I Corinthians 3:23

And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's (KJV)

Then: Writing to a church stunted by worldly knowledge, Paul hopes to sow the field with an understanding of real knowledge, over and above the superficial truisms of physical existence. If they can understand, they will grow. Over and over again, he tells them they belong to Christ. That's the way he ends this section which concentrated on moving away from behaviors based on self-deception.

Now: Stepping away from daily service of Christ to spend time on personal goals inevitably puts today's believers in the same spiritual level as the Corinthians. Remembering to help others, paying attention to biblical principles and teachings, and praying without ceasing keeps believers alert to spiritual growth. At the same time, we can glow with his love, celebrate his glory, and walk in his peace. No matter the physical weather (circumstances, fears, hopes), we have the confidence of knowing his presence.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary by Matthew Henry (1706) online at
http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?b=46&c=8&com=mhc

1 Corinthians 3:21

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's (KJV)

Then: Just when the Corinthians think they've got it figured out, Paul adds a zinger. Paul wants change. Now! Put the Lord first. Praise him. The glory doesn't belong to individuals or earthly leaders. But "all things are yours?" How does that fit as a reason for not glorying in men? The Corinthians know that all things are not theirs. The ships in the port of Kenchreai, fields near Corinth, merchandise in the downtown stoas (stores) don't belong to them. Paul has something else in mind.

Actually, the Corinthians recognized the phrase as a popular saying about the worldly wise (Hays, p. 60). Understood philosophically, those like Cicero and Seneca said that the wise owned all things. Paul just told the believers that they posessed all things. This put them individually above their own wise leaders (Paul, Apollos, etc.).

Now: Like the Corinthians we throw out earthly possessions as a meaning for "all things." A popular half-serious joke today is that if God owns the cattle on a thousand hills you can pray and ask him to sell one and help you with your problems. We too get it that Paul' s meaning is spiritual.

Vanity -- 1 Corinthians 3:20

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain (KJV)

Then: By now, the Corinthians should be getting it. Their concentration on how much they know and how smart they are is thoroughly discredited in God's eyes. Man's wisdom? What's that? Just vanity, friends. Just vanity. There is no place for put downs in the church. Fellow workers are beloved and precious in God's sight -- and in the sight of other believers. Baker (p. 60) explains that Paul is quoting Psalm 94:11. It's a follow-up support from verse 18. Using God's teachings from old lets the Corinthians know the thoughts aren't Paul's. He's just the observer, teacher, and message carrier. The one who convicts abides within his listeners.

Now: Grabbing control and saying "I get it Lord; I can do it myself" stands as an aeon-long problem for all believers. This conflict with God becomes conflict with fellow believers. Unfortunately, we promote, demand, override objectors and contrive our own ways. Contrarily, we quickly recognize and admire the humble who always speak and act with consideration and kindness. They've learned to wait for God's wisdom and do not rush to judge. God is pleased when we "Love one another." -- Thank God for his patience with our slow growth. May we each have a "Paul" nearby.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness (KJV)

Then: Noah built an ark. Elijah poured water on logs and waited for God to start the fire. Jeremiah was thrown in a muddy well rather than stop telling King Zedekiah the Chaldeans would capture Jerusalem. The Corinthians knew about many Old Testament people whose behavior looked like foolishness. Dead set in their own wisdom, the people of Corinth might have a glimmer of understanding that their opponents -- for Apollos or for Paul - were off track, but they had great difficulty in recognizing the same problem within themselves. What great foolishness to take a stand which conflicts with the structure of God's kingdom.

Now: Politicians, businessmen, academics, and others from all fields of life can become so fenced in and enamoured of their personal weed patches that they don't notice the Lord's perspective. Preening with craftiness and self-awarded glories, they live in a foolishness which wreaks famine and destruction. Baker (p. 59) and others relate this verse to Job 5:13. It's direct thought association, not a word for word quote. In the NLT, the verb "catches" or "taketh" becomes "traps the wise," a vivid depiction of the Lord's hands stopping the handiwork of thieves. Thinking back to I Corinthians 1:19, Collins (p. 161), brings up Isaiah 19:14 for readers to compare with the quote here and the one coming next in verse 20. Paul is heading towards closure of the topic. These quotations bring a wider context than just depending on his own knowledge of God's truth.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 3:18

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise (KJV)

Then: Other translations just out and out say "Stop!" Corinthians can't keep on with their self-delusions of "We're better than you" wisdom. The only real way to be wise is to strip their minds of all they think they know and submit to the teachings of Christ. Baker (p. 59) calls this a rhetorical formula of the present imperative in the negative which Paul intently uses.

