Part 3: God-Centered Strength

Paul was a master of mixing metaphors. Pastor Mark began this short series two weeks ago with 1 Cor. 3:1-9, where Paul compares the church to a field. Pastor Mark exhorted us to sow and water faithfully, remembering that it is God who gives growth. Then in verses 10-17, Paul switches to a new metaphor: the church is a building. Pastor Brad preached that section last Sunday, pointing out that if the church is to be built to last, then Jesus must be our foundation, our message, and our motivation. There are different types of building materials, and not all are quality and lasting. Likewise, there are different types of growth. As we seek to plant Grace Church and continue spiritual growth at IBC, what attitudes are needed for solid building and healthy growing? That will be our subject in today’s passage. In short, we need to maintain a radical God-centeredness.