3 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,
3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?
5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.
9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.
11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—
13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.
20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours,
22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours,
23 and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
The True Meaning of 1 Corinthians 3
The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, Paul became a zealous missionary, spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Paul addresses the divisions and factions that had arisen within the Corinthian church in this chapter. He reminds the believers that they are all part of God’s temple, built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. However, he warns them against building with inferior materials that will not withstand the test of God’s judgment. The chapter also touches on the role of Christian leaders and the importance of unity within the body of Christ. As we delve into this passage, Paul echoes the words of Jesus, who emphasized the unity of his followers and the need to build their lives on the solid rock of his teachings (Matthew 7:24-27). We will also explore the concept of spiritual maturity and the responsibility that comes with being a leader in the church.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
The apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, expressing his disappointment and concern about their spiritual immaturity. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a deeper understanding. Paul starts by addressing the Corinthians as “brothers and sisters” in verse 1, showing his affection towards them despite their shortcomings. He acknowledges that he couldn’t address them as spiritual but as worldly, as infants in Christ. Paul is highlighting the fact that the Corinthians are not mature in their faith; they are still focused on worldly ways and have not progressed as they should in their spiritual journey.
Moving on to verse 2, Paul explains the reason for their spiritual immaturity. He mentions that he had to feed them with milk, not solid food because they were not ready for it. This metaphor of milk and solid food is often used in the Bible to describe the progression of faith from initial stages to a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. The Corinthians were still at a basic level of understanding and were not ready for the deeper teachings of the faith. Paul points out the evidence of their spiritual immaturity in verse 3, which is jealousy and quarreling among them. Instead of displaying the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, and peace, they were engaging in divisive behavior, showing that they were more concerned with their own status and personal agendas rather than seeking unity and spiritual growth as a community.
Finally, in verse 4, Paul expresses his disappointment in their behavior by asking, “For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?” The Corinthians were dividing themselves based on their allegiance to different leaders like Paul and Apollos, which led to tribalism and a lack of unity within the church. This behavior was contrary to the teachings of Christ, who emphasized the importance of unity among believers. This passage from 1 Corinthians 3 serves as a reminder to all Christians about the importance of spiritual maturity, unity, and focusing on the core teachings of Christ rather than getting caught up in worldly divisions and distractions. It highlights the need for believers to progress in their faith, moving from a basic understanding to a deeper relationship with God and living out the values of the Kingdom.
To further understand the significance of spiritual maturity and unity in the body of Christ, we can look at verses like Ephesians 4:13-14, which talk about growing in faith to attain unity and maturity as believers. Additionally, passages such as Romans 14:19 emphasize the importance of pursuing what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding among believers, rather than being divided over non-essential matters. These verses echo the message of 1 Corinthians 3 and emphasize the timeless importance of spiritual growth, unity, and love within the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
The verse in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 can be broken down into a few key sections. Firstly, Paul starts by addressing the Corinthians, reminding them that neither he nor Apollos should be given credit for their faith, as it is ultimately God who works in and through them. This serves to deflect any potential division among the believers who may have been favoring one preacher over another. Paul emphasizes that their faith should rest on God alone, who is the one responsible for their growth and spiritual development.
This section of the verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and surrender to God in all aspects of our lives. It’s easy for us as humans to put our faith in people, be it pastors, friends, or family members, but ultimately, our faith should be in God alone. Paul’s teaching here underscores the apostles’ role as servants of God given to build up the church, not to be idolized or followed as the sole source of faith.
Additionally, when Paul mentions planting and watering in verse 6, he alludes to the labor involved in spreading the Gospel and nurturing believers in their faith. This imagery of planting and watering draws from the agricultural practices of the time and underscores the gradual nature of spiritual growth. Paul recognizes that different individuals play different roles in the growth of the church, some planting seeds of faith while others water and nurture it. However, the true growth comes from God, who gives the increase.
