1 Corinthians 3
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul points out divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, emphasizing that true Christian growth belongs only to God. Paul introduces the church’s leaders and workers as God’s co-workers, and explains their roles and responsibilities within the community, as well as the process of spiritual growth.
1verseBrothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ.
2verseI fed you with milk, not with solid food, for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, you aren’t ready even now,
3versefor you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren’t you fleshly, and don’t you walk in the ways of men?
4verseFor when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you fleshly?
5verseWho then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed, and each as the Lord gave to him?
6verseI planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.
7verseSo then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
8verseNow he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9verseFor we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s farming, God’s building.
10verseAccording to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.
11verseFor no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12verseBut if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,
13verseeach man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is.
14verseIf any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.
15verseIf any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.
16verseDon’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?
17verseIf anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are.
18verseLet no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool that he may become wise.
19verseFor the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He has taken the wise in their craftiness.”
20verseAnd again, “The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless.”
21verseTherefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours,
22versewhether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. All are yours,
23verseand you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
Structure and Flow of the Chapter
- Verses 1-4: Paul says that the Corinthians are still like spiritual infants, and addresses the problem of disputes centered on people.
- Verses 5-9: Paul explains that workers such as Paul and Apollos have different roles, and that the source of all growth is God. Workers are only tools.
- Verses 10-15: Paul uses a metaphor, saying that each worker and believer builds the church building with different materials, and that each person’s work is tested by fire.
- Verses 16-17: He reminds the faith community that it is God’s temple, and warns those who defile the temple.
- Verses 18-23: He concludes by emphasizing that we should abandon human wisdom and boasting, declaring that everything belongs to all within Christ.
Key Message and Meaning
In this chapter, Paul addresses the problem of division that comes from wanting to follow people, and makes it clear that the true owner of the church is God. He says that each person should faithfully carry out their assigned role, without boasting or competing, and that we must give all glory for everything to God. He also emphasizes that since the community of faith is God’s temple, we must treat one another as precious and build each other up appropriately.
Points for Reflection
- In my faith life, am I relying on God more than on people?
- How do I view others in the community I belong to?
- I can examine whether the motivation behind my service and ministry truly comes from God.
Apply It to Me
- Let’s make an effort to look at the church, the community, and even ourselves from God’s perspective.
- Let’s reflect on what kind of materials and what kind of foundation my “house of life” that I am building right now is being built upon.
- Rather than following people or comparing myself with others, let’s commit ourselves to a life that walks with God alone.
