October 22, 2023
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
“Bickering Babies”
Service Overview: Paul again addresses division by comparing the people with babies; selfish and immature, stunted in growth by their bickering. But Paul doesn’t just admonish them, he tries to get them to see something vitally important in any church… that they could not work with God when they were at work against each other.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (NIV)
Background Insights:
- The entire New Testament is an interpretation and application of the gospel. Paul did not write Romans, for example, to tell the Romans how to be saved—for they were already saints. He wrote to explain to them what was really involved in their salvation. It was an explanation of the “deep things of God” and how they applied to daily life. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, 49)
- The contrast between “spiritual” and “worldly” in 3:1–4 thus differs from the contrasts in 2:6–16. “Worldly” in verse 1 is a slightly different Greek word than in verse 3, but both are pejorative. The KJV translates both as “carnal,” that is, “fleshly” or dominated by one’s sinful nature, in this context manifested by jealousy and quarreling. “Spiritual” must therefore mean not merely having the Spirit but having the Spirit in charge. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 98)
- The factions in the community were caused—at least to some extent—by serious questions of theological understanding and religious practice. How do we attain divine wisdom? What actions constitute idolatry? What sexual norms should be observed in marriage? How should manifestations of the Spirit function in worship? What is the meaning of resurrection? These are the sorts of issues that were splitting the church, and the different groups were no doubt zealous in their defense of their convictions. Paul insists, however, that when such matters produce “quarreling” (eris) it is a sign that the contending factions are not truly spiritual but “of the flesh.” (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 48)
- Besides the unsaved “natural” (psychikos [5591]) person (2:14) and the thriving “spiritual” (pneumatikos [4152]) person (2:15), Paul introduces the Corinthians to a third kind of person, called “fleshly” (sarkikos [4559])—genuine believers who nevertheless root around in the pigpens of their old natures and resist the control of the Holy Spirit in their lives. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 56)
- In an elitist Roman colony that despised manual labourers, Paul designates both Apollos and himself as gardeners with different duties. (D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary, 1166)
What big ideas does God’s Word hold out to us here?
- Inability is reflective of immaturity.
(vv. 1-3a | Eph. 4:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 5:12-13; 6:1-3; James 1:22-25; 2 Peter 3:18)
There is no question that Paul considers his Corinthian friends believers and that they are in fact acting otherwise. But Paul’s whole concern is to get them to change…spiritual people are to walk in the Spirit. If they do otherwise, they are ‘worldly’ and are called upon to desist. Remaining worldly is not one of the options. (Gordon Fee, First Corinthians, 128)
The cause of sin is never so much helped as when Christians waste their strength in quarreling with one another, and spend their time in petty squabbles. (J.C. Ryle, Holiness, 112)
- Unhealthy conflict is a sure sign of continued carnality.
(vv. 3b-6 | Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:28; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 4:26, 31; James 1:26; 4:1-2)
For Paul, while all ‘unspiritual’ men are men of the flesh, it is possible even for those who are in some sense spiritual men to be so described. The Corinthian Christians had received the Spirit, but they did not live as those who had received him; indulgence in party-strife was not a ‘spiritual’ activity, but a ‘fleshly’ one. (F. F. Bruce, The New Century Bible Commentary: 1 and 2 Corinthians, 42)
This in-between group of “carnal” or “fleshly” Christians—justified but not engaged in working out their sanctification—characterized a significant number of the believers in the Corinthian church. In fact, so dominant was the fleshly characteristic of the church that Paul openly charged the entire church with this trait: (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 57)
To put a wall between you and others is to build a wall between you and God. (Rom. 6:12; Rev. 3:19; Mt. 5:23-24; Mt. 18:15) (Jim Elliff, “Returning to Your First Love”, www.CCWtoday.org)
- Jesus’ people are to be co-laborers, not competitors.
(vv. 7-9 | Ps. 133:1; Ecc. 4:9-12; John 17:20-26; 1 Cor. 3:9; Heb. 10:24-25; 3 John 1:8)
Division and factionalism are the way of the world, not the way of Christ. Demanding one’s way and rights is the way of the flesh. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 58)
Paul, Apollos, and Peter were not competing with each other. Rather, each was doing his assigned task under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Even though there is diversity of ministry, there is unity of purpose; and there ought to be unity of spirit. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, 50)
The more fractured we are, the greater we become spectacles to the world. The more we are united in love, the more the world sees Christ. (Curtis Thomas, Practical Wisdom for Pastors, 175)
Conclusion… What must we realize and embrace in becoming a church effective in countering culture?