This analogy of planting and watering is not unique to this passage. Jesus speaks of different types of soil where the seed (the Word of God) falls in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23. Some land on fruitful soil and produce a harvest, some are choked by thorns, while some fall on rocky ground. This parable emphasizes the importance of the condition of one’s heart in receiving God’s Word and the role of those spreading the message in fostering growth.
When Paul mentions that he and Apollos are co-workers with God and that believers are God’s field and building in verse 9, he reinforces the cooperative nature of ministry and spiritual growth. Just as farmers and builders work alongside God in their respective tasks, so too do preachers and believers work alongside God in the growth and edification of the church. This partnership emphasizes the relational aspect of faith and ministry, where God invites us to join Him in His redemptive work in the world. Believers reflecting on these verses in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 are reminded of the interconnectedness in building up the church and the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate source of their faith and growth. The imagery of planting, watering, and building serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding the collaborative effort involved in spreading the Gospel and nurturing believers. These verses ultimately encourage us to remain humble, cooperative, and reliant on God in all aspects of our faith and ministry.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Several key sections in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 can be broken down to understand its deeper meaning. Let’s first examine these sections individually and then explore the implications of this passage in the broader context of Corinthians. I laid a foundation as a wise builder by the grace God has given me, starting with verse 10, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. The Apostle Paul is using the metaphor of a master builder laying a foundation for a building in this section. Paul considers himself to be the wise builder who has laid down the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ for the Corinthian church. The emphasis here is on the importance of building on this foundation with care and wisdom. This serves as a reminder to the Corinthians, and to us, that our faith is built on the foundation of Christ, and how we continue to build upon it matters greatly.
Moving on to verses 11 and 12, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” Here, Paul stresses the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith. This foundation is unchanging and irreplaceable. The metaphor of building with different materials signifies the varying ways people contribute to the growth of the church and their spiritual lives. When the work is tested by fire, it symbolizes a judgment that will reveal the true nature and quality of our actions in serving God.
Continuing with verses 13 and 14, “If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” These verses speak to the consequences of how we build upon the foundation of Christ. If our works are of lasting value (gold, silver, costly stones), we will be rewarded. However, if our works are of poor quality (wood, hay, straw), they will be consumed, yet the individual will still be saved. This emphasizes the grace of God in salvation, but also the accountability believers have in their service and stewardship of what God has given them.
Lastly, in verse 15, “If anyone’s work is burned up, they will suffer loss, but they themselves will be saved, but only as through fire.” This verse reaffirms the previous point that while salvation is secure for those who have faith in Christ, there are consequences for how we live out our faith. Our actions and contributions to the Kingdom will be tested and evaluated, and though we may experience loss if our works are found lacking, our salvation is not at stake. This passage underscores the importance of building our lives and the church on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ in the broader context of Corinthians. It challenges believers to be intentional and thoughtful in how they contribute to the growth of the Kingdom, reminding them that their actions have eternal significance. This passage aligns with other biblical teachings on stewardship, such as in Matthew 25:14-30 where Jesus tells the parable of the talents, highlighting the importance of using our gifts and resources wisely for God’s glory. Believers have a powerful reminder in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 of the accountability they have in how they build upon the foundation of Christ and the eternal impact of their works. It encourages us to strive for excellence in our service to God and to be mindful of the quality of our contributions to the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Let’s break down 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 into its important sections. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”
2. “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Paul in the first section is addressing the Corinthian believers, reminding them of a profound spiritual truth – that they are God’s temple and His Spirit dwells in them. This concept isn’t new in the Bible. God’s presence resided in the Tabernacle in the Old Testament and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. With the coming of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, believers are now individual temples where God’s Spirit dwells. This shift signifies a more intimate relationship with God, where His presence is not confined to a physical structure but inhabits the hearts of His people.
