Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.

If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

– 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

As Paul writes to the believers at the Corinth church addressing various internal and external issues facing the church which he had helped to establish. In this portion of passage of his epistle – he is addressing the sharp contentions that have risen within the church. One of the very first churches established in the new testament had to deal with internal church politics. Factions have formed, sides have been taken and lines have been drawn. One group vehemently advocates Paul and his methods to be superior, while the other contends that Apollos is superior (1 Corinthians 3:4). And the root of such contention is the flesh (1 Corinthians 3:3). And what Paul literally means here by using the word fleshly is that they are all still under the control of the animal appetites.

He even goes on to say they walk like mere men as opposed to Christ-likeness – implying that the outsider would see no differentiation between the church and the world. Even Jesus in his short three-and-a-half year earthly ministry would not be exempt from such politics. James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, would come seeking esteem and honor quite cunningly (Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-40). This would make the other disciples indignant (displeased) – picture someone here crossing their arms, screwing their face and sitting afar. This was the response of the disciples to hearing the brothers.

And there are two fundamental issues here – the seeking of man’s honor and jealousy. The former is an active issue and the second a more passive response. Both are sins mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21, which debars us from the kingdom of God. And they are presented here (in Galatians) as the evident deeds of the flesh as opposed to the fruits of the Spirit.

And maybe the knowledge of the graveness of such sin in us is diminished to a degree by its hidden nature deep in a man’s heart. Which is why Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 is pointing to the day of Judgement here (by saying the Day), where all of the believers’ deeds are judged before the Throne of God (Revelation 20:11-12). Paul is reminding the church once again of this: do all that you do in view of God’s judgement alone!

Now if we apply this understanding to the passage in focus, we can quickly see the fundamental principles Paul wants to bring to focus in his message to Corinth and us – the flesh’s insatiable desire for the honor of men.

The foundation Paul is referring to here is this – the revelation of Christ as the Son of God and His immutable teachings (Matthew 16:16-18, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Matthew 24:35).

Wood, hay and straw, are all elements which are never mentioned to be found in the Heavens anywhere through the Scriptures. So, these are the works that are of the fleeting and temporal world and not eternal – that which do not bring any glory to God but only glory in the flesh of man (1 John 2:16-17). Wood, hay and straw are being burned up (destroyed) by the pur (fire of judgement/testing, Matthew 25:41/1 Peter 1:7) as implied in 1 Corinthians 3:13, 15. The contextual usage of pur here is evidently pertaining to the fire of testing and not of judgement.

..so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7). The deeds of faith done with the right-motives of the heart and in the ordained will of God will result in praise, glory and honor to Jesus Christ – these are the eternal works which are compared to gold, silver and precious stones – that stand the test of the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).

And finally, the good works are those done by those who have cleansed themselves (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Not in a mere cleansing of the external (Matthew 23:25-26) but of the circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29). This regeneration and renewal of one’s innermost made possible solely through the power of the Holy Spirit and not by anything the self could ever accomplish (Titus 3:5-6). And from such a renewed spiritual man are birthed good works that would surely endure the test of fire.

What is the crux of this important teaching? Is it in meticulous evaluation of every good work in the kingdom of God? Is it in self-judgement of every work we do? We would be left second-guessing ourselves most times, if it were so. Caught up in more self-evaluation rather than doing. No, I believe this is all pointing back to Jesus Christ Himself.

The man with the greatest works of us all – whose finished work and sacrifice on the cross alone triumphs the summed effort and sacrifice of every missionary to ever walk after him.

It would be possible that the detailed and thorough biographies of all the servants of God could be recorded in a single book – yet the works of the One if it were to be recorded, this earth itself would not have sufficed to contain it all (John 21:25).

This great God, King, Man, Teacher, Prophet, Healer, Creator, Judge – would yet choose to walk on the face of the earth as a Servant (Matthew 20:28). The greatness of Christ was found in His humility.

So, how can we be certain that our works are of gold, silver and precious stones on that Day? Ask yourself this question and answer it honestly: do you work as a lowly servant?

So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ – Luke 17:10