1 Coríntios 3

Kenneth Wuest · Citado em PreceptAustin

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - Now, assuming that anyone builds upon the aforementioned foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, NLT 1 Corinthians 3:12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials-- gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- NIV 1 Corinthians 3:12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, GNT 1 Corinthians 3:12 εἰ δέ τις ἐποικοδομεῖ ἐπὶ τὸν θεμέλιον χρυσόν, ἄργυρον, λίθους τιμίους, ξύλα, χόρτον, καλάμην, KJV 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; YLT 1 Corinthians 3:12 and if any one doth build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw -- ASV 1 Corinthians 3:12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; CSB 1 Corinthians 3:12 If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, NRS 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- NAB 1 Corinthians 3:12 If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, NJB 1 Corinthians 3:12 On this foundation, different people may build in gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw GWN 1 Corinthians 3:12 People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:12 But on the base a man may put gold, silver, stones of great price, wood, dry grass, cut stems; gold: Ps 19:10 119:72 Pr 8:10 16:16 Isa 60:17 1Ti 4:6 2Ti 2:20 1Pe 1:7 Rev 3:18 precious: Isa 54:11-13 Rev 21:18 wood: Pr 30:6 Jer 23:28 Mt 15:6-9 Ac 20:30 Ro 16:17 2Co 2:17 4:2 Col 2:8,18-23 1Ti 4:1-3,7 6:3 2Ti 2:16-18 3:7,13 4:3 Tit 1:9-11 3:9-11 Heb 13:9 Rev 2:14 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries "Precious Stones" in Columns of Temple of Aphrodite CONTRASTING QUALITY OF BUILDING MATERIALS Paul as a wise master builder knows that the foundation (Jesus Christ and Him crucified) is the one absolute essential upon which all subsequent building must take place. But he knows that a good foundation does not necessarily guarantee a sturdy, reliable building. And so now he describes two classes of building materials. Now if any man builds on (epoikodomeo) the foundation - First note that the IF here is a first class condition which introduces a statement that is presumed to be true from the author's perspective and could be translated "since" or "because."(compare similar first class conditional "IF's" - 1 Cor 3:12, 14, 15, 17, 18). Builds upon is epoikodomeo in the present tense (continually builds upon). So keeping in mind the context that each man must be careful how he builds on (present tense) it how would any man build on the foundation of Christ? I can think of no better answer than Paul's closing exhortation to Timothy I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the word; be ready (aorist imperative) in season and out of season; reprove (aorist imperative), rebuke (aorist imperative), exhort (aorist imperative), with great patience and instruction. 3 FOR (PAUL EXPLAINS WHY SO CRITICAL) the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Ti 4:1-4+). In short, from Paul's exhortation we are to build on the foundation of Christ by preaching and teaching the pure word about Christ, the pure word being the only source of sound doctrine, (COMPARE "WISDOM...NOT OF THIS AGE" - 1 Cor 2:6-8+, 1 Cor 3:18-20+) "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power," (1 Cor 2:4+), "the power of God," (1 Cor 2:5+), not words that "tickle" the hearer's ears (IN CONTEXT IN CORINTH ESPECIALLY THE WISDOM OF MEN - READ 1 Cor 1:18-25+, 1 Cor 2:1, 4, 5+). Not only will "tickling" words be burned up, they will likely be destructive to the hearers (cf 1 Cor 3:17+), ultimately tearing down the church of Jesus Christ rather than building her up. So it bears repeating, that each man must be careful how he builds on (present tense) it! And lest you think you have a pass since you are not a preacher or formal teacher, if you are a believer, you are part of the each man/any man, for all believer's are teaching others in one form or another -- parents their children, employers their employees, husbands their wives, wives their husbands, etc. And it will be the quality of our building materials which will be assayed and assessed! As Paul said "Do not be deceived (present imperative with a negative = stop being deceived like you are now being deceived!), God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." (Gal 6:7+) This begs the question are you sowing with precious or worthless building materials? In the second letter Paul teaches that "we must (NOT "MIGHT") all appear before the judgment seat (bema) of Christ, so that (PURPOSE OF OUR PERSONAL APPEARANCE) each one (hekastos)(COMPARE EACH MAN...ANY MAN IN THIS CHAPTER) may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good (agathos = profitable, benefiting others) or bad (phaulos)" (2 Cor 5:10+). The Greek word phaulos is a good word to describe building materials of wood, hay and straw, for the word phaulos means worthless, low-grade, substandard quality, base quality, inferior quality. The Bema Seat is for assessing the QUALITY and not for examination of our sins in this life, for those were paid for in full (Jn 19:30+ - aka "tetelestai" = "IT IS FINISHED." "IT IS PAID IN FULL") by the fully atoning, precious blood sacrifice of our great Redeemer and Lord, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29+). In fact we see that even if one builds with worthless materials in this life, he or she (1) will still be saved (1 Cor 3:15+) and (2) will still receive praise (1 Cor 4:5+). Take a moment and praise our blessed One Foundation, Jesus Christ our Lord ... The Church's One Foundation The church's one Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is His new creation, by water and the Word; from heav'n He came and sought her to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died. Elect from ev'ry nation, yet one o'er all the earth, her charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth; one holy Name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with ev'ry grace endued. Tho' with a scornful wonder, men see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, "How long?" And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song. The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord, to defend, to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end; tho' there be those that hate her and false sons in her pale, against the foe or traitor she ever shall prevail. 'Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, she waits the consummation of peace for evermore; till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest. Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won. O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee. AMEN Jack Arnold on any man - Again in this context, this refers to ministers who are called a separated unto the gospel ministry by God, but it could apply to any Christian who ministers in the home, the church or the community. (ED: AND BELOVED WE ALL MINISTER TO OTHER BELIEVERS IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER!) With gold, silver, precious stones - It is notable that in Paul's day these three elements commonly adorned temples (and of course the Corinthians would have been very familiar with such sights in a city filled with pagan temples and granite/marble columns! See columns at Temple of Aphrodite), which is interesting for Jesus referred to His body as a temple (Jn 2:19-22+). If precious items were used by fallen men to adorn temporal human temples, how much more should we seek to use precious items to "adorn" the eternal foundation of Christ, the blessed Cornerstone (Ps 118:22+, 1 Peter 2:7+). The foundation is Christ, Who is precious, and so it behooves all builders (the Corinthians and us) to select precious materials, lest we sully the pristine foundation God has given to each of us on which to build spiritually. This triad of materials each is costly and as such represents the best materials to use in building on the holy foundation of Christ Jesus. “Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing.” -- John Henry Jowett

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - As for myself, I also, brethren, was not able to speak to you as I would to those dominated by the Holy Spirit, but as I would to those dominated by the evil nature, as I would to those in Christ who are still immature spiritually. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:1 So, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:1 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in Christ. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:1 Κἀγώ, ἀδελφοί, οὐκ ἠδυνήθην λαλῆσαι ὑμῖν ὡς πνευματικοῖς ἀλλ᾽ ὡς σαρκίνοις, ὡς νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ. KJV 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. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly -- as to babes in Christ; ASV 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:1 And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:1 And so, brothers, I was not able to talk to you as spiritual people; I had to talk to you as people still living by your natural inclinations, still infants in Christ; GWN 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers and sisters, I couldn't talk to you as spiritual people but as people still influenced by your corrupt nature. You were infants in your faith in Christ. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:1 And the teaching I gave you, my brothers, was such as I was able to give, not to those who have the Spirit, but to those who are still in the flesh, even to children in Christ. as to spiritual: 1Co 2:6,15 Ga 6:1 as to men of flesh: 1Co 3:3,4 2:14 Mt 16:23 Ro 7:14 infants: 1Co 14:20 Eph 4:13,14 1Jn 2:12 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BORN AGAIN BUT STILL IN "DIAPERS!" Robert Murray McCheyne was a minister in Scotland in the last century. He was only thirty years old when he died, but he made an enormous spiritual impact on Scotland that still continues. He said, “It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likenesses to Jesus... A man cannot be a faithful minister until he preaches Christ for Christ’s sake, until he gives up striving to attract people to himself, and seeks only to attract them to Christ.” In this chapter we see how Paul embodied this principle. Albert Barnes sums up Chapter 3 - The design of this chapter is substantially the same as the former. It is to reprove the pride, the philosophy, the vain wisdom on which the Greeks so much rested; and to show that the gospel was not dependent on that for its success, and that that had been the occasion of no small part of the contentions and strifes which had arisen in the church at Corinth. (Barnes Notes) John

