church's life. They were like a couple of gardeners, one of whom did the planting, and
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Death, the Friend
'... All things are yours ... death.'--1 COR. iii. 21, 22. What Jesus Christ is to a man settles what everything else is to Him. Our relation to Jesus determines our relation to the universe. If we belong to Him, everything belongs to us. If we are His servants, all things are our servants. The household of Jesus, which is the whole Creation, is not divided against itself, and the fellow-servants do not beat one another. Two bodies moving in the same direction, and under the impulse of the same
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Servants and Lords
'All things are yours; 22. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23. And ye are Christ's.'--1 COR. iii. 21-23. The Corinthian Christians seem to have carried into the Church some of the worst vices of Greek--and English--political life. They were split up into wrangling factions, each swearing by the name of some person. Paul was the battle-cry of one set; Apollos of another. Paul and Apollos were very good friends,
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Sanctified for Service.
"We are labourers together with God; ye are God's husbandry; ye are God's building."--1 COR. iii. 9. In this passage St. Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for that spirit of party which was dividing them into followers of this or that teacher and so destroying their unity in Christ. You do not belong, he says, to Paul or to Apollos; we have no claim upon you; ye are not to be called by our name: you are God's husbandry, and God's building, not ours; we are but labourers in His service and
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Wisdom of this World
"The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."--I Cor. iii. 19. It is remarkable that about the time of our Saviour's coming into the world all kinds of learning flourished to a very great degree, insomuch that nothing is more frequent in the mouths of many men, even such who pretend to read and to know, than an extravagant praise and opinion of the wisdom and virtue of the Gentile sages of those days, and likewise of those ancient philosophers who went before them, whose doctrines are left
Jonathan Swift—Three Sermons, Three Prayers

On the Interpretation of Scripture
IT is a strange, though familiar fact, that great differences of opinion exist respecting the Interpretation of Scripture. All Christians receive the Old and New Testament as sacred writings, but they are not agreed about the meaning which they attribute to them. The book itself remains as at the first; the commentators seem rather to reflect the changing atmosphere of the world or of the Church. Different individuals or bodies of Christians have a different point of view, to which their interpretation
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The Existence of Merit
1. HERETICAL ERRORS AND THE TEACHING OF THE CHURCH.--a) The medieval Beguins and Beghards held that man is able to attain such a perfect state of holiness here below as no longer to require an increase of grace or good works.(1226) Luther, holding that justification consists in the covering up of sin and the external imputation of the justice of Christ, consistently though falsely asserted that "the just man sins in every good work,"(1227) that "a good work, no matter how well performed, is a venial
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

The Objects of Merit
After defining the existence of merit the Tridentine Council enumerates its objects as follows: "If anyone saith that the justified, by the good works which he performs, ... does not truly merit increase of grace, eternal life, and the attainment of that eternal life,--if it be so, however, that he depart in grace,--and also an increase of glory: let him be anathema."(1320) Hence merit calls for a threefold reward: (1) an increase of sanctifying grace; (2) heavenly glory; and (3) an increase of that
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

The Christian Church
Scriptures references: 1 Corinthians 3:11; 3:6-9; Colossians 1:18; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23-27; Matthew 16:16,18; 18:17; Acts 5:11,12; 13:1,2; 14:23; 16:5; 1 Corinthians 11:18-34; 12:28-31; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:14; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 12:22,23; Revelation 1:4,11,20; 2:7,11; 22:16; 22:12-15,17. THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH What is the Christian Church?--One of the best definitions is as follows: "The church consists of all who acknowledge the Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, the blessed Saviour
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Carnal Christians.
1 Corinthians 3:1.--And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. The apostle here speaks of two stages of the Christian life, two types of Christians: "I could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ." They were Christians, in Christ, but instead of being spiritual Christians, they were carnal. "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet are ye able, for ye are
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying.
The Holy Spirit takes up His abode in the one who is born of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul says to the believers in Corinth in 1 Cor. iii. 16, R. V., "Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" This passage refers, not so much to the individual believer, as to the whole body of believers, the Church. The Church as a body is indwelt by the Spirit of God. But in 1 Cor. vi. 19, R. V., we read, "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Dedicatory Letter.
To the respected and worthy NICOLAUS VON AMSDORF, Licentiate in the Holy Scriptures and Canon of Wittenberg, [14] My particular and affectionate friend. Dr. MARTIN LUTHER. The Grace and Peace of God be with you! Respected, worthy Sir and dear friend. The time for silence is gone and the time to speak has come, as we read in Ecclesiastes (iii. 7.) I have in conformity with our resolve put together some few points concerning the Reformation of the Christian Estate, with the intent of placing the same
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Alcuin on True Missionary Labours.
THE cause of the first failure of the mission amongst the Saxons, may serve as a lesson and a warning to all times. It was this: that they sought to introduce from without what can only be effected from within; that worldly aims were blended with the diffusion of Christianity; that men did not follow the example of the Apostle Paul, who, in preaching the Gospel, allowed the Jews to remain Jews, and the Greeks, Greeks, and knew how to become to the Jews as a Jew, and to the Greeks as a Greek. The
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side...
38. Certain it is, albeit all this disputation go from side to side, some asserting that it is never right to lie, and to this effect reciting divine testimonies: others gainsaying, and even in the midst of the very words of the divine testimonies seeking place for a lie; yet no man can say, that he finds this either in example or in word of the Scriptures, that any lie should seem a thing to be loved, or not had in hatred; howbeit sometimes by telling a lie thou must do that thou hatest, that what
St. Augustine—On Lying

