OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
Paul continues to deal with the problem of division in this chapter. Its seriousness is seen in its carnality, which prevented Paul from being able to speak as to spiritually mature people (1-4).
To help them see the folly of exalting preachers over each another, Paul shows their relation to one other and to their work, which is building the temple of God (5-17). To the warning not to defile the temple of God, Paul adds another not to glory in the wisdom of this world nor in men (18-23).
- To see the proper place of preachers and teachers in relation to their work.
- To appreciate God's view of the church as the temple of God.
SUMMARY (Adapted from Dextor Sammons)
Paul continues to deal with the problem of division in this chapter. Its seriousness is seen in its carnality, which prevented Paul from being able to speak as to spiritually mature people (1-4).
To help them see the folly of exalting preachers over each another, Paul shows their relation to one other and to their work, which is building the temple of God (5-17). To the warning not to defile the temple of God, Paul adds another not to glory in the wisdom of this world nor in men (18-23).
1 Corinthians 3 (Audio) |
MAIN POINTS
I. THE CARNAL NATURE OF DIVISION (1-4)
A. CARNAL CHRISTIANS AT CORINTH (1-2)
B. EVIDENCE OF THEIR CARNALITY (3-4)
I. THE CARNAL NATURE OF DIVISION (1-4)
A. CARNAL CHRISTIANS AT CORINTH (1-2)
- Prevented Paul from speaking to them as to spiritual people (1a)
- Their carnality indicated they were still babes in Christ, unable to receive solid food (1b-2)
B. EVIDENCE OF THEIR CARNALITY (3-4)
- The envy, strife, and divisions among them (3)
- As expressed in their calling themselves after men (4)
II. RELATION OF PREACHERS TO THEIR WORK (5-17)
A. PREACHERS ARE SERVANTS, USED BY GOD (5-7)
B. THEIR RELATION TO ONE ANOTHER AND THEIR WORK (8-17)
b. Building on the foundation, using various materials to be tested at the Last Day (12-15)
A. PREACHERS ARE SERVANTS, USED BY GOD (5-7)
- Ministers given the opportunity to serve God in various ways (5-6a)
- But it is God who gives the increase (6b-7)
B. THEIR RELATION TO ONE ANOTHER AND THEIR WORK (8-17)
- United in their work, though their labor and rewards may differ (8)
- Fellow workers with God, they work on God's building
b. Building on the foundation, using various materials to be tested at the Last Day (12-15)
- A strong warning, since this building is the temple of God and indwelt by the Spirit (16-17)
III. AVOID GLORYING IN WORLDLY WISDOM OR MEN (18-23)
A. REASONS NOT TO GLORY IN WORLDLY WISDOM (18-20)
B. REASONS NOT TO GLORY IN MEN (21-23)
A. REASONS NOT TO GLORY IN WORLDLY WISDOM (18-20)
- You will only deceive yourself (18)
- The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (19-20)
B. REASONS NOT TO GLORY IN MEN (21-23)
- All things (including men) are yours (21-22)
- You are Christ's, and Christ is God's (23)
