 KINGDOM DYNAMICS |
|---|
| I Cor. 3:1-5 True spiritual growth requires the
Word of GOD, THE WORD OF GOD. In I Cor. 2:10 Paul begins to examine our need for the wisdom and revelation given by the Holy Spirit, and closely relates it with the fact that we have received the words "that the Spirit teaches" (2:13). Throughout these observations runs a frank confrontation with the carnality of the Corinthians, which he attributes to the fact that they had only superficially known the Word of GOD ("as yet you are not able" to receive choice food {solid food} 3:2; see also Heb. 5:12-15). The truth that this passage presents is that no amount of supposed wealth or spiritual experience reflects a genuine spiritual growth, if this knowledge is separated from our fundamental growth in the knowledge of the Word of GOD. Without this root in the Word, we can be deceived about our growth. This being rooted" in truth and love, and not only in a learned knowledge or in an achieved study. In order to experience true spiritual growth, we must dedicate time to reading the Word and separate ourselves from the impediments of rivalry, strife and the absence of love. (Psa. 119:105/John 14:21) J.W.H. |
I Cor. 3:5-9 Partners in GOD's Work (HBH) Paul and Apollos were not in competition with each other. They were partners in the work of GOD. One "planted" while another "watered". Each one did his part, but GOD brought about the growth (3:5-9).
I Cor. 3:9-17 You are the temple of GOD: The second metaphor also shows the relative insignificance of the religious leaders, but emphasizes their responsibility. The ministers are like builders with restricted permits to build only upon a determined foundation (verses 10,11). Originality in architecture comes down to the designer of the basic plan; thus as it occurs with the gospel, no human being is the author of the original revelation, but only GOD, through the wise plan of the Father, by means of the diligent obedience of the Son and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
I Cor. 3:10-23 Christ the Foundation (HBH) The foundation of the church was not the church leaders but Jesus Christ. Each person builds on this foundation. What is built may be something valuable or something worthless. Final evaluation of the value of one's work will be revealed at the day of judgment. Paul explained the condition for rewards (3:10-17) with appropriate warnings for leaders and followers (3:18-23).
I Cor. 3:12 In order to build upon the foundation of a building with strong materials (gold, silver, precious stones) it's necessary to teach healthy doctrine and live being faithful to the truth, and in that way lead converts toward spiritual maturity. Building with perishable materials (wood, hay, leaves) equals imparting inadequate and superficial teachings, or compromising the truth with a lifestyle that contradicts, or misses the mark when being put into practice.
I Cor. 3:13 The quality of each builder's work will be put to the proof the day of the LORD's return. Every leader will have to appear before the LORD Jesus Christ, the builder of the Church (Matt. 16:18; II Cor. 5:10; Heb. 13:17).
I Cor. 3:14 The reward isn't salvation, but a reward for faithfulness in service. The Scripture teaches that salvation is free.
I Cor. 3:15 The loss refers to the reward that this builder could have received, not to his salvation. As by fire: This person will have a difficult escape, like someone who, fleeing a burning building, loses all his possessions and only saves his life.
I Cor. 3:16 The building is identified as the temple of GOD, sanctified by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Here the temple of GOD is the local church. In 6:19 it is the Christian's body, and in Ephesians 2:20,21 it is the universal Church.
I Cor. 3:17 See section 1 of "Truth in Action" at the end of I Corinthians.
I Cor. 3:17 Paul doesn't specify how the temple of GOD, that is, the Church, can be destroyed. The phrase alludes to ruin through "corruption or seduction", which means that with that purpose all types of unworthy methods and ruins can be employed, whether they deal with false doctrines, pride, resentment or immorality. But Paul clarifies that whoever attempts to do so will find his own ruin.
I Cor. 3:18-20 The quotations of Job 5:13 and Psalm 94:11 should shame the Corinthians for bragging about the supposed wisdom of their religious leaders.
