PAUL'S CHALLENGE TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH - TO LIVE AS TRUE CHRISTIANS
- Key Verse
- "For you are still influenced by the flesh. For since there is still jealousy and dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like unregenerate people?" (1 Corinthians 3:3)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Paul was essentially saying that these Corinthians need to be living a life that is in pursuit of spiritual maturity.
Reflections
Paul wrote this letter in response to the divisions in the church at Corinth. Paul describes how the Corinthians were trusting more in man's wisdom than God's wisdom. Instead of acting as sanctified believers, Paul explicitly points out that they are still acting as “babes in Christ” (3:1-4). They, of course, started as “babes in Christ" when Paul met them. But Paul is now hearing reports about Church divisions. It is evident that they have not been growing and living as sanctified believers should. They are not behaving as though they are true believers, as a result of trusting in the wisdom of man and not trusting in the wisdom of God.Another problem for the Corinthians was that they did not have a correct understanding of Christian ministry. The Corinthians believed that the way they would grow would be to latch onto certain teachers and give them prominence. This inevitably led to division. They discussed “What is Apollos, really? Or what is Paul?” (or in current times) What is Piper, really? Or What is Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Swindoll, Warren, Brandenburg?
Paul corrects the Corinthians by teaching them to hear the Word coming from God through His servants. Not as coming from great philosophers, as their culture would teach them.
Paul explains in an analogy which depicts Paul and Apollos as farmers doing what God asks of them in a joint effort. But, Paul asks, is it Paul and Apollos who make the plants grow? Of course not! Paul is emphasizing that Christian ministers are co-laborers of God, and it is God alone that makes growth happen. The appropriate response is to give God prominence.
Discussion Questions
1. Who are your favorite preachers, teachers, or spiritual leaders?2. Are you giving prominence to said individuals, instead of God, when it comes to your spiritual growth?
3. If so, how could you change that?
4. Why do we give prominence to people in our own culture?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of .
Reta
April 19, 2010 09:38 AM
Thanks Toby for the good reminder this morning. We like the Israelites, and like the Corinthians can get so caught up in our desire to highlight a personality or leader that we are led astray from following the one true God. May we always remember who the true Leader and Builder of all things is. Hope the search for something in Wisconsin proves fruitful for you and Joanna.
Gary Brandenburg
April 19, 2010 09:59 AM
Thanks for being a faithful farmer Toby. May God give the increase.
Mike Heinz
April 19, 2010 10:48 AM
Good stuff, Thomack! It's easier to have faith in what you can see. I'm praying that I will give prominence to God above and beyond any teacher or philosopher. Thanks, man!
rachel gupton
November 7, 2010 02:41 AM
i know you from grade school in manawa, please contact me back i would love to chat with you. im glad to see your doing very well i use to live in houston too anyways hope tp hear from u soon ;)
Wayne Tripp
November 10, 2010 02:09 PM
I was impressed by your Resume... I like your web site.You are a gifted Bible based,Christ-centered man of God. If it is the Lord's will for you to come to First Reformed Church of Oostburg, Wisconsin;I will be very pleased to serve the Lord with you. My position is described as the Calling Pastor. Greet your wife for Donna and myself; and hope to see you Saturdy. Yours in Christ , Wayne Tripp