1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I. THE FOUNDATION. 1. We justify the appellation here given, and the situation thus assigned to Christ by a reference to — 1. His precedency. The foundation stone of a building is that which is first laid. Christ is called the "Ancient of Days." In this appointment we have the richest displays of the everlasting love and wisdom and power of Jehovah. 2. His strength and stability (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6, 7). 3. The strength which He imparts to His people. That which imparts stability to the superstructure is the foundation, and all the strength which the believer can boast he derives from Christ. It is by virtue of the union between believers, "the lively stones," and Christ, "the foundation," that the Church has, in all ages, been sustained amidst the storm. II. THE LAYING OF THIS FOUNDATION. 1. When was it laid? "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were formed." 2. By whom was it laid? "Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone." 3. How is it yet laid? (1) Officially (ver. 10) in the preaching of the gospel. Hence — (a) The minister himself must have an experimental acquaintance with the truths he promulgates. How can he recommend to others a "foundation" he has never tested and proved to be secure? (b) He must be endued with the Holy Ghost. He may himself be truly established on this "foundation," but this is not sufficient to enable him to lay the same "foundation" in the heart and experience of others. "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts!"(2) Personally. This consists in the response which your heart gives to the message which we bring. III. THE EXCLUSIVENESS OF THIS FOUNDATION. 1. Were we to attempt to lay any other among you, how direful the denunciation to which we were exposed (Galatians 1:8, 9)! Laying another foundation, we act as traitors to God, handle the Word of God deceitfully, and basely betray the best interests of those of whom we may receive oversight, professedly in the Lord (Acts 20:28). 2. And as it is important that your ministers should continually bear this in mind, so it is no less important that you should carefully and habitually examine yourselves as to the ground on which you are resting your faith and hope. Remember, there is no other foundation needed, there is no other appointed. "A Saviour! 'twas all that earth could want, 'twas all that heaven could give!" (J. Gaskin, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.WEB: For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. |
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