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - Milk (FIRST WORD IN GREEK FOR EMPHASIS) I fed you, not solid food, for not yet were you able to assimilate the latter. In fact, not even yet at the present time are you able to do so. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready. In fact, you are still not ready, NLT 1 Corinthians 3:2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger. And you still aren't ready, ESV 1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, NIV 1 Corinthians 3:2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:2 γάλα ὑμᾶς ἐπότισα, οὐ βρῶμα, οὔπω γὰρ ἐδύνασθε. ἀλλ᾽ οὐδὲ ἔτι νῦν δύνασθε, KJV 1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:2 with milk I fed you, and not with meat, for ye were not yet able, but not even yet are ye now able, ASV 1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able; CSB 1 Corinthians 3:2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, because you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; NRS 1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, NAB 1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it. Indeed, you are still not able, even now, NJB 1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk and not solid food, for you were not yet able to take it -- and even now, you are still not able to, GWN 1 Corinthians 3:2 I gave you milk to drink. I didn't give you solid food because you weren't ready for it. Even now you aren't ready for it BBE 1 Corinthians 3:2 I gave you milk and not meat, because you were, then, unable to take it, and even now you are not able; I gave you milk to drink, not solid food: Heb 5:12-14 1Pe 2:2 for you were not yet able: Joh 16:12 Heb 5:11,12 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAINTS STILL NOT WEANED FROM MILK THOUGHT- Beloved, I fear the title of this passage may be sadly true for many of God's chosen, blood bought, heavenly bound children who are failing to partake of the unspeakable blessings available daily to them in "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" which are hidden in Christ. (Col 2:3+, read Proverbs 2:1-5, 6+). John MacArthur introduces 1Cor 3:1-9 writing "the Christian life is not easy. In many ways living is far more demanding than before we were saved. How is this so? How—when we have God’s own Spirit within us, the mind of Christ, and the power of God—could it become more difficult to do what is right, to do what our Lord wants us to do? There are two reasons: the world and the flesh. The first is outside us, the second is inside us. They are Satan’s supreme instruments in tempting believers and keeping them from faithfulness and victory.....The one word that best characterizes the flesh, our humanness, our Adamic nature, is selfish (ED: REARRANGE THE LETTERS AND YOU FIND "FLESH" IN SELFISH)....a Christian is not characterized by sin (ED: AS HIS LIFESTYLE OR HABITUAL PRACTICE); it no longer represents his basic nature. But he is still able to sin, and his sin is just as sinful as the sin of an unbeliever. Sin is sin. When a Christian sins, he is being practically unspiritual, living on the same practical level as an unbeliever.... A person who does not use information will lose it; and spiritual truth is no exception. Spiritual truths that we ignore and neglect will become less and less remembered and meaningful (cf. 2 Pet. 1:12–13). Nothing causes us to ignore God’s truth more than not living it. (See context in 1 Corinthians Commentary) I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it - As alluded to above, I gave is past tense and thus Paul is going back to the time when these Corinthians were first born again and as is normal for infants, at that time they could only be given milk to drink not solid food. So far, so good, as they say. That was just fine. But that was then and now is now and they are still able to ingest only infant food, having not matured normally into spiritual men. Paul uses the metaphor of milk in a different sense than in 1 Peter 2:2+ for Peter writes "like newborn babies (term of comparison = simile), long for the pure milk of the word, so that (purpose of pure milk intake) by it you may grow in respect to salvation (aka progressive sanctification)." Peter uses milk as a picture of the nourishment provided by the Word of God when it is dispensed in "pure" (adolos - undiluted, unadulterated) form. When a parent, pastor or teacher feeds those in his care with "pure" milk, and that milk is accepted and "assimilated" by the recipient hearers, God (His Spirit) will grow them in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18+). Lord, let it be so for all who read this note. In Jesus' Name. Amen. W E Vine has an interesting remark - The “milk” recalls what was said in 1 Cor 2:2; the meat, the solid food, is described in 1 Cor 2:6–13. John MacArthur makes a great point about the difference between milk and solid food - There is no difference at all between the truths of a spiritual milk diet and a spiritual solid food diet, except in detail and depth. All doctrine may have both milk and meat elements. It is not that we are to be continually learning new doctrines in order to grow, but that we are to be learning more about the doctrines we have known for years. A new Christian might explain the atonement, for example, as, “Christ died for my sins.” A long-time student of the Word, on the other hand, would go into such things as regeneration, justification, substitution, and propitiation. One explanation would not be truer than the other; but the first would be milk and the second, solid food. (See context in 1 Corinthians Commentary) Solid food (1033)(broma) means food of any kind, anything you chew for nourishment, anything used as food (often translated "meat" in KJV but not restricted to meat) Broma is used most often as a general references to “food” (Mt 14:15; Mk 7:19+; Ro 14:20; 1Co. 6:13; 1Ti. 4: 3; Heb. 9:10. In 1 Cor 10:3 broma denotes the food God supernaturally supplied to his people in the wilderness. Broma is used metaphorically by jesus in Jn 4:34+ "“My food (broma) is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work" denoting Jesus' innermost desire and His fundamental purpose in His short life. In 1Cor 3:2 broma signifies teaching that is more advanced, can be understood only by the more mature and is instrumental in their continuing maturation. Paul contrasts solid food (broma) with milk, figuratively mature doctrine (1Co 3.2). Broma is a key word in 1 Corinthians - 1 Co. 3:2; 1 Co. 6:13; 1 Co. 8:8; 1 Co. 8:13; 1 Co. 10:3. Broma is used 17x in 15v -food(14), foods(3). Mt. 14:15+; Mk. 7:19+; Lk. 3:11+; Lk. 9:13+; Jn. 4:34+; Ro 14:15+ (see context Ro 14:16-17); Rom. 14:20+; 1 Co. 3:2; 1 Co. 6:13; 1 Co. 8:8; 1 Co. 8:13; 1 Co. 10:3; 1 Ti 4:3; Heb 9:10; Heb. 13:9 Broma in Septuagint - Gen. 6:21; Gen. 14:11; Gen. 41:35; Gen. 41:36; Gen. 41:48; Gen. 42:2; Gen. 42:7; Gen. 42:10; Gen. 43:2; Gen. 43:4; Gen. 43:20; Gen. 43:22; Gen. 44:1; Gen. 44:25; Lev. 11:34; Lev. 25:6; Lev. 25:37; Deut. 2:6; Deut. 2:28; Deut. 23:19; 2 Sam. 13:5; 2 Sam. 13:7; 2 Sam. 13:10; 1 Ki. 10:5; 1 Ki. 12:24; 1 Chr. 12:40; 2 Chr. 2:10; 2 Chr. 9:4; 2 Chr. 11:11; Ezr. 3:7; Job 6:5; Job 20:21; Ps. 69:21; Ps. 74:14; Ps. 78:18; Ps. 79:2; Ps. 107:18; Prov. 23:6; Prov. 31:15; Isa. 3:6; Isa. 62:8; Ezek. 4:10; Joel 1:16; Joel 2:23; Hab. 1:16; Hag. 2:12; Mal. 1:7; Mal. 1:12; Indeed, even now you are not yet able - NIV = "you are still not ready." Not...able (oude dunamai in the present tense) means that they are continually and absolutely are not able to receive solid food. Not yet (eti) is used in a temporal sense which by best estimates is despite being believers for 4-5 years, they are still not yet able! So when they were born again, they were like little babies needing milk which was normal for newborn believers. But now (after 4-5 years) they were STILL like infants who were not weaned from the bottle and could not be given solid food. And so he "could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ," as he had spoken to them when they were first born again. Fee - Paul avoids accusing them of not having the Spirit altogether, but at the same time he bitingly forces them to have to face up to their true condition. (See The First Epistle to the Corinthians NICNT)

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - For, in so far as there are among you jealousy and strife, are you not those dominated by the evil nature, and are you not ordering your manner of life as an unsaved man would do? (Wuest Word Studies NET 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still influenced by the flesh. For since there is still jealousy and dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like unregenerate people? NLT 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren't you living like people of the world? ESV 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? NIV 1 Corinthians 3:3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? GNT 1 Corinthians 3:3 ἔτι γὰρ σαρκικοί ἐστε. ὅπου γὰρ ἐν ὑμῖν ζῆλος καὶ ἔρις, οὐχὶ σαρκικοί ἐστε καὶ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖτε; KJV 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? YLT 1 Corinthians 3:3 for yet ye are fleshly, for where there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not fleshly, and in the manner of men do walk? ASV 1 Corinthians 3:3 for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men? CSB 1 Corinthians 3:3 because you are still fleshly. For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and living like unbelievers? NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? NRS 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? NAB 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still of the flesh. While there is jealousy and rivalry among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving in an ordinary human way? NJB 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still living by your natural inclinations. As long as there are jealousy and rivalry among you, that surely means that you are still living by your natural inclinations and by merely human principles. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:3 because you're still influenced by your corrupt nature. When you are jealous and quarrel among yourselves, aren't you influenced by your corrupt nature and living by human standards? BBE 1 Corinthians 3:3 Because you are still in the flesh: for when there is envy and division among you, are you not still walking after the way of the flesh, even as natural men? for whereas: 1Co 1:11 6:1-8 11:18 2Co 12:20 Ga 5:15,19-21 Jas 3:16 4:1,2 and walk: Ho 6:7 Mk 7:21,22 Eph 2:2,3 4:22-24 Tit 3:3 1Pe 4:2 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Galatians 5:15+ But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Is This Diagram Misleading? Read Below for the Answer. THE DIVISIVE EFFECT OF STRIFE AND JEALOUSY For (gar) - term of explanation. Always begs question "What is being explained?" This one is easy to discern, for Paul is explaining why they Corinthians were not able to take in solid food. You are (present tense - continually, habitually) still fleshly (sarkikos) - Amplified = "under the control of ordinary (SINFUL) impulses" Wuest = "those dominated by the evil nature." Here is the root problem. They were still fleshly, still like immature infants. As noted above (see discussion), Paul does not say they are still "in the flesh," for that is a description of a non-believer. All believers are now in Christ, but despite our privileged position, our practice does not always match our position. And such was the case with the saints at Corinth. They were not walking by the Spirit, but walking by the flesh (cf Gal 5:16+), as indicated by the rotten fruit they were bringing forth (jealousy and strife). THOUGHT - Paul had proclaimed Christ crucified and they were born again and then Paul, probably the best teacher in the history (other than Christ), had fed them spiritually for the next 18 months and now he hears that they are acting like spiritual babies. Here is the point -- you can sit under the best preaching in the world but if you fail to act upon the truth you are taught, you will not grow spiritually. If you do not practice what they preach, you are deluding yourself (and remaining in a state of relative spiritual immaturity). James says "prove (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude (paralogizomai - present tense - continually deceive) themselves." (James 1:22+). S Lewis

