3:10
There are several principles in this one verse. First, Paul does his work by the grace God gave him. We often think of grace as being passive, as being only about forgiveness, but it is much more than this. The grace of God is an active thing, it enables us to do things we should not be able to do. God’s grace is enabling and empowering. Then, although it is by the grace of God that we do things, we also have to put great effort and care into the things we do. Paul built as a master builder. The grace of God in no way means that we do not use human effort as well. Paul certainly worked hard. Next, we are never the only ones building. God tends not to give solo projects! The things He gives us to do are part of a much larger plan, and other people, even other churches, will have their role to play. Sometimes in parallel, sometimes following on from what He gives us to do. Regardless of the part we have, whether it seems big or small, we should fulfil our task with great care and commitment.
3:11
Now we get the reason for this. There is only one foundation, only one thing we can build on. And that foundation is Jesus Christ, it is who He is and what He has done. This foundation has already been laid by God. God has decided that this is the one and only foundation. To try and build on anything else is utter foolishness, and an exercise in futility. Regardless of this, people are forever trying to build on other foundations.
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