1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Q.1. What prevented Paul from sharing further spiritual truths? How did the immaturity of the Corinthian church reveal itself? Why is following personalities inappropriate? – (1 Cor.3:1-4)
It is fine for a baby to lack adult skills. However, should they fail to grow and develop these skills, the parents would be heartbroken. This is how Paul felt about the carnality and lack of growth in the Corinthian church. They were still like infants requiring milk (1 Cor.3:1-2). This manifested in jealousy and strife between different factions in the church – For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? (1 Cor.3:3-4). If we follow personalities, we show a lack of understanding that our new life in Christ is not from other people, but from God.
Q.2. Why is such a ‘personality cult’ wrong? How is it that different servants are fruitful in ministry? Why should we not be pre-occupied with human applause? For Whom do we labour? – (1 Cor.3:5-9)
If Paul had been looking for fame, he would have revelled in this elevation of his name, and the recognition of his efforts. However, he responded by claiming that he and Apollos were only servants who had the privilege of establishing the Corinthians in the Gospel. Then he reminded them – 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth (1 Cor.3:6-7). Human recognition and appreciation may be helpful, but it is not why we serve Christ, for – he who plants, and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labour (1 Cor.3:8). Paul understood his mission, and from where his strength came – For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Cor.3:9).