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - For whenever someone says, As for myself, I indeed am a follower of Paul, but another of a different character says, As for myself, I am a follower of Apollos, are you not mere men? (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:4 For whenever someone says, "I am with Paul," or "I am with Apollos," are you not merely human? NLT 1 Corinthians 3:4 When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," aren't you acting just like people of the world? ESV 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human? NIV 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? GNT 1 Corinthians 3:4 ὅταν γὰρ λέγῃ τις, Ἐγὼ μέν εἰμι Παύλου, ἕτερος δέ, Ἐγὼ Ἀπολλῶ, οὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε; KJV 1 Corinthians 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? YLT 1 Corinthians 3:4 for when one may say, 'I, indeed, am of Paul;' and another, 'I -- of Apollos;' are ye not fleshly? ASV 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men? CSB 1 Corinthians 3:4 For whenever someone says, "I'm with Paul," and another, "I'm with Apollos," are you not unspiritual people? NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? NRS 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human? NAB 1 Corinthians 3:4 Whenever someone says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human? NJB 1 Corinthians 3:4 While there is one that says, 'I belong to Paul' and another that says, 'I belong to Apollos' are you not being only too human? GWN 1 Corinthians 3:4 When some of you say, "I follow Paul" and others say, "I follow Apollos," aren't you acting like sinful humans? BBE 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one says, I am of Paul; and another says, I am of Apollos; are you not talking like natural men? 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 1:12+ Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 4:6+ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. FORMING FACTIONS: ACTING LIKE UNSAVED MEN Factionalism speaks of conflict within a group, an internal dissension, usually resulting in contention between groups, these perverted partisan practices and petty animosities reflecting the selfish (fleshly - characteristic of men without the Spirit) interests of the members of the various groups. Factionalism refers to arguments or disputes between two or more small groups from within a larger group (in this case the "larger group" being the Church, the local body of Christ at Corinth). For (gar) - term of explanation. Paul reiterates his explanation of the evidence that they were still infants, still acting fleshly. When one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not mere men? - All the verbs in this sentence are present tense, speaking of continuing action. Paul is referring back to his opening description of the pathogenesis of the church divisions (1 Cor 1:10-12+) Paul says that their boasting in or favoring one preacher/teacher over another was evidence that they were acting like mere men, like natural men who were not saved and who were devoid of the Spirit. The effect of this statement would be to cause them to see the foolishness of favoring one man over another. In so doing, they were simply acting like unsaved men would act. Robertson on are you not mere men? - It was a home-thrust. Paul would not even defend his own partisans. W E Vine says mere men means “are you not on a purely human level,” lacking spiritual discernment? He who sets his mind on “the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Col. 3:2+), enjoys that fellowship with the Father and the Son which enables him to understand “the things of the Spirit.” (Collected Writings) Wayne

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? We are ministering servants through whose intermediate agency you believed, servants in each case in the manner as the Lord gave to each of us. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:5 What is Apollos, really? Or what is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, and each of us in the ministry the Lord gave us. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God's servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:5 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. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:5 τί οὖν ἐστιν Ἀπολλῶς; τί δέ ἐστιν Παῦλος; διάκονοι δι᾽ ὧν ἐπιστεύσατε, καὶ ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ κύριος ἔδωκεν. KJV 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? YLT 1 Corinthians 3:5 Who, then, is Paul, and who Apollos, but ministrants through whom ye did believe, and to each as the Lord gave? ASV 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? NRS 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:5 What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:5 For what is Apollos and what is Paul? The servants through whom you came to believe, and each has only what the Lord has given him. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:5 Who is Apollos? Who is Paul? They are servants who helped you come to faith. Each did what the Lord gave him to do. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? They are but servants who gave you the good news as God gave it to them. ministers: 1Co 3:7 4:1,2 Lu 1:2 Ro 10:14,15 2Co 3:6 2 Cor 4:5,7 2 Cor 6:1,4 2 Cor 11:23 even as the Lord gave opportunity: 1Co 3:10 1 Cor 9:17 1 Cor 12:4-11,28 Mt 25:15 Joh 3:27 Ro 12:3-6 1Pe 4:10-11 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: (God's gift to men for ministry) Romans 12:3-6+ For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 1 Peter 4:10-11+ As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies (HE GIVES THE SPIRITUAL GIFT, THEN HE GIVES THE SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH TO EXERCISE THE GIFT); so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. APOLLOS AND PAUL SERVANTS OF THE LORD What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? - The point of Paul's questions is to help the saints at Corinth to stop boasting in either he or Apollos. And he then goes on to explain why such boasting is not proper. Servants through whom you believed (pisteuo) - They are servants not "leaders of parties or sects." (ATR) Servants is diakonos meaning a minister or attendant and as described below speaks of humble service for the sake of others. In this case the "humble service" was proclamation of the Gospel. Paul is saying in essence that the saints at Corinth should not boast in either himself or Apollos because they were only the Lord's servants. (called servants of Christ in 1 Cor 4:1) They were obeying His bidding. They were simply the "instruments" that God's Spirit had used to speak of Christ crucified by which the Corinthians were saved. THOUGHT - Our ministry should be so Word centered, Spirit driven and God glorifying that we too could say we were “servants through whom you believed.” Earlier Paul had alluded to the saving effect of belief writing "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached (The Cross - 1 Cor 1:18+) to save those who believe (pisteuo)." (1 Co. 1:21+) Servants (ministers, deacons) (1249) (diakonos related to diakoneo, diakonia) is of uncertain origin. Some say it is from dia (through) + konis (dust) which denotes one who hurries through the dust to carry out his service. (Thayer and others doubt this derivation for technical reasons). Vine thinks that diakonos is from diako which means to hasten after, to pursue and so to run on errands. Hiebert speaking of deacons sums it up writing that "the root idea is one who reaches out with diligence and persistence to render a service on behalf of others. This would imply that the deacon reaches out to render love-prompted service to others energetically and persistently....The basic concept underlying the word “deacon” is that of a voluntary, love-prompted service for the benefit of others. It is a service that desires the true welfare of those ministered to." This word group (diakonos, diakoneo, diakonia) focuses on the rendering or assistance or help by performing certain duties, often of a humble or menial nature, and including such mundane activities as waiting on tables or caring for household needs, activities that to many would seem to be without dignity (not true of course in God's eyes, Pr 15:3, Rev 22:12+). In summary, the basic idea of this word group is that of humble, submissive, personal service, with less emphasis on a specific office or a particular function. As Matthew Henry once said "Those whom God will employ are first struck with a sense of their unworthiness to be employed." Diakonos - 29x in 27v - deacons(3), minister(7), servant(10), servants(9). Mt. 20:26; Mt. 22:13; Mt. 23:11; Mk. 9:35; Mk. 10:43; Jn. 2:5; Jn. 2:9; Jn. 12:26; Ro 13:4; Ro 15:8; Ro 16:1; 1 Co. 3:5; 2 Co. 3:6; 2 Co. 6:4; 2 Co. 11:15; 2 Co. 11:23; Gal. 2:17; Eph. 3:7; Eph. 6:21; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:7; Col. 1:23; Col. 1:25; Col. 4:7; 1 Ti 3:8; 1 Ti 3:12; 1 Ti 4:6 Believed (4100)(pisteuo) means to consider something to be true and therefore worthy of one’s trust, in this case to place their trust in Christ crucified thereby opening the way of salvation. It is more than an intellectual belief (which it clearly includes), but is also a response of one's heart and will, placing full confidence in the Gospel which results in one's salvation. Uses in the letters to Corinth - 1 Co. 1:21; 1 Co. 3:5; 1 Co. 9:17; 1 Co. 11:18; 1 Co. 13:7; 1 Co. 14:22; 1 Co. 15:2; 1 Co. 15:11; 2 Co. 4:13 Even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one - NLT = "Each of us did the work the Lord gave us." ESV = as the Lord assigned to each. NIV = "as the Lord has assigned to each his task." The point is that what Paul and Apollos had done in Corinth was not a result of any intrinsic worth of either man but was in essence the result of a gift from the Lord Jesus Who gave them the privilege of proclaiming the Gospel. He says that he and Apollos were just doing the tasks God had assigned them. And so he is saying to the Corinthians "Don't boast it us, for what we did among you was not because or our goodness, but because of the goodness of the Lord." Carson adds "If the Lord Jesus Himself “has assigned to each his task,” it is idiotic to rank them according to their jobs. These servants have not gained their status by ambition and “natural gift” (as if in God’s world there can be any gift that he himself has not given!), but by the specific assignment of the Lord." (Ibid) Matthew

