Understanding 1 Corinthians 3: Divisions, Maturity, and God’s Sovereignty

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jake & Emma dive deep into 1 Corinthians 3, where Paul addresses the divisions within the Corinthian church, emphasizing spiritual maturity, the role of Christian leaders, and the true foundation of the church—Jesus Christ. Join us as we break down the passage through a Reformed theological lens, exploring key themes such as God’s sovereignty, the sufficiency of Christ, and the importance of unity within the body of Christ.

Key Points Covered:

1. Spiritual Immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)

• Paul rebukes the Corinthians for behaving like “infants in Christ,” driven by jealousy and divisions.

• The Reformed perspective reminds us of the importance of sanctification—growing in grace and becoming more Christ-like through the work of the Holy Spirit.

2. Christian Leaders as Servants (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)

• Paul explains that leaders like himself and Apollos are merely servants of God, and that it is God who causes spiritual growth.

• This emphasizes God’s sovereignty in salvation and sanctification, aligning with Reformed doctrines such as sola gratia (grace alone) and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone).

3. Christ as the Only Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

• Paul teaches that the church must be built on the foundation of Christ, and that all work done for the kingdom will be tested.

• This points to the sufficiency of Christ and the doctrine of perseverance, encouraging believers to steward their calling faithfully.

4. The Church as God’s Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

• The church is described as the dwelling place of God’s Spirit, making it sacred and holy.

• Paul warns against causing divisions within the church, a serious matter given its covenantal nature in Reformed theology.

5. God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)

• Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom, urging believers to find their identity and unity in Christ.

• This underscores the Reformed principles of sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) and the rejection of worldly philosophies that contradict the gospel.

Key Takeaway:

1 Corinthians 3 reminds us of the importance of unity within the church, spiritual maturity, and keeping Christ as the foundation of all we do. In God’s sovereignty, He works through us to build His church, and we must guard against the divisions and pride that can undermine that work.

Resources Mentioned:

• 1 Corinthians 3 (ESV)

• Reformed theology concepts such as sola gratia (grace alone) and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone)

Reflection Questions:

1. How can we guard against division in our church communities today?

2. In what ways are we relying on worldly wisdom rather than God’s wisdom?

3. How can we ensure that Christ remains the foundation of our faith and ministry?