The true servants of Christ can do nothing (5–9)
without him.
He is the only foundation, and every one (10–15)
should take heed what he builds thereon.
The churches of Christ ought to be kept (16, 17)
pure, and to be humble.
And they should not glory in men, because (18–23)
ministers and all things else are theirs through
Christ.Verses 1–4
The most simple truths of the gospel, as to man's sinfulness and God's mercy, repentance towards
God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, stated in the plainest language, suit the people better than
deeper mysteries. Men may have much doctrinal knowledge, yet be mere beginners in the life of
faith and experience. Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of carnality. True
religion makes men peaceable, not contentious. But it is to be lamented, that many who should
walk as Christians, live and act too much like other men. Many professors, and preachers also,
show themselves to be yet carnal, by vain-glorious strife, eagerness for dispute, and readiness to
despise and speak evil of others.
Verses 5–9
The ministers about whom the Corinthians contended, were only instruments used by God. We
should not put ministers into the place of God. He that planteth and he that watereth are one,
employed by one Master, trusted with the same revelation, busied in one work, and engaged in one
design. They have their different gifts from one and the same Spirit, for the very same purposes;
and should carry on the same design heartily. Those who work hardest shall fare best. Those who
are most faithful shall have the greatest reward. They work together with God, in promoting the
purposes of his glory, and the salvation of precious souls; and He who knows their work, will take
care they do not labour in vain. They are employed in his husbandry and building; and He will
carefully look over them.
Verses 10–15
The apostle was a wise master-builder; but the grace of God made him such. Spiritual pride is
abominable; it is using the greatest favours of God, to feed our own vanity, and make idols of
ourselves. But let every man take heed; there may be bad building on a good foundation. Nothing
must be laid upon it, but what the foundation will bear, and what is of a piece with it. Let us not
dare to join a merely human or a carnal life with a Divine faith, the corruption of sin with the
profession of Christianity. Christ is a firm, abiding, and immovable Rock of ages, every way able
to bear all the weight that God himself or the sinner can lay upon him; neither is there salvation in
any other. Leave out the doctrine of his atonement, and there is no foundation for our hopes. But