Sunday March 6, 2011

1 Corinthians 3 & 4

For today’s reading, call it what you want, a “polite” reprimand, a dressing down or just putting the followers in their place. Paul, in these two chapters is out to address the division of the church. Paul continued to confront believers who were falling into a corrupt world. In looking at chap 3 and 4, the underlying issue was man’s dependence on worldly knowledge. From the previous chapter, this reliance prevented the revelation of God’s plan through the Holy Spirit; thus impeding spiritual growth.

Paul continued in chap. 3, to stress this issue of spiritual immaturity along with the use spiritual gifts and the genuine contribution towards building the Kingdom. Paul addressed these issues through the illustrations of a farming and construction. Paul first wanted to make clear that people have various gifts that God has given them to minister to others. However, it is only through God that people become believers (the planter/waterier illustration). Second, Paul pointed out that believers are to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ and are to be active in contributing to the life of the church. Paul urged that in the end, genuine service would be rewarded (builder illustration).

In chapter 4, Paul focused on the image of humility. In an attempt to dissuade the followers from worldly thinking, Paul used the image of the apostles being sacrificial servants. He contrasted their idea of being rich in life to his of being hungry, ridiculed patient and hard working. This I why Paul calls on them to imitate him, as opposed to worldly leaders. His desire was for them to move away from worldly behavior and be more like Christ. Similarly in (Matt 10:23-25), Jesus reminds the disciples that they are to be prepared for persecution. Since he was treated ill by the world they should expect the same; the servant is no better than the master.

What makes today’s reading so great is that many aspects can be drawn from it, to utilize in our own time. Some of the questions I asked my self, after reading these chapters were:
1) What level is my spiritual maturity at?
2) Am I using the gifts God gave me, to bring others to Jesus?
3) What actions and attitudes do I display that show Christ is my foundation?
4) Can people see my humble heart?
5) Can people see my imitation of Christ in my daily walk?