Now: Parents always look for the wording, tone, and action which will get children to behave instantly. Adults need to self-educate themselves as ways to improve their own actions in serving Christ. Having a one-on-one personal conversation with the Holy Spirit is far better than a private or public rebuke from fellow believers. Taking time for personal spiritual examination is essential.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 3:15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (KJV)

Then: Even if everything the Corinthians had done since first coming to faith in Christ, looked more like wood, stubble, and hay than gold, silver or diamonds, they would be saved. Their work may not withstand the testing, but they will still have a place in God's heaven. Paul's doctrine, like that of James, teaches that salvation does not come through doing good works. Beardslee (p.31) concludes that acceptance does not equal or require achievement.

Now: Believers who take pride in self-reliance, independence and high quality work must consiciously balance and define their knowledge that all they do actually comes through the blessings of God. Their talents, circumstances, and relationships with the Lord allow for a success which can be shared with others. Achievement in heaven is measured by the fruits of Spirit shining forth in their lives. Jesus warned that the rich have a difficult time in entering heaven. Their priorities and temptations make it almost impossible to keep right priorities - God first - and maintain submissive humility to the Lord in heaven. Prayer, Bible study, and listening to Christian advisers helps them escape and abide.

Extra source: First Corinthians: a commentary for today by William A. Beardslee (St.Louis MO: Chalice Press, c1994) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=cKpy9maLuiQC&dq=Corinthians+commentary&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=ZdJnhnUolH&sig=xQvIGm41suvwCLZkF_tsYdCfnuc&hl=en&ei=b6koS5rODtLDlAfBgo2hDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CCEQ6AEwCDhk#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 3:14

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward (KJV)

Then: Paul closes out the foundation metaphor with a hope and a promise. Any work of the builders which survives the fire qualifies the worker for a reward. That had to encourage the Corinthians. Of course, as previously noted, the foundation will stand. Even if they were misled by itinerant teachers and spent time doing work with no value, they will still have Christ's forgiveness and eternal life. Morris (p. 66) clarifies that the fire which all endure is not for the purpose of purifying, but only for testing. On it's basis, none will be excluded from eternity, but work accomplished is measured.

Now: Paul doesn't describe what a heavenly reward is. It has to be above and beyond believers' hope of living in the presence of Christ is. It might rest with appointment to positions of authority in the kingdom of God. It might mean where one gets to be seated in heaven; however, in heaven the limitations of physical existence, close and far, no longer apply. There is just no way for us to understand "reward" in the here and now.

Extra source: The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris (Grand Rapids MI: Wm B. Eerdmans, c1985, 2002) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=lNc0AYIqQvAC&dq=Corinthians+Morris&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=NwNTeWfd4I&sig=XgqcdeZIJ7jIfOrxTT7PUqQqo_4&hl=en&ei=F-MkS82TPIvWlAfW55D-CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAwQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Summary - 1 Corinthians 3:13-17

Then and Now:
Several of Wright's ideas for the passage need referenced.
a. The section's main topic is the value of work produced - eternally useful or unworthy for the kingdom.
b. Seeing the passage as meaning "a community," needs context because of Paul's constant use of the singular "any man," "each man," "no man," "he himself," etc. Only in verse 16, does the address change to "ye" signifying the use of plural in Greek.
c. As "a community," the temple is filled with groups who can work to destroy or build up. And one man alone can destroy - verse 17: "If any man destroyeth the temple of God."
d. Wright also addresses the problematic ideas surrounding being judged by our works and the teaching of justification of faith. The builders who perform poorly and suffer loss in the fire, will still be saved through faith. The whole is not lost. The fire is not literal, but it does refer to one final judgement.

Now: We are challenged to know how important it is to build well in the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (KJV)

Then: Any other worker who comes to Corinth can not lay down another foundation, for the foundation is Christ. The new workers have tasks, but it is not to change the foundation. That job was done and done well (Baker, p. 57).

Now: We define the foundation, the gospel, the good news of Christ. He is the Son of God. He came to us through God's love and taught us that "We love, because he first loved us." Because Christ took the punishment for all our sins, was crucified for them, we are forgiven. Because in God's plan, he conquered death by being resurrected from the dead, we will be resurrected. Christ led the way to eternal life, and all who believe in him will also be resurrected into the eternal presence of the Lord. We have the promise of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." There is no other truth and there is no other foundation. Men cannot change the word of God.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

Then and now:
Paul continues to speak to the Corinthians helping them understand their situation and where they are wrong. The Lord gives jobs to everyone and no worker is greather than another. All success in church growth - numerical and spiritual - comes from God, not the workers. No one works alone; all work together. Each worker has to be sensitive to the quality of his work.

The Corinthians and those hearing the message today need to infer that if Paul is not special, neither are they. If Paul is a fellow-worker with a specific task (gift), so are they. If Paul is accountable for the work he does, so are they. They too will receive their own reward.Paul uses the image of being a servant to show that they are all servants (not masters or observers) in the kingdom. He uses two occupational images - farming and construction industry. Both industries require workers with specialized skills - all needed and none greater than another.

