1 Corinthians 3:1-12 And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ.… I. THE GRADUATING METHOD OF TEACHING (vers. 1, 2). Truth is to be administered with regard to the receptive powers of the student, just as the administration of bodily food must have regard to the digestive capacities of those who need it. Though men might live on milk, strong meat would kill children. There are truths in the gospel of such an elevated character, requiring so much intellect and culture to appreciate them, that to enforce them on the attention of mental and moral children would be positively to injure them. Christ practised this method of teaching. He had many things to say which His disciples could not bear. This method of teaching shows — 1. That a minister that may be useful to one class of men may be unprofitable to another. 2. The necessity of all who would enjoy the higher teaching to cultivate their mental and moral powers. II. THE CARNALITY OF CHURCHISMS (vers. 3, 4). By churchisms I mean sectarianisms, denominationalisms, &c. Paul says this is "carnal." Carnal because it engrosses the soul — 1. In the human rather than the Divine. 2. In the personal rather than in the universal. 3. In the selfish rather than in the self-denying. 4. In the transitory rather than in the permanent. III. THE UNITY OF ALL TRUE MINISTERS (vers. 5-8). 1. One, notwithstanding the diversity of talents and kinds of labour. 2. One in grand practical aim. What were they working for? The spiritual cultivation of mankind. One planting, another watering, &c. Different kinds of labour, but still one. 3. One in their connection with God. (1) Whilst all depended on God for success, God gave the "increase." (2) All were co-workers with Him. "Labourers together with God." 4. One in their ultimate reward (ver. 8). Each from the same God, each according to his work. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.WEB: Brothers, I couldn't speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. |
    |