I Cor. 3:21-23 Here a definitive conclusion is offered against exclusivist sectarian thinking. Because all is yours: The apostles have been granted a privilege, not so for the Corinthians to serve them, but the inverse.. The calling is directed to all believers, so that they will understand that their leaders are of Christ (Eph. 4:7-11) and they shouldn't clash among themselves over those who have received them.
I Cor. 4:1-5 The third illustration presents the ministers as administrators in GOD's house, positioned between the owner and tenant, and encharged with the task of serving him. An administrator is fully in charge of the house and is responsible to the owner, who is the only one authorized to make the final decision. The administrator is expected to be faithful to offer the house to the family exactly as it has been entrusted to him. In the same way, ministers should faithfully present all of GOD's counsel.
I Cor. 4:1-21 Christian Leaders (HBH) Paul's warnings do not mean human leaders are unimportant. People are saved only by Christ, and there is no other basis for salvation. Church leaders build on the foundation. From this thought Paul appealed to the Corinthians to act on what he had written. The apostle emphasized both the responsibility of leaders (4:1-5) and the importance of their example (4:6-21). They were "entrusted with the secret things of GOD" (4:1). These secret things granted to these leaders are things that human wisdom cannot discover but can only be revealed by GOD to His people.
I Cor. 4:6-19 The Corinthians were vain, inflated with arrogance (verses 6,18,19). To make them humble, without rejecting them (v.14), Paul appeals to reason (verses 6,7); resorts to satire (verses 8-13); demonstrates tenderness (verses 14-16); or forcefulness (verses 17-21). In their pride the Corinthians arrogantly presumed about their right to receive those things, that in part had been promised for this life, but that will only be fully realized with the coming of the kingdom of Christ (v.8). They were extracting their values from the false standards and doctrinal fallacies born from the spirit of the age, forgetting that these values fall under the judgment of the cross of Christ. On the other hand, the apostles lived like fools from any other perspective than that of the faith of Christ. Paul's lifestyle appeared ridiculous in the eyes of the world (verses 9-13).
I Cor. 4:9 In comparison with the self-complacent airs of the Corinthians, Paul utilizes a vivid metaphor to describe the condition of the apostles. GOD has exhibited us the apostles as last, constitutes a sad analogy taken from the cruelties that were committed in the Roman coliseums. The apostles were like gladiators fighting to the death, or like criminals thrown to the lions, like the grand finale that was offered to the public in those spectacles.
I Cor. 4:15 I have begotten you: Due to the fact that Paul established the church, a special role as father in the life of this people belonged to him.
I Cor. 4:17 Timothy would prepare them for Paul's future visit (see 16:10,11).
I Cor. 4:20 See section 6 of "Truth in Action" at the end of I Corinthians.
I Cor. 4:20 The kingdom of GOD: The present kingdom of GOD in Christ through the life of the believers is supported by the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, who is the bearer of the authority that, if necessary, Paul can invoke.
I Cor. 3:5-9 The three examples Paul places the religious leaders of the Corinthians who boasted in a correct prospective (3:5-4:5). You are GOD's farming (KJV-husbandry): The first example, taken from agriculture, rejects the supposed superiority of any of them, and emphasizes that no one has motives for boasting but that GOD is the one who gives the growth. Individual recognition is appropriate to them, but in terms of goals and service they are one.
LITERARY RICHES
I Cor. 3:19 cunning (KJV-craftiness); panourgia; Strong #3834: fickle skill, astute craftiness, sophisticated wheedling, deceitful scheme, arrogant sagacity and sly arrogance. It is used only 5 times in the New Testament and refers to Satan's deception of Eve (II Cor. 11:3); to the Pharisees' attempt to entrap Jesus (Luke 20:23); to the deception of false teachers (Eph. 4:14); to the self-deceit of the wise of this world (I Cor. 3:19); and to the improper method of presenting the gospel (II Cor. 4:2).
Home
Site Index
Bible Index
Kingdom Dynamics
Truth in Action
Links 