Notes On 1 Corinthians 3.9.

by Belton, C. | Category: General | Aug 1950

The two lines of thought that are presented by the figures the apostle uses here have a direct application to the assembly of God; although the imagery may also have a wider bearing on the whole Community.

Obviously with the "husbandry" are connected the processes of "planting," "watering," and " increase" ; and with the" building" or " temple " those of " foundation-laying," " building " (erection), "marring," and "destroying."

As in 1 Peter 2.5, where the "living stones . . . . built up a spiritual house" are also the "holy priesthood" officiating therein, so here we have the same transference of thought for planting, plants, and planters; building, materials, and builders; alike picture the saints from various aspects; individuals or companies; actively or passively.

In the figure of the "husbandry" (tilled, or cultivated land), the active principle of life is presented; that which enables the plants to grow, increase, and bear fruit, each after its kind.

The "building" gives us a different view. The "gold, silver, and precious stones," materials for the erection and beautifying of the "temple of God," are seen as the passive subjects of external agencies; their growth, as in Ephesians 2., not being the result of any internal force; but dependent upon being "builded," and being fitly framed together," not on vitalisation, but on accumulation.

Referring to the inception of the assembly in Corinth, the apostle says, "I planted." Notice it is not "sowed." The seed had been sown; but "planting" takes for granted that generation-

"quickening" has already taken place, and some measure of growth, in greater or lesser degree, has been manifested. The plants owe their position in the "tillage" as having been afore prepared of God with heavenly vitality and energy that equip them for the spiritual advancement that is looked for by the "Husbandman."

Although God has been pleased to use fallible human agency in sowing, planting, watering, and so forth, yet He has entirely reserved to Himself the power to give life to~the seed, and increase to the plant.

In the purpose of the Great Husbandman, the whole "tillage" is intended to be a vigorous scene of beauteous life and fruitfulness:

a delectable garden for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to rejoice over. Another side of the divine purpose is seen in the "building."

The assembly is viewed as a place of worship, service, and testimony, as expressed by the denomination, "temple of God." The Great Architect of the universe is Himself the Author of its plan; and He, in the wonder of His grace, called its builders "fellow-workers." It must always be remembered, however, that, "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it."

In His specifications, the Scriptures, He has prescribed the Foundation to be laid, described the materials to be used, and circumscribed the whole method of construction by rules of Ths own formulating.

As in the case of the "husbandry" the plants have undergone certain preliminary processes before planting, so it is with regard to the "building." The materials require preparatory treatment prior to being built upon the only Foundation, which is Christ. Quarrying, mining, cutting, dressing, refining, beating, are all necessary processes, before the precious stones and metals can occupy the place in the Sanctuary that the Master-builder has destined for them. Every whit of it, like the Temple of old, should say, "Glory"!

As we have already said, it is a great wonder to us that God, in bringing into being something that is to be of and for Himself, should engage for such work frail human creatures, albeit He has redeemed and regenerated them; but the wonder of His sovereign grace is vastly intensified when we realize that it is possible for the work to be marred and brought to naught by that same human instrumentality. The temple of God may be destroyed, the garden of God laid waste by men deluded by the "wiles of the Devil."

It is a saddening possibility that plants that have known generation from above, have known some measure of divine preparation, and have been planted, may yet wither and die, as far as their fruitfulness is eoncerned. It may be by ill response to tending, or it may be because those who should be God's fellow-workers, by misdirected labour, or neglect, bring about the same effect: or it may be by the Adversary introducing, from outside, weeds from his own waste-land, the world; checking and choking growth; or the fences may be broken down, and the wolves of discord and destructive heresies may molest the "tillage." Thus, when the Husbandman shall look for goodly fruits, He may find, alas, only a desolate waste of thorns and thistles, "whose end is to be burned " (Hebrews 6.7 and 8).

Take again the allegory of the "building." The true Foundation may have been laid: only divinely prepared stones and metals may have been used in its construction, and all emplaced and maintained according to the God-given pattern; then the building indeed becomes a sanctuary of God." To him it is a thing of beauty and a joy for ever.

The good Foundation having been laid, the genuine materials to hand may be misplaced or discarded by those who should build with and for God, by misreading, or wilfully distorting His plan and instructions. The would-be builders may also pile thereon the most unsuitable materials for a stable structure, such as "wood, hay, and stubble," which may be plentiful, easy of acquirement, and appear to show good results for the effort expended in their gathering, that is, in "Man's Day" (see 1 Corinthians 4.3); but will leave nothing that will stand to the credit of the builders, when the fierce fire of God's testing "shall prove each man's work of what sort it is."

From without, Satan may cunningly infiltrate his workmen. These, disguised as ministers of righteousness," can be very busy in the work of marring the edifice, by introducing into its fabric, rough, unhewn, undressed boulders from the catastrophic debris-heap of human depravity; discordant elements, that must only weaken, and eventually destroy, the stability of the Temple.

In early days the "enemy" combined with these subtle methods the open assault against the "building," by stirring up popular prejudices and the jealous antagonism of the ruling powers; and so he sought to destroy the "temple of God "by bitter and prolonged persecutions; and it may be possible that, if the Lord's coming does not frustrate his workings, he may resort to force again to accomplish his designs.

Thus, by internal efforts at disintegration, and external attempts at demolition, the implacable hater of God and all that is Ths seeks ever to break down and scatter, by his human tools, that ~hich the fellow-workers of God endeavour to gather and build: but woe to the destroyers, his demon hosts and human dupes, when the Lord of Hosts shall arise in His wrath to mar and destroy! and who then shall escape? "For our God is a consuming fire."

"To God and the Word of His grace"! "Watch and pray." "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil with all prayer." "For we are not ignorant of his devices."

Thanks be to our God: He has not left us in ignorance and helpless impotence to contend with our ruthless foe.

Planted in the "tilled land" of God, are we growing "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3.18), growing up "in all things into Him"?

Our works and ways, if brought into the light of His word will be revealed to us now in their true character, whether they are of God, or otherwise.

Are we as gardeners and builders working for God? His word is the only criterion for us now.

Men may say, "What a lovely show you have made in the garden!" "What a goodly pile you have helped to raise!" But will it stand the test of His Word NOW? If it does not, it certainly will not in the searchlight of the Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ;

and that is what matters!

Maranatha!

<Author:C. BELTON>

Belton, C. | Aug 1950
General