02-26-2026 PART 2: Jesus the Foundation, Jesus Our Life

Section 1

In 1 Corinthians 3:10–11, Paul reminds the church that by the grace of God he laid a foundation as an expert builder, and others built upon it. The emphasis is not on Paul’s brilliance but on God’s grace. Ministry success is never rooted in human talent; it flows from divine empowerment. Paul planted, Apollos watered, yet God gave the increase. No servant builds alone, and no servant builds for personal glory. The warning is clear: be careful how you build. Motives matter. Foundations matter. And there is only one true foundation—Jesus Christ. Everything in ministry must align with Him as the chief cornerstone, the reference point from which all else is measured.

Section 2

Paul’s declaration that no one can lay another foundation reinforces Christ’s absolute preeminence. Colossians 1:18 affirms that in all things He must have first place. Preeminence means supremacy, priority, and centrality. Jesus is not an accessory to life; He is life itself. When Paul writes, “Christ, who is my life,” he is describing identity, not hobby. The Christian faith is not a membership badge, a weekly ritual, or a denominational preference. It is union with the living Christ. Churches may differ in style, expression, and practice, yet what matters is whether Jesus remains the focus. When He is exalted, unity thrives. When personal ambition intrudes, foundation cracks appear.

Section 3

The call, then, is personal. Is Jesus truly our life? Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. The longing of Psalm 42—“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for You”—captures the heart posture believers must cultivate. Daily responsibilities and earthly pressures compete for priority, but eternity reframes importance. Fifty years from now, paid bills will not define joy; closeness with Christ will. The prayer is simple yet profound: light the fire of desire for You, Lord. Restore hunger. Deepen intimacy. When Jesus is the foundation and the focus, everything else finds its proper place. And if He is truly our life, the only fitting response is amen.