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - As for myself, I planted, Apollos watered, but God has been causing that which was sown to grow. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:6 ἐγὼ ἐφύτευσα, Ἀπολλῶς ἐπότισεν, ἀλλὰ ὁ θεὸς ηὔξανεν· KJV 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was giving growth; ASV 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:6 I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God gave growth. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, and Apollos watered, but God made it grow. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:6 I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God gave the increase. I: 1Co 3:9,10 4:14,15 9:1,7-11 15:1-11 Ac 18:4-11 2Co 10:14,15 Apollos: Pr 11:25 Ac 18:24,26,27 19:1 God: 1Co 1:30 1 Cor 15:10 Ps 62:9,11 92:13-15 127:1 Isa 55:10,11 Isa 61:11 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages (God causing the growth): Acts 11:18+ When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.” Acts 14:27+ When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 16:14+ A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond (GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY) o the things spoken by Paul (PAUL'S ROLE).. Acts 21:19+ After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles (GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY) through his ministry (PAUL'S ROLE). Romans 15:18+ For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6+ Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6 Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 1 Thessalonians 1:5+ for our gospel did not come to you in word only (PAUL'S ROLE). but also in power and in the Holy Spirit (GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY) and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. SERVANTS SUBMITTED TO GOD'S SUPERNATURAL POWER Now Paul begins his agricultural metaphor to help them understand their role as the Lord's servants. I planted, Apollos watered - Luke describes Paul's planting in Acts 18:1-18+ and Apollos' watering in Acts 18:24-19:1+. Paul sowed the Gospel seed in the "field" in Corinth, and the Spirit used this "seed" to birth new creations in Christ. After the church was established in Corinth, Paul left and was followed by the "silver tongued" speaker Apollos who proclaimed the pure Word of God which the Spirit used to build up the saints. But as we have seen, unfortunately they remained spiritually immature because of the tendency to walk by the flesh and not the Spirit. but God was causing the growth - Causing the growth is auxano in the imperfect tense (over and over, again and again). The faithful proclamation of the word by Paul and Apollos was supernaturally energized by God thus causing the spiritual growth. The implication is that at least some of them were growing spiritually to some degree, although as a whole the church was fleshly not spiritual. Robertson on auxano in the imperfect tense - Imperfect tense here (active indicative) for the continuous blessing of God both on the work of Paul and Apollos, co-labourers with God in God’s field. Reports of revivals sometimes give the glory to the evangelist or to both evangelist and pastor. Paul gives it all to God. He and Apollos cooperated as successive pastors. Paul described God's part in the growth earlier writing "But by His doing (WHOSE? GOD'S DOING) you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." (1 Cor 1:30). 'Fertilizer Sure Helps!' Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. —1 Corinthians 3:6 A Sunday school teacher pointed to a large plant in the room and asked her young pupils, “Who made those beautiful flowers grow?” A boy quickly answered, “God did!” The teacher was pleased by the response, but before she had a chance to comment, another boy shouted, “But fertilizer sure helps!” That youngster touched on a profound reality—the mingling of the human with the divine in God’s plan for growth. For example, even though the Lord created this world with its growing things, He put man in the garden to tend and cultivate it. We find a parallel to this truth in the spiritual realm. The apostle Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). His main intent in writing these words was to emphasize that God was the one responsible for “the increase.” Even so, the Lord had worked through the faithful endeavors of men. Notice what the record states: Paul “planted,” and Apollos “watered.” The Lord gives each of us a task He wants us to fulfill; To love and serve Him faithfully Accomplishes His will. —Sper Pray for a good harvest, but keep on hoeing. It's Up To God Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. —1 Corinthians 3:6 Tom Vreman of the Dorcas Society Mission was speaking to our church about the patience required to work on a mission field. He told about a friend and his family who had traveled to the Inner Mongolia region of China to proclaim the gospel. For the first few years, all they did was get settled and learn the customs of the people. After almost 4 years, his friend reported with great excitement that he was discipling his first three converts. That’s slow progress. But after another 4 years, the missionary gave this amazing report: The entire village had turned in faith to Christ. The new Christians began praying for the people in a neighboring town. They sent witnesses, and soon that whole village received Christ. Now the entire region is hearing the gospel—all because one man and his family were willing to plant the seed and trust God for the results. The apostle Paul gave his life to do God’s work. But he knew who was responsible for the success of that work. “Neither he who plants is anything,” he wrote, “nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Cor. 3:7). You've fished for men's souls for years, Yet little success you can claim; Keep casting the net where God leads you— Your faithfulness honors His Name. —DCE Faithfulness is God's requirement; fruitfulness is His reward. 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Amplified - So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater. Wuest - So that he who plants is not anything, nor he who waters, but God who causes things to grow. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither the one who plants counts for anything, nor the one who waters, but God who causes the growth. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:7 It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:7 ὥστε οὔτε ὁ φυτεύων ἐστίν τι οὔτε ὁ ποτίζων ἀλλ᾽ ὁ αὐξάνων θεός. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:7 so that neither is he who is planting anything, nor he who is watering, but He who is giving growth -- God; ASV 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:7 Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:7 In this, neither the planter nor the waterer counts for anything; only God, who gives growth. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is important because only God makes it grow. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then the planter is nothing, and the waterer is nothing; but God who gives the increase. 1Co 13:2 Ps 115:1 Isa 40:17 41:29 Da 4:35 Joh 15:5 2Co 12:9 Ga 6:3 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY So then (hoste) - Term of conclusion similar to therefore. In 1 Cor 3:5 Paul had asked what Paul and Apollos were and now he gives the answer. ILLUSTRATION - Jill Briscoe said, “I love what Corrie ten Boom once taught me”. She said, "Jill, people thank me so much, and it used to worry me because I didn't want to get a big head. So I began to collect those compliments like flowers. 'Thank you,' I'd say. 'Thank you, thank you, thank you.' Then at the end of the day I'd kneel down and I'd say, 'Here You are Jesus, they're all Yours.'" (Brian Bell) This is one of those great BUT GOD (see discussion of BUT GOD) phrases in the Bible. In the Greek, the word “God” occupies an emphatic position in the sentence: ‘He that gives the growth, (namely) God” Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God Who causes the growth (see related passages above) - Paul's point is that it is God who supernaturally causes any spiritual growth, not the one who plants (Paul) or who waters (Apollos). Paul and Apollos were simply humble "branches" who were productive ONLY because they abided in the Vine, Christ Jesus (Jn 15:5). This truth should squash any ideas of competition or disharmony between Paul and Apollos, thus making favoritism by the Corinthians of one over the other superfluous, and countering the divisive effect of their "party spirit." Keith Krell - Paul “planted” as he introduced the Corinthians to faith in Christ and taught basic discipleship truths to those who believed (4:15; Acts 18:1, 17).33 Apollos “watered” as he followed up Paul in Corinth, and fortified, fed, and nurtured the work that Paul had begun (Acts 18:24-19:1). There is an operative word in these verses. It is the word “one.” This word helps explain God’s mathematics. One plus one equals one. Ten plus ten equals one. One hundred plus one hundred equals one. Regardless of how many people are serving, God is the One that makes things grow.34 Paul states this twice in 3:6-7. He wants us to understand that “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Ps 127:1). We should dream and plan for ministry. We should want and expect our church and our ministries to grow. Nevertheless, growth is God’s business, not ours. God is the One who causes the growth! Therefore, we must pray and trust Him for it. Are you praying for the growth and health of your church? If not, please begin doing so today. By using the illustration of a garden, Paul helps us to understand that he and Apollos are not gardeners, they are garden tools. They are shovels and rakes. Now no one fawns over a garden tool, right? Most people don’t walk into a beautiful garden and say, “Look at that shovel!” “Look at that rake!” Instead, they focus on the garden and the gardener. Likewise, since we are mere garden tools we ought to direct people to the Gardener. He is the One whom has done all the work! The mark of a successful servant is: Does he or she point others to the Gardener (see John 3:30)? (Team Work or Turf Wars? 1 Corinthians 3:1-9) Carson adds "To heap unqualified and exclusive praise on the sower is to focus too narrowly; to praise those who handle the irrigation and forget those who sow the seed is to be myopic. In any case it is God alone who makes things grow. Should not he be praised?" (Ibid) Robertson on God Who causes the growth - God is the whole and we are not anything. Paul expressed a similar sentiment writing to the Galatians that "if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (Gal 6:3+) And again in Romans Paul wrote "For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Ro 12:3-5+). Jesus alludes to the parity among those who participate in the growing of His Kingdom in John writing "Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." (Jn 4:36+). See related commentary on Mark 4:27 (The Farmer) goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows–how, he himself does not know. The Pitfalls of Popularity 1 Corinthians 3:7 - J Oswald Sanders What leader or preacher does not desire to be liked by his people? Being disliked is no virtue, but popularity can have too high a price. “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!” Jesus warned in Luke 6:26KJV. Personality cults have often developed around great spiritual leaders. Followers are awestruck at a leader’s virtues and show such fawning deference that the leader seems no longer merely human. Worse yet, the leader sometimes begins to enjoy his or her pedestal. Paul faced this problem at Corinth. Christians there were splintering into camps promoting their favorite: some liked Apollos, others liked Paul. The apostle saw the danger and immediately put a stop to it. Neither of them deserved such “hero worship,” “but only God” (1 Corinthians 3:7). Any fervor, devotion, or loyalty the people in Corinth might have for spiritual leaders should be given solely to the person of Jesus. Spiritual leaders may be esteemed highly for their work’s quality, but that esteem cannot degenerate into a form of idol worship. Leaders must work to draw the people’s affection to Jesus. There is no fault in finding encouragement when one’s service is appreciated, but the leader must altogether refuse to be idolized. Stephen Neill said in a lecture to theological students: “Popularity is the most dangerous spiritual state imaginable, since it leads on so easily to the spiritual pride which drowns men in perdition. It is a symptom to be watched with anxiety since so often it has been purchased at the too heavy price of compromise with the world.” George Whitefield was immensely popular, and in his early years he enjoyed the acclaim. He recalled that he felt it was death to be despised and worse than death to be laughed at. But as his service and career progressed, he grew tired of the attention. “I have seen enough of popularity to be sick of it,” he declared. (ED: COMPARE John 3:30+)(SL) Vance Havner - ONLY GOD IS ANYTHING So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:7. God lays aside His co-workers as the carpenter his tools. Some are castaways, disapproved. Some are old and spent. A preacher who once swayed multitudes fades out in seclusion. We have our day and some finish early, dying in full bloom. All that matters is that the work goes on, the building goes up. We are not mere pawns on a chessboard, for God is our Father, but we serve our generation by the will of God and then fall asleep and are laid with our fathers. The planters and builders come and go and are nothing—only God is anything and everything. Glory to the Grower So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:7 Today's Scripture & Insight : Mark 4:26–29 One day, I noticed an unexpected splash of yellow to the right of our driveway. Six stalks of daffodils, sandwiched between two large stones, bloomed bright and tall. Because I hadn’t planted, fertilized, or intentionally watered the bulbs, I couldn’t figure out how or why the flowers had sprouted in our yard. Jesus illustrated a mystery of spiritual growth in the parable of the growing seed. He compares the kingdom of God to a farmer scattering seed on the ground (Mark 4:26). The one who scattered the seed may have done what he could to care for the soil. But Jesus said the seed sprouted whether or not that man slept in, woke up, or even understood the growth process (vv. 27–28). The land owner benefited from the harvest (v. 29), though its development didn’t depend on what he did or his understanding of the workings beneath the surface of the soil. Lord, thank You for growing us spiritually and using us to serve Your people, as You grow Your kingdom. God deserves the glory for the growth of His people and His kingdom. The Richness Of Humility Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-10 Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. —1 Corinthians 3:7 She lived out spiritual humility, yet she had much on a human level to be proud of. As an author of over 70 books and a translator of many others into Afrikaans, Annalou Marais had much cause to brag—but she was more concerned about honoring Christ than advancing herself. She worked behind the scenes of the Bible conference, doing a servant’s tasks with a smiling face and a joyful heart. It would have been natural for her to desire, and even deserve, the spotlight. Instead, she quietly served, joyfully weeping as God worked in people’s hearts. It was an impressive humility, because it was completely genuine. I have heard it said, “It is amazing what can be accomplished when we don’t care who gets the credit.” This is certainly true of Christian service. Paul told the church at Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6-7). Paul had learned that great lesson of the servant’s heart, as Annalou has learned—it’s entirely about God. What we do is accomplished by His power and grace, and all the glory must go to Him. God often uses lowly things His purpose to fulfill, Because it takes a humble heart To carry out His will. —D. De Haan Pride and grace cannot dwell in the same place. THE SELF-DISCIPLINE APPROACH Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (1 Cor 3:7) There’s no doubt that disciplined people, both believers and unbelievers, can effect change in themselves. But in the self-discipline approach to holiness, a major temptation is to rely on a regimen of spiritual disciplines instead of on the Holy Spirit. I believe in spiritual disciplines, and I seek to practice them. But those disciplines are not the source of our spiritual strength. The Lord Jesus Christ is, and the Spirit’s ministry is to apply His strength in our lives. To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 3:7, we can plant and water, but we cannot make things grow. Only the Spirit can do that. We must plant and water if we’re to make progress in holiness, but only the Spirit can change us more and more into the likeness of Jesus. Edwards was disciplined, but he was also dependent. Jonathan Edwards compiled a series of seventy resolutions to govern his own spiritual disciplines and conduct. Talk about spiritual discipline! His resolutions would make most of our present-day disciplines look like spiritual kindergarten. But at the beginning of his list he wrote these words: “Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.” Edwards was disciplined, but he was also dependent. I’m sure those of us who tend toward the self-discipline school of holiness agree that we must depend on the enabling power of the Spirit. We give lip service to it, but do we practice it? Do we each day and throughout the day acknowledge our dependence on Him? Or do we in fact seek to pursue holiness in the strength of our own willpower? (BORROW Jerry Bridges Holiness day by day : transformational thoughts for your spiritual journey page 94) Rick Renner - 1 Corinthians 3:7 - Your Most Valuable Partner - What has God called you to do that you never dreamed you would be doing? I’ve learned that as we walk with God as our most important Partner in life, we often find ourselves doing what we would have never thought possible. (For full devotional click here; See related devotional Do You Know the Role You're Supposed to Play?) Let God Do His Work Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-11 Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. —1 Corinthians 3:7 In our zeal to serve the Lord, it’s easy to think that it’s our responsibility to produce results. This causes us to place too much faith in our ability and too little faith in God’s. Paul observed this same tendency in the Corinthian church. Certain believers extolled the seed-planting ministry of Paul, while others favored the seed-watering ministry of Apollos. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul reminded them that it is God who brings the seed to fruition (vv.4-7). Yet Paul acknowledged that their faithful efforts were part of God’s plan, “and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (v.8). Imagine a farmer sitting on his front porch. You ask him what he’s doing. He answers, “Farming.” You ask him what he’s growing. He replies, “Wheat.” “But your fields look unplowed and unplanted,” you say. “That’s right,” he answers, “I’m farming by faith. Believing God for a harvest.” “But shouldn’t you be doing something?” you protest. He replies, “I am. I’m praying and believing!” God does not expect us To make the seed bear fruit; Jesus said to plant it, And pray that it will root. —Pendergraft We can plant the seed, but only God can give the harvest. 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. Amplified - He who plants and he who waters are equal (one in aim, of the same importance and esteem), yet each shall receive his own reward (wages), according to his own labor. Wuest - Now, the one who plants and the one who waters are one. But each one of us will receive his specific pay appropriate to his specific work, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters work as one, but each will receive his reward according to his work. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:8 ὁ φυτεύων δὲ καὶ ὁ ποτίζων ἕν εἰσιν, ἕκαστος δὲ τὸν ἴδιον μισθὸν λήμψεται κατὰ τὸν ἴδιον κόπον· KJV 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:8 and he who is planting and he who is watering are one, and each his own reward shall receive, according to his own labour, ASV 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:8 It is all one who does the planting and who does the watering, and each will have the proper pay for the work that he has done. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters have the same goal, and each will receive a reward for his own work. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now the planter and the waterer are working for the same end: but they will have their separate rewards in the measure of their work. Now he who plants: 1Co 3:9 4:6 Joh 4:36-38 and each: 1Co 4:5 9:17,18 15:58 Ps 62:12 Da 12:3 Mt 5:11,12 10:41,42 16:27 Ro 2:6 Ga 6:7,8 Heb 6:10 1Pe 5:4 2Jn 1:8 Rev 2:23 22:12 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A "LEVEL PLAYING FIELD" Level playing field is an American idiom which describes a situation that is balanced and fair to all, where everyone has the same opportunity (cf "gave opportunity" in 1 Cor 3:5) and no person has an advantage over another person, thus giving all a fair and equal chance of succeeding. Now he who plants (present tense = continually - ministry is NOT "one and done!") and he who waters (present tense = continually) are one - He who plants is Paul's self-description, for it was his proclamation (casting out) of the "seed" of the Word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which the Holy Spirit used to birth the Corinthians into the Kingdom of God (cf Jn 3:3+) and in effect plant the Church in Corinth. There was an interdependence (mutual dependence) in the ministries of Paul and Apollos. Farmers plant and there is a drought the crops fail. Paul says there was no "water" shortage here. So both men were needed and neither deserved to be lauded over the other. He who waters alludes to Apollos who followed up Paul's ministry in Corinth with his eloquent teaching, viewed here as his dispensing the "water of the Word." (cf Eph 5:26+). The point of oneness is that there was harmony, not competition. Does that describe your ministry beloved? Or are you jealous of how big the other fellow's church is, etc? One is the Greek word heis which is the first cardinal numeral and signifies that which is united as one in contrast with being divided or consisting of separate parts. In other words, while Paul and Apollos had different functions (plants, waters), picturing separate and distinct ministries, they were still viewed as a unit and one which functioned synergistically, working together in harmony. If the saints at Corinth would begin to grasp the significance of the oneness of the work/ministries of Paul and Apollos, party bickering would be minimized. But each will receive his own reward according to his own labor (kopos) - Paul is saying that individual ministries are important and call for faithfulness and hard work. And the reward is proportionate to the labor for each individual. Notice own reward...own labor signifying that the reward will be as we might say today "personalized," or suited to each person's labor. Notice Paul does does not use the Greek word ergon for work, but the word (kopos) which describes labor which is toilsome, wearying and even sorrowful at times (if you are a pastor, you are probably saying "amen" to that statement!). Spirit filled ministry (while being supernaturally energized) involves human responsibility which in turn is associated with trouble and toil (just as Paul is illustrating in the very letter we are reading)! God rewards on the basis of labor, not success or results. -- John MacArthur MacArthur on according to his own labor - God rewards on the basis of labor, not success or results. A missionary may work faithfully for 40 years and see only a handful of converts. Another may work far fewer years and see far more converts. Jeremiah was one of God’s most faithful and dedicated prophets, yet he saw little result of his ministry. He was ridiculed, persecuted, and generally rejected along with the message he preached. Jonah, on the other hand, was petty and unwilling, yet through him God won the entire city of Nineveh in one brief campaign. Our usefulness and effectiveness are purely by God’s grace (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10). It is appropriate that God’s faithful servants be appreciated and encouraged while they are on earth. But they are not to be glorified, set apart, or made the center of special groups or movements.

