The Trial by Fire of Every Man's Work

"Now if any man builds upon this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest – for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." 1 Cor. 3:12,13 Paul preached a free-grace gospel. The sovereign, free, super-abounding grace of God, as revealed in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, was the joy of his heart and the theme of his tongue; and against nothing did the holy zeal that burned in his bosom flame forth more vehemently than against any perversion or adulteration of this pure gospel. It was with this gospel in his heart, and with this gospel in his mouth, that he went forth into different places, as he was led by the blessed Spirit, preaching Jesus Christ and salvation through His blood and righteousness. God owned his testimony; the Holy Spirit accompanied the word with divine power; and many Gentile sinners, formerly worshipers of idols, and abandoned to every lust, were brought to repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.

This was the "foundation" which he, as a wise master builder, instrumentally and ministerially laid as he speaks, "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation" 1Co 3:10.