Paul uses several metaphors in 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy to describe the importance of the church. He refers to the church as God's growing plant, God's workmanship, God's field, and God's building to emphasize that the church belongs to God and that believers work together under God's direction. Paul also calls the church the body of Christ, God's household, the church of the living God, and the pillar and support of the truth to highlight the church's role in supporting Christian faith and doctrine. Ultimately, Paul's metaphors portray believers as both collaborators in God's work and the project that God is molding in his image for his glory.