1 Corinthians 3:9

1 Corinthians 3:9 says, For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.  Paul continues to stress that we are all laborers together.  As the body of Christ here on earth, we are called to work together to present the gospel that God might be glorified and people might be saved, and God should always receive the glory.  We are but laborers for Christ, and He is and always will be the One to be glorified by our labor.  Verse ten adds, According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.  God is the architect of salvation and the works that we do as followers of Christ.  God gives us a purpose in His kingdom, and it is based on His design for the salvation of all who will believe in Christ.  We must never question our part in God's plan, but simply follow His leadership.  Verse eleven continues, For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Paul stated very clearly that salvation comes through Christ alone.  The lost of the world may say that this makes us narrow minded, and in this point we must be.  There is no other way to salvation and restoration with God except through salvation given by Christ.  This can never be added to or taken away from.  Verse twelve states, Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  We are to build upon the foundation of Christ.  Some may build works that bring glory to God and stand through the fire.  Others may attempt to build on false teachings, the hay and stubble, but these works will not endure.  We need to make sure that what we build on the foundation of Christ glorifies God and is not done for our own glory.  The things that we build for Christ will not only stand the test of five, but they will be purified by it.  Verse thirteen adds, 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.  Paul states what I had just said about our works very plainly here.  God will make manifest every person's work.  Things that we claim to do for God may not stand the test of fire.  Verse fourteen continues, If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  Paul was not saying that we serve God for rewards, but that if we are truly working for God's glory that we will one day receive a reward, though that does not necessarily mean in this life.  We are to simply serve God because we want to do His will, and not because we think He will make us rich.  Verse fifteen concludes, If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  Paul declares that just as we are not saved by works, neither is our relationship with God sustained by works.  Even if the things we claim to do for God as followers of Christ do not stand the fire of God's judgment, we are still His people.  Still, we should always try to do the work that God calls us to do, and if we do so, then our works will survive as well.  We simply need to give God our best.