1 Corinthians 3:4-8 For while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?… I. THIS MAY RE ARGUED FROM — 1. The condition of all mankind by nature, viz., dead in trespasses and sins, and therefore moral suasion or education can never reach the evil. 2. The change which is contemplated, which is nothing less than to create man anew, to implant new principles into his soul. 3. The statements of Scripture itself. "Neither is he that planteth anything," &c. 4. The history of the Church in every succeeding age. II. BUT THE LORD AND GIVER OF LIFE ordinarily works by human instrumentality. Would not the husbandman tempt God's providence if he should say, "I need not sow or culture the ground, for I have no power to cause the seed to grow, and therefore I will remain quiet, and leave it to God"? Would he not justly be left without a harvest and suffer for his own folly and madness? And so will it be in grace. Therefore, it is ours to use the means, while we remember that conversion is generally attributable to the Word of God. How fearful, then, the responsibility which attaches to the preaching and hearing of God's holy Word! Conclusion: The subject teaches us — 1. That we should regard all human instrumentality in its proper place. 2. That the Word of God, spite of all the opposition that may be made to it by ungodly men, will be the grand instrument of the renovation of our fallen world. 3. That to God we are to ascribe all the praise and all the glory. (J. Haslegrave, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?WEB: For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly? |
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