What is the foundation believers build upon in 1 Corinthians 3?
The foundation believers build upon is Jesus Christ, identified in 1 Corinthians 3:11 as our Savior and Lord. Every believer’s work is then built on that foundation, whether gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble, and each person’s work will be made manifest and examined by the Lord.
Les explains that if any believer builds upon this foundation—which is Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord—the materials may be gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble. Everyone’s work shall be made manifest, meaning it is put in the spotlight, and the fiery eyes of the Lord Jesus will examine everything believers have done. Some things, like gold, silver, and precious stones, the fire cannot touch; others, like wood, hay, and stubble, go up in a puff of smoke. Les says this is primarily based on motive: why we do things categorized as good works—whether to please the flesh, please someone else, or strictly for God’s honor and glory.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.