1 Corinthians 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; It is — I. THE CHRISTIAN'S TEMPORARY LODGING PLACE UNTIL GOD TRANSLATES AIM TO A BETTER WORLD. This is the patriarchal view; they lived as pilgrims and strangers. II. THE CHRISTIAN'S LIBRARY. There are the books of nature — astronomy, geology, &c.; books of providence — history of nations, individuals — his own history. III. THE CHRISTIAN'S SPIRITUAL MART. He has much to do both with earth and heaven. He is one of Christ's agents for extending His cause and kingdom in this world. A Christian cannot be talkative; he has too much to do. IV. THE CHRISTIAN'S SCHOOL-ROOM. In this school he is taught, especially on the Lord's Day. Ministers are teachers. The Spirit instructs by the Word. Providence is a great teacher, so arc children. Christ placed a child in the midst of His disciples to teach them humility. He places sluggards under the tuition of the ant; and the ungrateful must take lessons from the ox and the ass. V. THE CHRISTIAN'S BATTLEFIELD. No battlefield in heaven, it is a palace; no battlefield in hell, it is a prison. This world to Christ was a battlefield. It is only in this world that Christians have to "fight the good fight of faith." VI. THE CHRISTIAN'S PLACE FOR MORAL CLEANSING AND ADORNMENT. He who has to stand in the presence of God and the Lamb, must be washed and properly dressed. Priests, Levites, washed in the laver outside the holy place, were robed and dressed before officiating in the presence of God. "Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people." There are no means of saving, justifying, and cleansing sinners, but in this world. VII. THE CHRISTIAN'S ROAD TO HEAVEN. Two roads in this world — the broad road leading to destruction, the narrow way that leads to life everlasting. Let us fear lest we should miss the way. Alongside the Christian's way there flows the river of life; be constantly drinking its waters, and rejoicing you will go on your way to the heavenly world. (J. Robertson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; |
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