A. A church with unhealthy internal conflict will have little external impact.
(Prov. 6:16-19; 10:12; 20:3; Ecc. 7:9; Luke 11:17; 2 Timothy 2:16; 2:23-25; Titus 3:9)
Divisions in the church always breed atheism in the world. (Thomas Manton)
I have never yet known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord’s people were divided. (D.L. Moody)
B. Recognize division for what it is: demonic.
(Mark 3:24-26; Luke 11:17; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:23-25; James 3:14-16)
Satan greatly approves of our railing at each other, but God does not. (C. H. Spurgeon)
I know well that when Christ is nearest, Satan also is busiest. (Robert Murray M’Cheyne, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne, 248)
I fear that all too often Christians may be less humane and considerate than nonbelievers. We think we are standing on principle when in reality we may be only insisting on our opinion. (Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness, 187)
C. Embrace the antidote to division: humility and reconciliation.
(Lev. 19:18; Mat. 5:9; 18:15-17; Rom. 12:17-21; 2 Cor. 5:18; Eph. 4:26; 4:32; Col. 3:13)
There is only one cure for the cancer of bitterness. That is to forgive the perceived offender once and for all, with God’s help. (James Dobson, When God Doesn’t Make Sense, 238)
Forgiveness is not foolishness. Forgiveness is, at its core, choosing to see your offender with different eyes. (Max Lucado, Facing Your Giants, 49)
He that is not a son of Peace is not a son of God. All other sins destroy the Church consequentially; but Division and Separation demolish it directly. (Richard Baxter)
Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. (Corrie ten Boom, Clippings from My Notebook, 19)
The Bible repeatedly warns us not to be eagerly looking for opportunities to point out the faults of others. In fact, anyone who is eager to go and show a brother his sin is probably disqualified from doing so. Such eagerness is often a sign of pride or spiritual immaturity, which cripple our ability to minister effectively to others. The best confronters are usually people who would prefer not to have to talk to others about their sin but will do so out of obedience to God and love for others. (Ken Sande, The Peacemaker, 153)
Gospel Connection…
Jesus reconciling us to God is the greatest incentive for us to be reconciled to one another.
(Mat. 5:23-26; 18:15-17; Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; Col. 3:13; Heb. 12:14)
The gospel being what it is and always will be, “the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19), our churches should be the most reconciling, peaceable, relaxed, happy places in town. We are so open to enemies, so meek in the face of insults and injuries, so forgiving toward the undeserving — if we do make people angry, let this be the reason. We refuse to join in their selfish battles. We’re following a higher call. We are the peacemakers, the true sons of God (Matthew 5:9). (Ray Ortlund, Blog Post: The Ministry of Reconciliation, April 19, 2012)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- According to today’s text, what indicates someone is a spiritual infant?
- What happens when the church begins to associate maturity in Christ with knowledge as opposed to having godly character?
- Is it surprising to you that Paul highlights envy and strife as indicative of spiritual infancy? Why are these matters so dangerous to us as individuals and to the church of which we are a part?
- What reasons might Christians give to excuse strife and envy in their midst? What practical steps can you take to be a peacemaker?
- Is there something driving a wedge between you and someone else in the church? Reach out to them in love and make amends today!
Quotes to note…
Anger and bitterness are formidable detriments to biblical love, harmonious relationships, and maturity in Christ. Failing to put off anger and bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit, gives Satan an opportunity in your life, obscures your witness to others, and disrupts the unity in the Body of Christ. Dealing biblically with anger and bitterness requires wholehearted obedience to God’s Word in every circumstance and with every person, even if your feelings dictate otherwise. (John Broger, Self-Confrontation Manual, Lesson 11, Page 2)
There is nothing wrong with Christian disagreeing with one another or trying to persuade another of the rightness of a particular position. What is wrong, however, is loveless conflict that ends in hate and bitterness. (Alexander Strauch, Leading With Love, 166)
How desperately sad is the fact that the church is known by schism, not unity; ignorance, not knowledge; and indecisiveness rather than maturity. How it must break God’s heart to see us continue in such a poverty stricken condition in light of what He has done, stands ready to do, has the resources to accomplish, and has defined as our calling in Christ. (R.C. Sproul, The Purpose of God, 104)
Few things are sapping the strength of the church of Jesus Christ more than the unreconciled state of so many believers. So many have matters deeply imbedded in their craws, like iron wedges forced between themselves and other Christians. They can’t walk together because they do not agree. When they should be marching side by side through this world taking men captive for Jesus Christ, they are acting instead like an army that has been routed and scattered and whose troops in their confusion have begun fighting among themselves. (Jay Adams, Christian Living in the Home, 35)
Their quarreling not only mocks the cross-centered gospel (1:18–2:5) but fails to recognize the fundamental equality of all believers when measured against the attributes and character of God. (Blomberg, 98)
Apollos and Paul were given their ministries by Christ (Eph. 4:11). They were the means, not the cause, whereby the Corinthians believed (cf. 1 Cor. 2:4-5). God alone produced results. God made the seed grow (3:6). Therefore God alone should get the credit (v.7). (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, 511)
The mature Christian practices love and seeks to get along with others. Children like to disagree and fuss. And children like to identify with heroes, whether sports heroes or Hollywood heroes. The “babes” in Corinth were fighting over which preacher was the greatest—Paul, Apollos, or Peter. (Wiersbe, Be Wise, 49)
They wanted lives of exaltation (4:8) without lives of humiliation (4:9-13) because they did not understand that “Christ . . . crucified” was a message concerned not only with justification but also with sanctification (cf. Phil. 2:1-8). (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, 511)