Growing in Faith: Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”

In chapters 1 and 2 Paul focused on the power and message of the cross, and the contrast in wisdom of this world and that which came from God. Now Paul looks at God’s messengers, to look rightly at what to means to have our identity in Christ and how that should shape our ministry for the Kingdom.

Paul begins by addressing the disunity and division in the church at Corinth, which was a reflection of their spiritual immaturity. And so, he says to them, I couldn’t address you as spiritually mature even now because of the way you display jealousy and quarreling among each other.

Self-Reflection: Take a moment and reflect on your spiritual journey, is growth evident to you? The way you understand and apply things from God’s word today that you might not have done years ago or even weeks ago either. Be cautious in not allowing yourself to be satisfied with coasting spiritually but be intentional about continually growing and deepening your walk with God.

As Paul continues, he urges them to think about each other as fellow workers of Christ. He gives two analogies of the church being God’s field and building. 1 Cor 3: 9 “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

When a farmer plants a seed, and waters it, he really does not make it grow. God makes it happen. All the farmer can do is provide the right environment for growth, and trust in the miracle of life. We do the same thing as we share Jesus with other people. We truly cannot accomplish anything without Him. What a privilege that we get to be a part of His kingdom work and while we work with Him, He does a work in us. Each of us have our role; one plants, and one waters. In combating the Corinthian desire to divide among leaders, Paul reminds them they are all on the same team. The fact is planters and waterers are both necessary, both need each other, and both are working towards the same goal.

Paul then reminds them that there is only one foundation for the church and that is Christ. It is on that foundation that we build, and we are to be careful how we build for what we build with, will be tested.

1 Cor 3:13-15 “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. 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.”

We are to build with things that stand the test of the purification fire. Store up treasures in heaven, living with an eternal mindset. The gold, silver, and precious stones represent the works that we do in this life that have eternal, lasting value. The wood, hay, and straw doesn’t represent bad things. Rather they simply represent things that don’t have lasting value. They aren’t necessarily bad, but neither are they productive or useful in God’s kingdom.

Self-reflection: God will test our works. It is a sobering thought; it compels one to not waste time and opportunity God has given us. Urges one to be very intentional in our day to day, living out our faith and calling. What does it look like practically for us – to go beyond comfort and convenience and be what God needs you to be in that particular instance – is it practical help, emotional support, to be a prayer warrior, parent to your children at every and any stage of their life, mentor, teach/correct, encourager, or just be a witness not necessarily with words but by your quiet actions that speak of your faith.

Paul then reminds them of their identity of being unified with Christ and what that means collectively as a body of believers. 1 Cor 3:16-17 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”

Here the temple of God is not necessarily only referring to one individual, but the collective body of Christ. It is a recognition of the important position every believer has as a part of God’s temple. It is a motivation to live worthily of such a position. And it is a warning not to do anything that would hurt it, or we will face the consequences from God.

This chapter closes with Paul emphasising that each one of us are of Christ. Each one of us who have placed our faith in Him are united with Him and are of Him.

As Paul addressed the Corinthian church’s immaturity and division, urging their growth in faith. He emphasises unity in Christ’s ministry, viewing each other as co-workers in God’s service, and the importance of building with eternal impact, with Christ as the foundation.

God Bless.