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - for we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s land under cultivation, God’s edifice. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:9 We are coworkers belonging to God. You are God's field, God's building. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:9 θεοῦ γάρ ἐσμεν συνεργοί, θεοῦ γεώργιον, θεοῦ οἰκοδομή ἐστε. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:9 for of God we are fellow-workmen; God's tillage, God's building ye are. ASV 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's coworkers. You are God's field, God's building. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:9 After all, we do share in God's work; you are God's farm, God's building. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:9 We are God's coworkers. You are God's field. You are God's building. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are workers with God: you are God's planting, God's building. we: 1Co 3:6 Mt 9:37 Mk 16:20 2Co 6:1 3Jn 1:8 you are God's field: Ps 65:9-13 72:16 80:8-11 Isa 5:1-7 27:2,3 28:24-29 32:20 Isa 61:3,5,11 Jer 2:21 Mt 13:3-9,18-30,36-42 20:1-14 21:23-44 Mk 4:26-29 Joh 4:35-38 15:1-8 God's building: 1Co 3:16 6:19 Ps 118:22 Am 9:11,12 Zec 6:12,13 Mt 16:18 Ac 4:11 2Co 6:16 Eph 2:10,20-22 Col 2:7 1Ti 3:15 Heb 3:3,4,6 1Pe 2:5 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PROPER PERSPECTIVE IT IS GOD'S WORK Note the triple repetition God's...God's....God.'s. Three possessive proper nouns. God is the Possessor. Even this truth should help to defuse party factions, for it all belongs to God, not to any one faction! Paul and Apollos were not their own, but belonged to God! And the same is true for the saints at Corinth. And practically the same truth applies to every believer. (cf 1 Cor 6:19-20+). God as the Owner calls for the Corinthians to give their allegiance solely to Him and not favor one leader over another, which would in turn help dissipate their jealousy and strife. For we are God's fellow workers - Fellow workers is the Greek word sunergos which gives us our English synergy. What is Paul's point in 1 Cor 3:5-9? He is addressing the problems of jealousy, strife and boasting in men (Paul or Apollos) in 1 Cor 3:3-4. Don't miss the significance of the little preposition sun/syn which speaks of intimacy in contrast to meta which speaks of nearness without the idea of intimacy. So but even more significantly speaks of intimacy between the parties, here God and His ministers (this is good news dear pastor and should encourage you that you have a Fellow Worker Who can handle ANY load!). They are almost "fused into one" like Siamese twins. Of course while they are co-workers with God, they are not co-equal. They are not workers on the same level as God. God is the Initiator and the Energizer of all work of any eternal value. Finite men have the incomparable privilege of joining God where He is working a truth Henry Blackaby referred to as "Reality Three" in his course on Experiencing God. Note that in Second Corinthians Paul says that they (he and Timothy 2 Cor 1:1) "are workers with (sunergos) you for your joy." (2 Cor 1:24) THOUGHT - As noted above sunergos is the root of synergy which describes the interaction of two (or more) agents/forces such that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual parts. When the omnipotent God is our Fellow Worker or Co-Laborer, the result is "far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the (HIS SUPERNATURAL) power (dunamis) that works within (present tense - energeo - continually energizes) us." (Eph 3:20+) This begs the question dear pastor, teacher, ministry worker of any genre - are you letting the Lord carry the load? (cf Mt 11:28-30+) Are you casting the burden He has cast on you back on Him? (Ps 55:22+). Are you abiding in the Vine (John 15:5)?