Paul’s use of the term “temple” carries significant weight. The temple in the Old Testament was the central place of worship, where God’s glory dwelt among His people. Paul emphasizes the sacredness and holiness of the Christian’s body by likening believers to God’s temple. Just as the physical temple was to be treated with reverence, care, and purity, believers are called to honor God with their bodies and keep themselves holy. This mirrors the teachings in Leviticus 19:2 where God instructs His people to be holy because He is holy.
Moving on to the second section, Paul issues a stern warning to those who would harm God’s temple – be it physically or spiritually. The consequences for defiling the temple of God are severe, as God Himself will bring destruction upon the offender. This underscores the seriousness of how we treat our bodies, which are meant to be vessels of honor for God’s Spirit. Just as the physical temple in the Old Testament was to be protected and preserved, so too should believers guard their hearts, minds, and bodies against anything that would defile or corrupt them.
This passage serves as a reminder to believers of their identity and purpose. We, as temples of the living God, are called to live in a manner that reflects His holiness and righteousness. Our bodies are not our own; they belong to God, and we are accountable for how we steward and maintain them. This verse challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that we are honoring God in all that we do, knowing that His Spirit resides within us. The implications of this teaching extend beyond the Corinthian church to all believers, urging them to live in a way that glorifies God in both their actions and their attitudes.
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
- Breakdown of the Verse:
1 Corinthians 3:18-23 (NIV):
18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. The Lord catches the wise in their craftiness.” 21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
- Paul warns the Corinthians in this verse not to be deceived by the false wisdom of the world. He challenges them to embrace what the world sees as foolishness, which is the wisdom that comes from God. This concept is a recurring theme in Paul’s letters, where he contrasts the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world. It’s a call to humility, reminding the Corinthians that true wisdom comes from God and not from the standards of the world. This message is timeless and reminds us to rely on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding.
Verse 19-20:
Paul reinforces his point by quoting from the Old Testament (Job 5:13 and Psalm 94:11) to show that the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God. This emphasizes the divine perspective on human wisdom and knowledge. It echoes Psalm 14:1, where it says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” This serves as a reminder that true wisdom is found in acknowledging and following God’s ways, not the ways of the world.
Verse 21-23:
Paul shifts the focus from worldly wisdom to human boasting about leaders. He mentions Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (Peter) as examples of leaders that the Corinthians were boasting about and causing division. Paul reminds them that they should not elevate human leaders to the point of division because all things belong to believers. Whether it’s leaders, the world, life, death, the present, or the future, everything is ultimately under God’s sovereign control. This passage emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of the human leaders they follow. It echoes the sentiment from earlier in 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, where Paul addresses the issue of divisions caused by following different leaders. This passage reminds believers of the importance of humility, wisdom in God’s eyes, and unity. It challenges us to reevaluate where we seek wisdom and to focus on God’s perspective rather than the world’s standards. Additionally, it emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ, transcending any human divisions or allegiances. This message is crucial for the church to maintain its focus on Christ and avoid being swayed by worldly wisdom or human leaders. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 addresses the themes of wisdom, humility, unity, and the centrality of Christ in the life of believers in a profound way. It provides timeless lessons that are relevant for Christians today, urging us to seek God’s wisdom above all else, to maintain humility in our interactions, and to prioritize unity in the body of Christ.
After 1 Corinthians 3
The apostle Paul had planted the seeds of faith in Corinth, but the church had become divided. Some followed Paul, others Apollos, and still others Cephas. Paul reminded them that he and the other leaders were merely servants, and it was God who made their work fruitful.
The true foundation of the church is Jesus Christ. Each person must be careful how they build upon that foundation. Some will build with gold, silver, and precious stones, while others will use wood, hay, and straw. On the day of judgment, the quality of each person’s work will be revealed. Those who have built wisely will be rewarded, while those who have built poorly will suffer loss.
The reverend paused, considering the weighty words of the apostle. The church in Corinth had been led astray, more focused on human leaders than on Christ. He knew the congregation needed to hear a message of unity and faithfulness as he prepared to share the next passage. Only by keeping their eyes fixed on the true foundation would they be able to stand firm in the face of division and temptation.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.