God has a building code when it comes to how we contribute to the construction of the local church. This was one of the Corinthians’ problems. They assumed natural and carnal thinking were relevant and helpful in the life of the local assembly. Paul faithfully corrected them and so left the Divine order on record for us.
The apostle pointed out there are two types of building materials–the enduring and the consumable. This will all be exposed and evaluated in a future day (1 Cor. 3:13). We are told this so we might, in anticipation of that day, make sure we are building with the quality, enduring materials described as gold, silver, and precious stones.
What materials are gold, silver and precious stones, and how can I know whether I am using them? A brief survey of the Bible tells us about certain qualities that are linked to gold, silver, and precious stones. Here are some of them:
Gold
Gold is linked prophetically to the Person of Christ (Song of Sol. 5:11, and in various pictures of the tabernacle). This would teach us that when our work is focused on exalting Him, we are using quality material in building.
Gold and silver are compared to faithfulness (Ps. 66:10; Job 23:10; 1 Pet. 1:7). Faithfulness in our tasks produces the kinds of material God can use. He tests us to prove us. Are you faithful in your duties, no matter how small? When we prove faithful in small tasks, He will enlarge our service. To seek large service before being proven in small service is not a spiritual approach, but a fleshly one.
There is also faithfulness under trial. These are the qualities needed in every believer. As you remain faithful, God is building into you a knowledge of Him that in turn will benefit others now or in the future (2 Cor. 1:4).
Silver
Silver was the mark of the servant, both his price and the expression of his submission (Ps. 68:30; Zech. 11:12-13). This should remind us that we are all servants; we are not our own. This should also remind us of Paul’s words to the Ephesians: “Submit yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (5:21). Try using a little silver in building up the church of God.
Silver is also linked to the Word of God (Ps. 12:6) The Word should be central in all assembly endeavors. There is no point in getting confused and distracted with complicated programs designed to generate a crowd if we do not make the Word the primary thing. When we present believer and unbeliever alike with the truth of the Scriptures, we accomplish great things, since the Scriptures have their own life and power, a power that can truly change people. Make the Bible the main thing in all your building.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Prov. 25:11). Speaking the truth in love is another quality material. Speaking the truth at the right level, in the right quantity, in the right way, at the right time takes spiritual discernment. The Lord knew how to speak to the “bruised reed” and to the “whited sepulcher” and His tone and language was not the same. Use some gold and silver words.
Precious Stones
Finally, precious stones are compared to a gift (Prov. 17:8). God’s gifts to His church are vital in building. It tells us we all have a duty and we are all needed. Exercise your gift. Encourage others in theirs. They will emerge as precious stones.
Building is not of the flesh, nor does it honor the flesh. Using the right materials builds a solid building and will stand the test in a future day. But notice the warning about inferior materials. Not only will they be burned up, but persistent use of materials that advance the flesh (thereby destroying the body) will bring about that same destruction to those who thus treat the church with such disdain (1 Cor. 3:17). His glory and our glory cannot exist side by side. Let His glory be shown! Use quality building material. It matters how we build.