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - According to the grace of God which was given to me, I as a skillful master builder laid a foundation, but another builds upon it. But let each one be taking heed how he builds upon it (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master-builder I laid a foundation, but someone else builds on it. And each one must be careful how he builds. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:10 Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:10 Κατὰ τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι ὡς σοφὸς ἀρχιτέκτων θεμέλιον ἔθηκα, ἄλλος δὲ ἐποικοδομεῖ. ἕκαστος δὲ βλεπέτω πῶς ἐποικοδομεῖ. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a wise master-builder, a foundation I have laid, and another doth build on it, ASV 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to God's grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, NJB 1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace of God which was given to me, I laid the foundations like a trained master-builder, and someone else is building on them. Now each one must be careful how he does the building. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:10 As a skilled and experienced builder, I used the gift that God gave me to lay the foundation for that building. However, someone else is building on it. Each person must be careful how he builds on it. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:10 In the measure of the grace given to me, I, as a wise master-builder, have put the base in position, and another goes on building on it. But let every man take care what he puts on it. According to the grace of God: 1Co 3:5 15:10 Ro 1:5 12:3 15:15 Eph 3:2-8 Col 1:29 1Ti 1:11-14 1Pe 4:11 like a wise master builder: 1Ki 3:9-11 2Ch 2:12 Da 12:3 Mt 7:24 24:45 2Ti 2:15 I have: 1Co 3:6,11 9:2 Zec 4:9 Ro 15:20 Eph 2:20 Rev 21:14,19 and another: 1Co 15:11,12 Ac 18:27 2Co 10:15 11:13-15 each man must be careful how he builds on it: Ec 12:9 Lu 11:35 21:8 Col 4:17 1Ti 4:16 Jas 3:1 *Gr: 1Pe 4:11 2Pe 2:1-3 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 1 Peter 2:5+ You (BELIEVERS) also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:20+ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION BY GRACE According to the grace of God which was given to me - What was accomplished through Paul was not because of the greatness of Paul, but the goodness of God Who bestowed on him empowering grace by which he would be supernaturally enabled to evangelize the Corinthians. Note that the grace is not out of but in proportion to God's grace. You say "So what? Why is that worth noting?" How much grace does God possess? He has infinite grace and He dispensed not a portion of His grace, but in proportion to His infinite grace. It would be like billionaire giving you ten dollars out of his wealth, versus another man generously giving you 1000's and 1000's of dollars which would be more in proportion to his wealth. Earlier in 1 Cor 1:3-4+ Paul had reminded the saints that they too were recipients of God's amazing, life transforming, empowering grace.

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - for an alternative foundation no one is able to lay alongside of the one which is being laid, which foundation is a person, Jesus Christ. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have-- Jesus Christ. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:11 θεμέλιον γὰρ ἄλλον οὐδεὶς δύναται θεῖναι παρὰ τὸν κείμενον, ὅς ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:11 for other foundation no one is able to lay except that which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ; ASV 1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:11 for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:11 For nobody can lay down any other foundation than the one which is there already, namely Jesus Christ. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:11 After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:11 For there is no other base for the building but that which has been put down, which is Jesus Christ. Isa 28:16 Mt 16:18 Ac 4:11,12 2Co 11:2-4 Ga 1:7-9 Eph 2:20 2Ti 2:19 1Pe 2:6-8 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE CRUX OF THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFE Title from Rod Mattoon. For (gar) - term of explanation. Always begs question "What is being explained?" Paul is elaborating on the foundation he just described in v10 to explain what kind of foundation he laid when he first came to Corinth and shared the Gospel. No man can lay a foundation - Lay a foundation is literally to lay beside (para) a foundation. Paul mentions faulty "foundations" such as a "different gospel" in Gal 1:6+ and "another Jesus" in 2 Cor 11:4. Brian Bell on foundation - no other redemption; no other salvation; no other Savior; no other Christ Spurgeon said, “None but Jesus, the divine Savior, could sustain the weight of a single soul with all its sins, much less of all the souls which are built up into the Temple of God.”

