1 Corinthians 3
Series: Building a Fireproof Church • September 14, 2025
Outline
- Introduction (1:1–31)
Paul founded the church at Corinth; later Apollos ministered there. Divisions formed around personalities. Paul reminds them of God’s grace and gifts, and that the message of the cross removes human pride—our unity and foundation is Christ alone. - Spiritual Wisdom Versus Human Wisdom (2:1–16)
True wisdom is hidden and revealed only by the Spirit. Believers have the mind of Christ; the natural person cannot understand the things of God. - Spiritual Infancy in Corinth (3:1–4)
The Corinthians were still on milk, not solid food. Jealousy and strife prove their immaturity; following human leaders shows fleshly thinking. - God’s Field (3:5–9)
Paul planted; Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. The church is God’s field—His work and His harvest. - God’s Building (3:10–17)
Paul laid the foundation—Jesus Christ; others build on it. Materials matter: gold, silver, dressed stones vs. wood, hay, straw. Trials test the quality of the building. The church collectively is God’s temple, His dwelling in the city. - Guard Against Self-Deception (3:18–23)
The wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. Stop boasting in human leaders; everything belongs to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
Application
- Examine Your Foundation — Is your faith on Christ crucified or on human personalities?
- Grow Beyond Milk — Seek maturity through the Spirit and the Word.
- Be a Dressed Stone, Not Straw — Let God shape your life to fit His temple.
- Stop Comparing Servants — Honor ministers but refuse to idolize them.
- Trust God’s “Foolish” Plan — The cross appears weak but is God’s power and wisdom to save.
