This week’s devotionals are based on 1 Corinthians 3:10-23.
'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.' (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)
i) JESUS IN THE FOUNDATION
Foundations of buildings are unseen but are vital. Roots could be viewed as the foundation of a tree; they are unseen but are vital to its health. When we become a Christian, God, normally through others, lays the foundation of Christ in our lives. This foundation is immovable. This foundation is life-giving. The Foundation ‘is Jesus Christ’. This is the gospel and His whole person and teaching.
ii) WHAT FOUNDATIONS ARE YOU BUILDING ON?
How about your own life? Are you building on the foundation of Jesus? Are you being that wise builder who builds upon the rock of Jesus’ teaching? this Building metaphor contains the idea of progress. Are you progressing in your love for Jesus? Love for the gospel and Love for His word?
Jesus is the only dependable, immovable, foundation for your life. We are told, ‘no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.' So let’s ensure that we are carefully building upon Him and the message of the cross.
iii) WHAT FOUNDATIONS ARE YOU HELPING OTHERS TO BUILD ON?
You also have a range of different roles and relationships in which you could seek to make Jesus the centre. In your roles and relationships, how could you help to bring the teaching of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus into greater focus? Do you have a non-Christian friend whom you could invite to our carol service where they will hear the gospel? Do you have a Christian friend whom you could encourage to trust in Jesus as their unfailing foundation?
OVER TO YOU - PRAY AND WORSHIP OUT OF THE BIBLE
I’ve made a few comments. However, it’s more important that you engage with the text yourself. Take a moment to pray and listen to God’s voice out of today’s text.
'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.' (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)
I find it helpful to use the following questions which are based upon The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13).
1. Praise - What does this text teach me about God? What can I praise Him for?
2. Petitions - What does this teach me about His will for me and others? What could I pray for from this text? This is a good time to pray for our non-believing. friends. It’s good to ask, Is the Holy Spirit leading me in any specific response?
3. Peace-making - Is the Holy Spirit convicting me of sin for which I need forgiveness? Do I need to forgive others?
4. Protection - Ask for God’s protection generally and for any specific areas of vulnerability. Am I believing lies regarding the truths in this text?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Let's be talking, planning and praying about who we could invite to our carol service.
Please feel free to use these as a digital invite for your friends.
2. Icebreaker
How has God spoken to you from the Bible this week?
2. Focus on the carol service
If you didn't watch this video last week, please do so now. (The image below is the link)
Here is the link for you to book ticket for yourself and your friends:
3. Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group
On Sunday, we looked at 1 Corinthians 3:10-17
'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. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 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. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.' (1 Corinthians 3:10-17)
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