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - the work of each person will become apparent, for the day will make it known, because it [the day] will be made clear as to its identity by means of one of its attributes, namely, fire. And the fire itself will put each person’s work to the test for the purpose of approving it should it meet the required specifications, the test being to determine what sort of work it is as to quality. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:13 each builder's work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:13 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:13 ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον φανερὸν γενήσεται, ἡ γὰρ ἡμέρα δηλώσει, ὅτι ἐν πυρὶ ἀποκαλύπτεται· καὶ ἑκάστου τὸ ἔργον ὁποῖόν ἐστιν τὸ πῦρ [αὐτὸ] δοκιμάσει. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:13 of each the work shall become manifest, for the day shall declare it, because in fire it is revealed, and the work of each, what kind it is, the fire shall prove; ASV 1 Corinthians 3:13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:13 each one's work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:13 the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:13 the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire (itself) will test the quality of each one's work. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:13 but each person's handiwork will be shown for what it is. The Day which dawns in fire will make it clear and the fire itself will test the quality of each person's work. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:13 The day will make what each one does clearly visible because fire will reveal it. That fire will determine what kind of work each person has done. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work will be made clear in that day, because it will be tested by fire; and the fire itself will make clear the quality of every man's work. man's: 1Co 3:14,15 4:5 2Ti 3:9 the day: 1Co 1:8 Mal 3:17 Ro 2:5,16 2Th 1:7-10 2Ti 1:18 2Pe 3:10 Rev 20:12 be revealed: Lu 2:35 and the fire: Isa 8:20 28:17 Jer 23:29 Eze 13:10-16 Zec 13:9 1Pe 1:7 4:12 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A DAY OF RECOMPENSE FOR OUR EARTHLY WORKS Bob Utley makes an excellent observation noting that "This clear manifestation of believers’ or leaders’ ministry (motives, actions, purposes) is emphasized by a three-fold repetition of verbs in 1 Cor 3:13 -- (1) become evident (phanerós), (2) show (deloo) and (3) be revealed (apokalupto) This open display and judgment of believers must relate to the judgment seat of Christ in 2 Cor. 5:10. (1 Corinthians 3 Commentary) Each man's work will become evident - Paul personalizes this passage to address each (and every individual) man and woman in Corinth. And while he is addressing the saints at Corinth, the principle of the passage applies to each and every believer individually and personally. This sure word of "prophecy" should wake us from spiritual slumber, sober our spirit and stir our heart so that we "prepare (our) minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix (our) hope (elpizo in aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (GLORIFICATION BUT ALSO THE DAY WHEN WORK WILL BECOME EVIDENT). As obedient children, do not be conformed (suschematizo - STOP BEING POURED INTO THE MOLD OF) to the former lusts (STOP WALKING LIKE "MERE MEN" FLESHLY, LIKE MEN WHO DO NOT POSSESS THE HOLY SPIRIT) which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One Who called you, be holy (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourselves also in all your behavior." (1 Peter 1:13-15+) Jack Arnold - Sometimes to the human eye it is difficult to distinguish between “gold, silver and costly stones” (sound doctrine, well-equipped saints, godly wisdom) and “wood, hay and straw” (false doctrine, mushy saints and human wisdom). This is why there is coming a day of judgment upon every minister’s works. God has determined in His plan for that moment to come at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the doctrine, lifestyle and training of men to be tested by God. There is a day coming when the minister’s life will be turned inside out and God will judge not only his works but the motives behind his works. The minister's works will be revealed by fire which purges the cross and leaves the pure metal. The fire may be symbolic of God's holiness when His judgment determines what is destructible and what is indestructible, what shall last for eternity and what shall be consumed before our eyes, what was done to glorify God and what was done to glorify self. What is said of ministers and God’s judgment on their works is also true of all believers and their works. (2 Cor 5:10) There is a broad sense in which all Christians are ministers. At the Judgment Seat of Christ each person’s works will be seen in their true character and the piercing, searching eye of Christ will see right through all our phony, false, self-centered motives. It is a tremendous motivation for both the minister and the ministering saint to live a godly, holy, consecrated life because he or she knows examination day is surely coming. So much of what appears to the Christian work is really the energy of the flesh, and on judgment day, God will get down to the truth of why we did what we did. So many churches and Christian ministries today are built on the flesh (sin nature) and not from the Bible. Pastors and Christian workers are driven by success, bigness, influence, power and money. Pastors must be builders, but they also must build biblically. (1 Corinthians 3:10-17 The Ministry) Matthew

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - Assuming that the work of anyone which he has built upon it [the foundation, Christ] endures in that it has met these specifications, he shall receive a reward. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:14 If what someone has built survives, he will receive a reward. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:14 εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον μενεῖ ὃ ἐποικοδόμησεν, μισθὸν λήμψεται· KJV 1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:14 if of any one the work doth remain that he built on it, a wage he shall receive; ASV 1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:14 If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:14 If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:14 If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will receive a wage. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:14 The one whose work stands up to it will be given his wages; GWN 1 Corinthians 3:14 If what a person has built survives, he will receive a reward. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work comes through the test, he will have a reward. 1Co 3:8 4:5 Da 12:3 Mt 24:45-47 25:21-23 1Th 2:19 2Ti 4:7 1Pe 5:1,4 Rev 2:8-11 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 16:27+ “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. 1 Cor. 9:17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me 2 John 8 Watch (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Daniel 12:3+. Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Luke 6:23+ “Be glad (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. Luke 6:35+ “But love (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) your enemies, and do good, (present imperative) and lend, (present imperative) expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Matthew 5:11-12+ Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. “Rejoice (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) and be glad ,(present imperative) for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Mark 9:41+ “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. Matthew 10:42+ “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” Hebrews 11:26+ (MOSES) considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. GOD NOT ONLY SAVES US HE EVEN REWARDS US! If - IF is a first class conditional statement means what follows is accepted as true (and thus could be translated "since" or "because"). The future indicative, indicates that this in almost a "prophetic sense" will be fulfilled. The King will return to examine each man and woman's work (see Matthew passage above). I like to refer to this as "Payday at the Parousia," (parousia = coming) or as Pastor Robert Lee termed it "Payday, Someday." THOUGHT - Remember the context is that the Corinthians were spiritual babies. Babies need motivation. What effect might this truth of future reward have on them? Might not this at least potentially serve to spark a desire to pursue holiness (2 Cor 7:1+, Heb 12:14NET+)? This is the "divine" carrot and stick approach (OF A REWARD AT THE END OF OUR SHORT RACE - cf 2 Ti 4:7-8+) before the Corinthians and indeed before all believers, encouraging them and us that "in reference to your former manner of life (WHEN YOU LIVED AS "MERE MEN," UNREGENERATE MEN) lay aside (FIRST WORD IN GREEK SENTENCE FOR EMPHASIS) the old self (THAT LIFE WE LIVED IN ADAM, WHEN WE WERE LOST, UNREGENERATE, MEN OF FLESH), which is being corrupted (present tense = continually - EVERY NON-BELIEVER'S LIFE IS CONTINUALLY "CORRUPTING" WHETHER THEY KNOW IT OR NOT! cf 2 Pe 1:4b+) in accordance with the lusts of deceit (NOTE - STRONG DESIRES PROMISE GRATIFICATION BUT LIE AND DECEIVE!) and that you be (present tense = continually) renewed in the spirit of your mind (EXPERIENTIALLY PARTAKING OF OR REALIZING IN OUR PRACTICE THE ENERGIZING EFFECT AND POWER OF OUR PRIVILEGED "POSITION" = THE MIND OF CHRIST - 1 Cor 2:16+), 24 and put on the new self (NEW NATURE, YOUR SPIRITUAL NATURE, DAILY BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY WORD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, WALKING BY THE SPIRIT, BEARING FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT), which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." (Eph 4:22-24+). Paul says it this way to the saints at Rome - "Do this (LOVE - see Ro 13:11+), knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed (NOTE ALL TIME PHRASES IN BOLD). 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near (MORE TIME PHRASES). Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 (PAUL THEN EXPLAINS HOW WE ARE TO DO THIS PRACTICALLY) Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy (THE VERY PROBLEM THAT HAD INFECTED THE CORINTHIANS!). 14 But put on (NOT A SUGGESTION - aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision (present imperative with a negative = COMMAND TO STOP MAKING PROVISION IS THE IDEA! THIS BEGINS IN OUR MIND - AS WE BEGIN TO LISTEN TO THE LUSTS OF OUR FALLEN FLESH) for the flesh in regard to its lusts (STRONG DESIRES WILL STILL ASSAULT YOU, BUT IF WE PUT ON CHRIST WE WILL BE SHIELDED BY HIS WORD AND HIS SPIRIT, CHRIST WILL ENABLING US TO RESIST THE STRONG DESIRES).(Ro 13:11-14+) Any man's work which he has built on it remains - This is a description of a wise builder, for his work will not be burned up by fire. When the fire has done its work, what is left? That is the fiery test that the work of each of us must meet. Suitable reward Mt 20:8 will come for the work that stands this test (gold, silver, precious stones) Arnold - The first minister is a wise builder, a wise worker, who built sound doctrine, a strong God-centered world and life view, and equipped solid saints on the foundation which is Christ. This is "gold, silver and costly stones” and for these materials he will be paid or rewarded for his labors. These works will survive the fiery judgment of Christ. Christian, are you involved in ministry? Any Sunday school teaching, counseling, home Bible teaching, home schooling, teaching in a Christian school, or any work you do for Christ will be judged by Christ at the Judgment Seat. He will judge your motives and reward you accordingly. Matthew

