Spiritual Immaturity
Paul begins by addressing the Corinthians as infants in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1), highlighting their need for spiritual growth. He contrasts spiritual milk with solid food, emphasizing the importance of maturing in faith.

Worldly Behavior
The presence of jealousy and strife (1 Corinthians 3:3) among the Corinthians is a sign of their worldly behavior. Paul calls them to rise above these divisions and live according to the Spirit.

Unity in Christ
Paul reminds the Corinthians that both he and Apollos are merely servants through whom they believed (1 Corinthians 3:5). The focus should be on God, who gives the growth, rather than on human leaders.

Foundation in Christ
Paul emphasizes that no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). Our faith and works must be built upon this solid foundation.

Judgment of Works
The quality of each person's work will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:13). This serves as a reminder to build with materials that will endure, such as faith, hope, and love.

Temple of God
Believers are collectively God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in them (1 Corinthians 3:16). This underscores the importance of holiness and unity within the church.Pursue Spiritual Growth
Commit to regular Bible study and prayer to move from spiritual infancy to maturity.

Promote Unity
Actively work to resolve conflicts and avoid divisions within your church community.

Focus on Christ
Keep your eyes on Jesus as the foundation of your faith, rather than on human leaders or traditions.

Evaluate Your Works
Reflect on your actions and contributions to the church. Are they built on lasting values?

Honor the Church
Treat your fellow believers with respect and love, recognizing that together you form the temple of God.1. Paul
Paul is the author of 1 Corinthians and is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:4-5. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ and a foundational figure in the early Christian church. In this chapter, Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church, emphasizing that he and Apollos are merely servants through whom the Corinthians came to believe. The Greek word used for "servant" is "διάκονος" (diakonos), which implies a role of service and ministry.

2. Apollos
Apollos is mentioned alongside Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:4-6. He is another prominent teacher in the early church, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. Paul uses Apollos as an example to illustrate that both he and Apollos are merely instruments in God's work, with God being the one who causes growth. The emphasis is on God’s role rather than the human leaders.

3. God
God is central to the message of 1 Corinthians 3, particularly in verses 6-7, where Paul states, "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." The Greek word for "God" is "θεός" (theos), highlighting the divine authority and power behind the growth of the church. Paul underscores that it is God who gives the increase, emphasizing His sovereignty and ultimate control over the church's development.

4. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is referred to in 1 Corinthians 3:11 as the foundation upon which the church is built: "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." The Greek term "Χριστός" (Christos) signifies the anointed one, the Messiah, who is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Paul stresses that all teachings and works must be built upon this foundation.1. Foundation
The concept of a "foundation" is central in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, where Paul speaks of laying a foundation for the church, which is Jesus Christ. The Greek word used here is "θεμέλιος" (themelios), emphasizing the importance of a solid base for spiritual growth.

2. Temple of God
In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul refers to the believers collectively as the "temple of God." The Greek word "ναός" (naos) is used, indicating a sacred dwelling place, emphasizing the holiness and unity of the church as God's dwelling.

3. Field
Paul uses the metaphor of a "field" in 1 Corinthians 3:9, where he describes the church as "God's field." The Greek term "γεώργιον" (georgion) is used, suggesting cultivation and growth, with God as the ultimate caretaker.

4. Building
In the same verse, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul also refers to the church as "God's building." The Greek word "οἰκοδομή" (oikodome) is used, highlighting the construction and edification of the church community.1. Paul Addresses Spiritual Immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
Paul begins by addressing the Corinthians as "infants in Christ," indicating their spiritual immaturity. He states, "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." The Greek word for "infants" (νήπιοι, nēpioi) emphasizes their lack of spiritual growth.

2. Jealousy and Quarreling Among Believers (1 Corinthians 3:3-4)
Paul points out the presence of jealousy and quarreling among the Corinthians, which he attributes to their worldly behavior. He says, "For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?" The Greek term for "worldly" (σαρκικοί, sarkikoi) suggests a focus on fleshly desires rather than spiritual maturity.

3. Paul and Apollos as Servants (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)
Paul explains that both he and Apollos are merely servants through whom the Corinthians came to believe. He emphasizes that it is God who causes growth: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." The Greek verb for "made it grow" (αὔξειν, auxein) highlights God's active role in spiritual development.

4. Unity in God's Work (1 Corinthians 3:8-9)
Paul stresses the unity of purpose between himself and Apollos, stating, "The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor." He refers to the Corinthians as "God’s field, God’s building," using agricultural and architectural metaphors to describe their role in God's work.

5. Building on the Foundation of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)
Paul describes himself as a "wise master builder" who laid a foundation, which is Jesus Christ. He warns others to build carefully on this foundation, emphasizing that "no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

6. Testing of Each Person's Work (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
Paul explains that each person's work will be tested by fire on the Day of Judgment. He states, "If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames."

7. The Church as God's Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are "God’s temple" and that "God’s Spirit dwells in your midst." He warns that anyone who destroys God’s temple will be destroyed by God, emphasizing the sacredness of the church community.

8. Warning Against Worldly Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)
Paul cautions against self-deception and reliance on worldly wisdom, stating, "The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight." He quotes Scripture to support his point, highlighting the futility of human wisdom compared to God's.

9. Belonging to Christ (1 Corinthians 3:21-23)
Paul concludes by urging the Corinthians not to boast in human leaders, as "all things are yours," including Paul, Apollos, and Cephas. He emphasizes that they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God, underscoring their identity and unity in Christ.Hebrews 5:12-14
Discusses the need for spiritual maturity and discernment.

Ephesians 4:1-6
Calls for unity and peace within the body of Christ.

Matthew 7:24-27
Parable of the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation.

1 Peter 2:5
Believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house.Pray for personal and communal spiritual growth and maturity.
Ask God to reveal and remove any sources of division within your church.
Seek guidance to focus on Christ as the foundation of your life.
Pray for wisdom to build works that will endure and glorify God.
Request a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of God’s temple and to live in unity with other believers.

1. How does Paul's critique of the Corinthian church challenge your current level of spiritual maturity?

2. What does this chapter teach us about unity and division within the church?

3. How do the roles of Paul and Apollos inform our understanding of spiritual leadership?

4. What does it mean for us to be co-workers in God's service?

5. How do you understand the metaphor of the church as God's building?

6. What implications does this building metaphor have for our personal spiritual lives and our role in the church?

7. How can you ensure that your work for God stands the test of fire?

8. How does the concept of divine judgement and rewards influence your service to God?

9. How does Paul's metaphor of believers as God's temple affect your self-understanding and your daily conduct?

10. How do you reconcile the call to see all things as ours in Christ with the everyday challenges and sufferings of life?

11. What does it mean to value God's wisdom over worldly wisdom?

12. How can we live out the truth that God's Spirit dwells within us in our day-to-day life?

13. How can we promote unity within our local church communities?

14. What materials (in terms of actions, attitudes, and motivations) are you using to build your life on the foundation of Christ?

15. How can we nurture spiritual maturity within ourselves and others?

16. How does recognizing ourselves as God's temple influence our decisions and behaviors?

17. What does it mean in a practical sense to be a servant through whom others come to believe?

18. How does the theme of accountability in this chapter speak to your personal experiences?

19. How can we balance the truth of being God's temple with the reality of human frailties and imperfections?

20. How can the teachings in this chapter shape our response to disunity and divisions in today's churches?