A
Note to Everyone in Christ
Introduction:
The church
at Corinth was from a pagan, Gentile background – steeped in sin. Theirs
was a background rich in philosophy, logic, & reason. They were in the
process of learning how to live in faith in Christ Jesus. They were also wrestling
with problems that those who were spiritually mature could have worked through.
Chapter 3 is a collection of facts that the Corinthians & Christians today
need to understand before we can grow up properly in Christ.
I. 3:1-4 – Everyone in Christ is NOT on the same level.
A.
Corinthians
had not progressed very far in putting to practice the principles of
righteousness.
B.
Is this unusual? Is this
something uncommon – even today?
1.
Jews had to deal with this problem as well. See Heb. 5:11-14.
2.
What’s the
cure?
a)
5:11 – teaching.
b)
5:14 – spiritual exercise (practice)
C.
How can I
know if my spiritual life is in need of improvement?
1.
1 Cor. 3:3-4
– warning signs. Must look
for these in our lives.
2.
Jealousy;
strife; division
II. 3:5-8 – Everyone in Christ does not have the same
work.
A.
One plants
– another waters – God causes growth.
1.
All are
servants. All have work to do in
the kingdom.
2.
Learn to work
together w/fellow brethren.
B.
Rom. 12:3-8
– want to think w/sound judgment?
1.
Recognize
that all do not have the same function. Many are one.
III. 3:9-15 – Everyone in Christ will have his work tested.
1.
One day: we
give account for our actions.
2.
1 Pet. 2:4-5
– we are being built up as a spiritual house.
3.
1 Cor. 3:13
- Beware! Your work will be tested! It will be revealed.
4.
Why it so
important that we build – using the strongest materials?
a)
Trials, temptations, tragedies, storms of life will come.
b)
1 Pet.
4:11-12; Acts 20:28
5.
3:14-15
– the reward comes from the effort – not the work itself.
IV. 3:16-20 – Everyone in Christ will be responsible for
self.
A.
3:17 –
the church is a temple that can be destroyed.
1.
Congregations
CAN be destroyed - 3:3. Strife,
jealousy, division.
B.
Individuals’
can/will be held responsible for their contributions to the problem.
C.
God will
destroy you. There will be no one
else to blame.
V. 3:21-23 – Everyone in Christ is part of everyone else
in Christ.
A.
This an
answer to 3:3-4. To put away
strife; jealousy; division.
1.
3:18-19
– put away boasting in self.
B.
God has put
ALL things in order to work together.
Conclusion
A.
Are you in
Christ? Rom. 6:3-6
1.
If you have
become a part of Him – at what level & part of work are you at?
B.
Do you need
to obey the gospel? Get in the Lord