From another viewpoint, the hearers are "God's fellow workers, the farm, and the building (temple) who are being raised up to receive their gifts (place) of service in the kingdom. (Comments based on Dr. Magness' class handout.)[Side note about "God grants the increase": Christians may recognize that the work God did to create physical life is continued as a counterpart in the creation of spiritual life. Being "born again" is the essential starting point.]

1 Corinthians 3:5

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (KJV)

Then: More than rhetorical, this question is designed to make the Corinthians move from their own point of view to a universal one. If they think about it, the Corinthians will see that Paul and Apollos are both ministers of the Word, serving the Lord through their dedication to him. They both know Christ, the truth of the Gospel, and were called to serve the Lord just as the Corinthians were. That part of the Lord's work is the same. The difference lies in the ways the Corinthians are living.

Now: A contentious spirit, a controlling spirit, a jealous spirit, and others cause unwary believers to behave just as if the Holy Spirit does not abide within them; however, the Christian who desires to be close to Christ, no matter how weak and tender the yearning, can trust the strength and directions of the Lord to overpower all uncleanness. Begin by standing on the truth that Christ died to forgive those who love him. Frontal attacks of recognition of evil, hours reading the Bible, confession, repentance, praying continuously, serving with other Christians, and listing the Lord's victories builds up his strength in the lives of individuals.

Further - Paul's use of "ministers" (others including E. T. Wright (p. 32) translate the word as "servants") counts as the first of four metaphors in Lee Magness' class note list. It touches believers who focus on economic concerns and reflects one of Paul's major themes that workers in the kingdom are not rulers, but servants.

1 Corinthians 3:3 - "Carnal Christians"

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (KJV)

Then: This word carnal slings across the room as the absolute worst epithet in Christianity. A carnal Christian is a contradiction. Paul means that the Corinthians are on the edge of not being Christian at all. The accusation hits them as Paul delineates: envying, strife and divisions. They have blocked the wisdom of the Holy Spirit from their hearts and minds. It's high time they grew up, passed the toddler stage and walked like those who were followers of Christ. Baker (p. 52) defines "carnal" as sinful nature." The word means flesh (meat as in the word "carnivorous"). For Paul, it describes a moral, ethical failure (Morris, p. 62).

Now: Sometime in Bible study and spiritual growth, every believer learns to abhor being carnal or fleshly. The goal is knowing the mind of Christ and serving him accordingly. It is a shame to exhibit actions close to Paul's description - not in the beginning, the initial stage of following him, but later, after years of calling on his name. All Christians have access to his strength and his wisdom and can do what is right. They can grow up. They want to do that and Christ wants it.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris (Grand Rapids MI: Eerdmans Pub., c1985, 2002) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=lNc0AYIqQvAC&dq=Corinthians+Morris&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=NwNTeWfd4I&sig=XgqcdeZIJ7jIfOrxTT7PUqQqo_4&hl=en&ei=F-MkS82TPIvWlAfW55D-CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAwQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 3:1

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ (KJV)

Then: Quick switch right here. Paul's next two verses aren't theoretical, but practical and realistic. He hits the situation of the Corinthians with a smack. They must have been shocked. Here he had been dazzling them with an enlightening explanation. Now they had to think about themselves - as carnal, unspiritual no less. Wright observes that the language refers to determined choices in spite of their knowledge of Christ. Thistleton (p. 286) notes that Paul holds out hope for the future with his phrase "not yet" in verse 3:2.

Now: And thus begins the Paul's presentation of "baby" Christians. Church leaders cannot "talk around" the root of a problem if any change will be made in the believers. The issue is not bluntness as much as it is speaking plainly, but rarely do today's ministers address an entire congregation about its shortcomings.
Extra source - The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Eerdman, 2000) http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=First+Corinthians+online+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=oCDBSpeoKZ_e8Ab-zKzBAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Organic Farming in Spiritual Fields - 1 Corinthians 3

Then and Now:
Farmers look for optimum conditions of sunshine, atmospheric elements such as CO2, soil nutrients, and water to grow the very best crops. They study the farming techniques of others and learn all they can. Spiritual farmers or teachers do the same thing. They study the teachings of Paul to find ways to insure spiritual life in the hearts of believers. What did Paul do? In chapter two he gave the Corinthians a vision of what it meant to be Christian, to have the Holy Spirit within them, to talk with the Lord, to know his wisdom, and to use it and not be judged by others, but be accountable to the Lord.

In chapter three Paul lets the Corinthians know they are a long ways away from that image. He starts showering them with the water and sunshine of four metaphors. Interestingly one is based on farming. Spiritual growth depends upon the desire of the believer. Paul wants to convince the Corinthians that growth is needed, not that growth is impossible. He wants the Corinthians to understand the process because later, they too, will become teachers of the Word. The metaphors carefully lead their thoughts to submission and acceptance of a sometimes painful process. Reminders of what Christ already did are encouragers to reach the one goal which is worth everything - living forever in the presence of the Lord.