1 Corinthians 3

Wow!  Paul really knows how to use the art of tact!  Not at all!  While we can read the statement from two polar opposite views, the point is that he begins this chapter with a direct statement telling the Corinthians that they are still immature in their faith.  This statement takes me back to the statement that has been circulating in my mind for several weeks now which Chuck Colson made regarding the state of the church.  A paraphrased version of his statement is that the church is one inch deep and three thousand miles wide.  Paul is challenging the church to take a hard look at their condition of spiritual depth. His basis for this accusation stems from their divisive discussion on who baptized them and whose disciple they are considered. Of course, Paul wants nothing to do with such immature talk.  He recognizes that anytime an issue of minimal importance arises to become a matter of major discussion the church's focus and ministry is diminished and redirected.  This results in the church not fulfilling her mission of making disciples; therefore, not being obedient.  When the church, or an individual, is not obedient to our Lord then we, according to John 14, do not love God. 

Paul takes the majority of the remaining portion of chapter three to talk about the foundation of our Christian walk as being based on Jesus Christ, not any particular person, work, material, or philosophy.  He wants the church to understand that ALL works will be tested and refined by our Lord Jesus Christ himself.  If that work proves to be inferior it will not survive.  Keep in mind this is not referring to our salvation, but instead the ministry which we do for our Lord to one another and for the church.  This premise is born out of verse fifteen which states, "If anyone's work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through the fire."  Be cautious not to read into this passage the ability to live as we want and then we all will find salvation freely at the end as some misguided theologians and preachers ascribe. This is not referring to salvation but to the ministry and work after salvation.  Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone and must be received through the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as Lord, the repentance of our sins, and the submission of our lives.

Paul closes the chapter as strongly as he opened it.  In verses 16-17 he  says, "Don't you know that you are God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  If anyone ruins God's sanctuary, God will ruin him; for God's sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are." To borrow a phrase from the state of Texas, Don't Mess with God's Children. The reference is different than from the earlier statement regarding the foundational elements of our ministry works.  Here the inference is those seeking to destroy the temple of God, which is the believer himself.  Those who spread malicious gossip, knowingly teach false doctrines, intentionally stir up strife, and/or injure the fellowship of the body.

Takeaways:
1.  Don't Mess with God's Church.
2.  Spiritual maturity is a process but must be a priority.
3.  God uses mankind to perform His ministry, but He provides the resources and the growth.