1 Corinthians 3

Hey again,

This week is 1 Corinthians 3.

This chapter is a little harder to split up into nice little sections, so we are gonna hit up a few separate themes that come up instead.

The first theme is that of a new Christian. In the first few verses of the chapter Paul talks about the new Christians of Corinth using the analogy of a baby. When a baby is born, obviously it cannot handle a steak dinner right away. The baby has to drink milk and then eventually soft food and then finally steak (or celery, for you vegetarian readers)

Being a new Christian is very much the same. You don’t give your life to Christ and then suddenly know all the answers to every question instantly. And you definitely don’t want to be taking on the deeper, more complex theological struggles immediately. Being a Christian is based on a relationship with Jesus. And like all relationships, it takes time.

To help grow that relationship with Jesus I recommend three things:
1. Pray! (Talk to Jesus. About everything! Good things, bad things, or just anything!)
2. Read the Bible (it is our link to Jesus, our guidebook to help us understand God)
3. Ask questions! Ask other Christians, ask your pastor, or heck – ask me! By talking about things we can move from soft food and milk into the far better “steak” [or celery] of a Christian life.

The second theme that comes up again and again is the issue of church drama. If you’ve ever been in a church for more than ten seconds – you’ve probably had some experience with Church drama. And trust me it is NOT an isolated experience. So far in my limited experience – every church ever has some kind of drama in and around it.

The early church in Corinth was no different. It seems to be that in this text Paul is just irritated with the ridiculous nature of the drama. The drama for Corinth was about which teachers were better, and Paul writes in verse 5: “What then is Apollos? What is Paul?” It seems to me that he’s just fed up with their bickering! He wants to bring the focus back to God. He continues in verses 6 and 7: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

The church is arguing over which teacher is more significant, and Paul is saying: Neither! Who cares?
It’s the message that matters – it’s God that matters.

Paul ends his comments on this church drama in verse 21: “So let no one boast about human leaders.” Basically, all the teachings belong to Christians, Christians belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. So in our drama – we need to remember that God is the most important thing. Always.

The final theme is about human wisdom.
Paul writes in verse 18: “Do not deceive yourselves. If you think you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise.”

Modern humans with all their technological advances have become so puffed up with pride. We think we can do anything. Our phones are smarter than we are. Our information databases are now able to run faster than a human memory. From a mortal view, we seem pretty awesome.

But Paul is reminding us that the wisdom of this world is mere foolishness to God. (verse 19).

As always, there is so much more to say, but I’m trying to keep these brief.
Reflect on all these things and we’ll have more discussion on Sunday night!

As always, these are the simple words of one man, and I pray that God makes them worth something to your heart and mind.

Until next time,
Peace and love my brothers and sisters.

p.s. celery is gross.