1 Corinthians 3 reminds me of the sad reality of dealing with aging pets. As a child, it seems that dogs live forever. Many of us recall a pup being part of our entire childhood. Something interesting happens as we get older; we realize that dogs only live 10 or so years. That perspective comes through life experience. Today’s lesson is about the wisdom acquired over time. Paul continues his letter to his “Brothers and sisters”, the Christian church in Corinth. He explains that when he first began to preach to them, they were “mere infants in Christ.” He is not insulting them, he is noting that in any field of study, we must first learn the basics to fully grasp the more advanced information. Paul adds,” I gave you milk, not solid food.” Infants cannot chew and cannot digest much, but we fully expect babies to eat more complex things as they grow. Paul notes that these new believers had not matured: “Indeed, you are still not ready.” He says the people in this very cosmopolitan city were still thinking and acting just as they had before they were taught of God’s mercy. He notes, instead “there is jealousy and quarreling among you.” The things we argue about are often so petty. He uses the example of bickering over which messenger brought them the gospel. He notes each of the preachers are: “Only servants, through whom you came to believe.”
Paul offers a simple perspective on the process of becoming rooted in faith: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” He reiterates: “only God… makes things grow.” Paul turns the focus away from himself and back to God’s perspective: “we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” After a crop grows, it is brought into a building to fulfill its purpose. The field is vital, but anything remaining in the field is returned to the ground next season. After growing season, we become useful.
Paul describes how to build a strong church. When Paul describes the church, he is referring to the people, not a building. “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder.” Paul is very specific, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Forgiveness is freely given to everyone who trusts in the atonement of Christ. Once a firm foundation is set, everyone who teaches “should build with care” on top of this base of grace. Pastors and teachers are held to a very high standard. Paul says that “fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” His point is that God judges the motivation. He continues with a wonderful perspective on this building we currently occupy. Do you know “that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” Our outside may be nothing to brag about, but His Spirit in us makes us special. Paul adds, “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred.” Anyone that corrupts the church with false teaching will be harshly judged. He is telling all of us not to allow false teachers to water down God’s Word. Paul always holds the church to an unwavering standard. God’s standard is perfection. Paul teaches the young church: “If any of you think you are wise… you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.” When we compare ourselves to other faulty people, we can trick ourselves into thinking we are holy. None are righteous; we all need a Savior. Paul adds: “The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” Everything changes, and not always as we expect. Eternity awaits us all. “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” Our hope, our promise and our joy are in eternity. He says emphatically: “no more boasting about human leaders!” Jesus is the head of the church. Friend, we only have 80 or so years in these bodies. Paul calls out through the noise: “you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.”