It Follows after Commendation of the Trinity, "The Holy Church. ...
14. It follows after commendation of the Trinity, "The Holy Church." God is pointed out, and His temple. "For the temple of God is holy," says the Apostle, "which (temple) are ye." [1801] This same is the holy Church, the one Church, the true Church, the catholic Church, fighting against all heresies: fight, it can: be fought down, it cannot. As for heresies, they went all out of it, like as unprofitable branches pruned from the vine: but itself abideth in its root, in its Vine, in its charity. "The
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Now it Has Been My Wish on this Account to Say Something on This...
22. Now it has been my wish on this account to say something on this subject, by reason of certain of our brethren most friendly and dear to us, and without willful guilt indeed entangled in this error, but yet entangled; who think, that, when they exhort any to righteousness and piety, their exhortation will not have force, unless the whole of that, wherein they would work upon man that man should work, they set in the power of man, not helped by the grace of God, but put forth by the alone choice
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Homilies on the Statues.
Abel, beloved of God, yet slain, [466]342; more blessed in his death than Cain, [467]374; died the first to instruct Adam, [468]414; his sacrifice good, [469]422. Abraham, rich but not covetous: entertaining angels, [470]349; tent of, stronger than Sodom, [471]456. Absolution, [472]356; at the altar, [473]443. Accused at Antioch, tortured, [474]474. Acrobats, [475]470. Actions, few, for their own sake, [476]379; end of, [477]459, n.; the proof of philosophy, [478]465. Adam, fell when idle, [479]353,
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

Epistle Xlvi. To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem .
To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem [159] . Gregory to Isacius, &c. In keeping with the truth of history, what means the fact that at the time of the flood the human race outside the ark dies, but within the ark is preserved unto life, but what we see plainly now, namely that all the unfaithful perish under the wave of their sin, while the unity of holy Church, like the compactness of the ark, keeps her faithful ones in faith and in charity? And this ark in truth is compacted of incorruptible timber,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch [35] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. I received the letters of thy Fraternity, rightly holding fast the profession of the faith; and I returned great thanks to Almighty God, who, when the shepherds of His flock are changed, still, even after such change, guards the faith which He once delivered to the holy Fathers. Now the excellent preacher says, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. iii. 2). Whosoever, then, with love of
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Wise and the Dull are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 7). Differently to be admonished are the wise of this world and the dull. For the wise are to be admonished that they leave off knowing what they know: the dull also are to be admonished that they seek to know what they know not. In the former this thing first, that they think themselves wise, is to be thrown down; in the latter whatsoever is already known of heavenly wisdom is to be built up; since, being in no wise proud, they have, as it were, prepared their hearts for supporting
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

First Sunday in Lent
Text: Second Corinthians 6, 1-10. 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, and in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation): 3 giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed; 4 but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Links
1 Corinthians 3:14 NIV
1 Corinthians 3:14 NLT
1 Corinthians 3:14 ESV
1 Corinthians 3:14 NASB
1 Corinthians 3:14 KJV

1 Corinthians 3:14 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Corinthians 3:13
Top of Page
Top of Page