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1 Corinthians 3

23 verses

TL;DR

Paul admonishes the Corinthians that they are still in an early, carnal stage of faith, urging them to build their lives on Jesus Christ’s foundation and to work honestly so their labor may be rewarded.

Summary

Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians that he addressed them as children, still in a rudimentary faith, comparing his instruction to giving them "milk" rather than "meat." He points out that their divisions and pride show they are still carnal and not truly united under Christ. Paul then uses the metaphor of a building project, saying he planted and Apollos watered, but God gave the increase, underscoring that all believers are God's laborers. He explains that the only true foundation is Jesus Christ and that each believer’s work will be tested by fire on the day of judgment, with reward for endurance and loss for those whose work burns. Paul stresses that the church is God’s temple, and warns against defiling it or being deceived by worldly wisdom. He calls for humility, unity, and wholehearted devotion to Christ, noting that all things belong to believers and that they are Christ’s.

Outline
  1. Paul’s critique of carnal faith and call to maturity
  2. The building metaphor: foundation, labor, fire, reward
  3. Exhortation to unity, humility, and temple devotion
Themes
Spiritual growth and maturityUnity versus divisionAccountability and reward
Keywords
milkmeatenviousfoundationJesus ChristfirerewardworkGodspirit
People
PaulApollosCephas
Places
Things
FoundationBuildingFireTempleMilkMeat
Key Verses
  • 1 Cor 3:10: Paul explains he laid the foundation (Jesus Christ) and others are building upon it.
  • 1 Cor 3:13: The image of fire testing work highlights accountability and reward.
  • 1 Cor 3:16: Reveals the church as God’s temple and the indwelling Spirit.
Questions
  • What does Paul mean by "milk" versus "meat" in terms of spiritual growth?
  • How should believers evaluate their own work in light of the fire test described?
  • In what ways can the church avoid the divisions Paul warns against?
  • Why does Paul emphasize that the foundation can only be Jesus Christ?
  • What practical steps can Christians take to guard their temple from defilement?
Sentiment

neutral
Paul’s tone is instructive and corrective, neither overtly emotional nor harsh, reflecting balanced pastoral concern.