3-30-25
March 30, 2025

Built to Last

Pastor John Marc Wiemann
1 Corinthians 3:10-23

Main point: 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 describes four conditions that we must follow to build the local church the way God wants it built.

I. Build on the Right Foundation
Verses 10-11

II. Build with the Right Materials
Verses 12-17

III. Build According to the Right Plan
Verses 18-20

IV. Build with the Right Motive
Verses 21–23

Here are some books which may assist you in deeper study and application of the truths presented in today’s sermon. While the elders cannot endorse every concept presented in each book, we do believe these resources will be helpful in profitably thinking through today’s topic.

• Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by Kent Hughes
• The Master’s Plan for the Church by John MacArthur
• Making Sense of the Ministry by Warren Wiersbe

Questions for Spiritual Growth

Our Cornerstone mission is To Know Christ and Make Him Known. Community Groups help us to live out our mission as we discuss the Scripture passage from the sermon, how to apply it, and pray for one another.

  1. Should Christians be motivated in ministry by the reward(s) God promises? Why or why not?

  2. What materials (in terms of actions, attitudes, and motivations) are you using to build your life on the foundation of Christ?

  3. How can motives contribute to whether a person builds the church with permanent/valuable materials or temporary/cheap materials?

  4. What difference does it make that God judges Christians for the quality of their work, not the quantity? Also, why is it important He judges actions and motives?

  5. How will knowing that each person will be judged for his or her work help you fight against jealousy and rivalry?

  6. What does it mean to “belong to Christ” in verse 23? How does remembering our identity affect how we view human leaders?

  7. How does competition within the church reveal a lack of love? How does rivalry suggest a lack of love for both God and others?

  8. Considering what you learned in 1 Corinthians 3:10-23, how does God want your beliefs and actions to change? What practical steps will you take?