📅 February 21: 1 Corinthians 3 - Building with Purpose, Pursuing Spiritual Maturity

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February 21: 1 Corinthians 3 - Building with Purpose, Pursuing Spiritual Maturity

Introduction
In this enlightening chapter, Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, confronting divisions and encouraging spiritual growth.

Spiritual Infancy and Divisions
Paul chides the Corinthians for their divisive, immature behavior. They’ve been squabbling over their preferred apostles (Paul or Apollos), suggesting a lack of understanding of the Gospel’s unity-centric message.
Key Verse: “For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?” (1 Corinthians 3:4)

The Builders and the Foundation
Paul uses metaphors to describe how God’s work is carried out. We are co-workers, building on the foundation of Jesus Christ; however, the quality of our work will be tested.
Key Verse: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)

Key Themes and Reflections
Unity: Christian service isn’t a competition; all work toward the same purpose, building on Christ’s foundation.
Reward and Judgment: The quality of our work as Christians will be revealed and evaluated for its lasting impact.

Today’s Application
In a world that promotes individual accomplishment, let’s remember our Christian call to unity. We’re all laborers in God’s field, responsible for cultivating growth, valuing each other’s contributions, and building on the foundation of Christ.

Hidden Gem
Did you know that the metaphor of fire testing our works (vs. 13) derives from ancient practices of testing metals for purity?

Reflective Q&A:
Why is unity crucial in the Church?
A: To witness the Gospel effectively, the Church must demonstrate love and unity that surpasses worldly divisions.

What does spiritual maturity look like?
A: It reflects deeper understanding of God’s Word, leading to a life aligned with Christ, free from unnecessary divisions and strife.

Join the Discussion:
Reflect on how you can contribute to unity in your church and community, and what it means to build on Christ.

See You Tomorrow in online Bible studies on 1 Corinthians 4 and 5:
Expect insights on honor and dishonor in ministry and confronting immorality in the church.

Remember, each of us is laying bricks in the grand, spiritual edifice called the Church. Let’s do so carefully, focusing on unity and the foundation: Jesus Christ.

[MAI]

1Corinthians 3
The important labour of the Truth is the spiritual building of Faith. But the Corinthian ecclesia was so affected by schisms and factions that they were unable to display the important elements of godliness and to build the ecclesia in a way beneficial to each member. The apostle appealed to their consideration of the need for spiritual development, and in the chapter before us, to reveal the benefits of faithful service. Notice the way in which the apostle uses important phrases: “Every man” (vv. 5, 8, 10, 13), then “any man” (vv. 12, 14, 15, 17, 18), and “no man” (vv. 18, 21). • So the apostle sets out the means to build the Temple of Faith, by ensuring that every individual is strengthened in understanding. He shows that leaders in the ecclesia are but fellow-workers with God, and should not exercise undue influence that might destroy the work being accomplished. It is, after all, God’s work (vv. 7-9). Each labourer has his own activity to undertake. There is only one foundation: that of Christ (v. 11), but we have the responsibility to build wisely thereupon. The approaching judgment will reveal the results of our efforts, whether of value or not. The divine building program will reveal the substance and the glory of the dwelling place of the Almighty, or show the fragile nature of the construction. In this, we are invited to be “labourers together with God” (v. 9). The word signifies, co-workers. The sense of the Greek is “God’s co-workers” and not necessarily with one another – although that is also a feature of our activity. The Corinthian brethren were united in that they were commonly employed by Him. But they were acting as though the co-working belonged to them. Paul disclaimed any such responsibility. It was God who would pay their wages! Paul set out the very important principles which apply to the building project. The testing process would be by fire. This is one of the three cleansing elements employed by the Spirit; the other two being Water and Blood (see Heb. 9:22). The water represents the moral cleansing by baptism and the Word understood and believed; the blood represents the ceremonial cleansing by sacrifice; the fire represents the physical cleansing by judgment. Gold, silver, precious stones will be saved by fire; wood, hay, stubble will be destroyed by fire. • The Truth establishes the quality of our work and what kind of builders we be. Shortly, our building project will be inspected by the Great Judge; then it will be seen whether we have been building effectively, or building sloppily. The chapter reveals: • [1] The Ecclesial Factions illustrated that they had not developed spiritual wisdom: vv. 1-4. • [2] Leaders are but fellow-workers for God: vv. 5-15. • [3] They are but Gifts to the Ecclesia: vv. 16-23. What a wonderful conclusion to this fascinating chapter: “Ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” Yahweh is Father of all, and therefore not subject to schisms and human attitudes. He is divine, consistent, honourable. — Logos