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - Assuming that the work of anyone will be burned up, he will incur a loss, but he himself shall be saved, but being saved thus, it will be as escaping destruction in the midst of the fire which burns up his works. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:15 If someone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as through fire. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:15 εἴ τινος τὸ ἔργον κατακαήσεται, ζημιωθήσεται, αὐτὸς δὲ σωθήσεται, οὕτως δὲ ὡς διὰ πυρός. KJV 1 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. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:15 if of any the work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; and himself shall be saved, but so as through fire. ASV 1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone's work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:15 If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:15 But if someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:15 the one whose work is burnt down will suffer the loss of it, though he himself will be saved; he will be saved as someone might expect to be saved from a fire. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:15 If his work is burned up, he will suffer the loss. However, he will be saved, though it will be like going through a fire. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:15 If the fire puts an end to any man's work, it will be his loss: but he will get salvation himself, though as by fire. If any man's work: 1Co 3:12,13 Rev 3:18 he will: Ac 27:21,44 2Jn 1:8 yet: Am 4:11 Zec 3:2 1Pe 4:18 Jude 1:23 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: FAILURE TO PASS THE DIVINE FIRE TEST If - The IF here is a first class condition which introduces a statement that is presumed to be true from the author's perspective (compare similar first class "IF's" - 1 Cor 3:12, 14, 15, 17, 18). Any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss - Burned up (katakaio) means burned up completely, totally consumed (like the magic books in Acts 19:19+), the antithesis of good (God) works which remain. The loss in view is that of rewards, not of salvation or one's soul (as the context shows). Don't read this too fast -- think of a lifetime of work in ministry and it all goes up in smoke because it did not pass God's fire test! Jack Arnold - If it is burns up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. This pictures the unwise minister who builds upon the foundation with poor material (wood, hay, straw). This is the saved minister who teaches twisted or weak doctrine, who gives a perverted Christian world and life view, who goes after every new Christian fad and who fails to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry. These works will not stand the test of judgment. The minister will suffer loss, not of salvation but of reward. Notice carefully it is the minister’s works that are burned up not the man. This is not a Protestant purgatory. This unwise minister will receive little reward, if any, for lousy workmanship in building the temple (the Church) upon the foundation of Christ. This man will be saved; yet he shall escape through fire as one fleeing from a burning building. He will escape only with his life and all else will be lost. What a stern thought for all who are in the ministry. All works will be examined and evaluated on that judgment day and the unfaithful minister will lose reward and yet be saved by the skin of his teeth. There are going to be many embarrassed preachers on judgment day, but the faithful will be heaped up with rewards and will be basking in the glory of Christ This is strong motivation for being a faithful minister and a faithful saint. Matthew

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - Do you not all know that all of you are God’s inner sanctuary and that the Spirit of God is making His home in you? (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? NLT 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? ESV 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? NIV 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? GNT 1 Corinthians 3:16 οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς θεοῦ ἐστε καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ οἰκεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν; KJV 1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? YLT 1 Corinthians 3:16 have ye not known that ye are a sanctuary of God, and the Spirit of God doth dwell in you? ASV 1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? CSB 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don't you yourselves know that you are God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? NRS 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? NAB 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? NJB 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not realise that you are a temple of God with the Spirit of God living in you? GWN 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don't you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? BBE 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not see that you are God's holy house, and that the Spirit of God has his place in you? Do you not know: 1Co 5:6 6:2,3,9,16,19 9:13,24 Ro 6:3 Jas 4:4 you are a temple of God: 2Co 6:16 Eph 2:21,22 Heb 3:6 1Pe 2:5 the Spirit of God dwells in you: Eze 36:27 Joh 14:17 Ro 8:11 2Ti 1:14 1Jn 4:12,15,16 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Acts 7:48+; “However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: Acts 17:24+ “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; Ephesians 2:19-22+ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in Whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. 1 Peter 2:5+ you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. UNDERSTAND WHO YOU ARE CORPORATELY This passage flows from the building metaphor in the preceding passages, now referring to the building of the Temple of God. Matthew

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - If, as is the case, anyone morally corrupts the inner sanctuary of God, this person God will bring to the place of ruin, for the inner sanctuary of God is holy, of which holy character you are. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:17 If someone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, which is what you are. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:17 εἴ τις τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ φθείρει, φθερεῖ τοῦτον ὁ θεός· ὁ γὰρ ναὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἅγιός ἐστιν, οἵτινές ἐστε ὑμεῖς. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:17 if any one the sanctuary of God doth waste, him shall God waste; for the sanctuary of God is holy, the which ye are. ASV 1 Corinthians 3:17 If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God's sanctuary, God will destroy him; for God's sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy that person, because God's temple is holy; and you are that temple. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him because God's temple is holy. You are that holy temple! BBE 1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone makes the house of God unclean, God will put an end to him; for the house of God is holy, and you are his house. If any man destroys the temple of God: 1Co 6:18-20 Lev 15:31 20:3 Nu 19:20 Ps 74:3 79:1 Eze 5:11 7:22 Eze 23:38,39 Zep 3:4 God will destroy him, Ge 28:17 Ex 3:5 1Ch 29:3 Ps 93:5 99:9 Isa 64:11 Eze 43:12 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 2Co 6:14-18 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 “Therefore, COME OUT (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey),” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey = STOP TOUCHING WHAT IS UNCLEAN LIKE YOU ARE DOING!) WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. 18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. Exodus 3:5+ Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 1 Corinthians 11:27+ Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep (DIE). HOW TO DESTROY A CHURCH IF is a first class conditional statement which means that what follows is accepted as true (and thus for IF one could substitute "since" or "because"). The future indicative, indicates that this in a sense almost a "prophecy," for it will be fulfilled. Destruction of the destroyer is certain!

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - Let no one continue to be deceiving himself. If, as is the case, anyone among you thinks himself to be wise in the sphere of the things of this age, let him become a fool [in the estimation of this age] in order that he may become wise, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:18 Guard against self-deception, each of you. If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:18 Μηδεὶς ἑαυτὸν ἐξαπατάτω· εἴ τις δοκεῖ σοφὸς εἶναι ἐν ὑμῖν ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, μωρὸς γενέσθω, ἵνα γένηται σοφός. KJV 1 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. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself; if any one doth seem to be wise among you in this age -- let him become a fool, that he may become wise, ASV 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:18 No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:18 Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:18 There is no room for self-delusion. Any one of you who thinks he is wise by worldly standards must learn to be a fool in order to be really wise. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:18 Don't deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise in the ways of this world, you should give up that wisdom in order to become really wise. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man have a false idea. If any man seems to himself to be wise among you, let him become foolish, so that he may be wise. deceive: 1Co 6:9 15:33 Pr 5:7 Isa 44:20 Jer 37:9 Lu 21:8 Ga 6:3,7 Eph 5:6 2Ti 3:13 Tit 3:3 Jas 1:22,26 1Jn 1:8 If : 1Co 1:18-21 4:10 8:1,2 Pr 3:5,7 26:12 Isa 5:21 Jer 8:8 Ro 11:25 Ro 12:16 let: Mt 18:4 Mk 10:15 Lu 18:17 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 1:18-21+ For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. James 3:15-18+ This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. THE DIVINE PARADOX BECOME FOOLISH TO BECOME WISE John MacArthur entitles 1 Cor 3:18-23 "How to Eliminate Division." Kistemaker introduces 1 Cor 3:18-23 with these thoughts - Paul has come to the conclusion of his discourse on the tension in the Corinthian church. He has reminded the believers of the spiritual riches they possess, especially those in Christ and in the Holy Spirit. Now he issues them a stern warning not to become wise in their own eyes, for that is foolishness to God. Rather, they should become fully aware of their possessions, for all things are theirs in Christ. (NTC-1Cor) Jack Arnold - In 1 Cor 3:18-4:5, the Apostle Paul is going to deal with how Christians are to respond to ministers, how they ought to view a minister of the gospel, and what their attitude should be towards a person who is called and gifted for the ministry and appointed to be their teacher by God. Paul is going to show the Corinthians the lowly place the minister, whom they had set up so high, really occupies in the plan of God for the church. Knofel - In order for God’s people to decide to build upon the foundation in such a way that every stone is saved and every seed matures toward Christlikeness, it will take some special attitudes. It is going to take humility: What prevents the church from really reaching out and really helping one another more than anything else is the attitude of arrogance and pride and thinking that “I am a superior person to others.” Jesus, who was in the form of God, emptied himself and became a servant, and calls us to follow Him (Philippians 2:5–11). Let no man deceive himself - This is a command in present imperative with a negative which means stop deceiving yourself (as they were are already doing). In context the saints had fallen into the dangerous deception of thinking they were wise but it was not in God's wisdom. They were priding themselves on their worldly wisdom. And one way they thought themselves wise was by attaching themselves to a certain teacher or leader. Self-deception is ever a problem for fallen flesh so that the root of this delusion is pride and the antidote is humility ("he must become a fool"). Unity begins with a proper view of self and a willingness to think less highly of self and more highly of God's wisdom. As

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - for the wisdom of this world system is foolishness as God looks at it. For it has been written and is at present on record, He catches those who are wise in their false wisdom, and again (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. As it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness." NLT 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness." ESV 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," NIV 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; GNT 1 Corinthians 3:19 ἡ γὰρ σοφία τοῦ κόσμου τούτου μωρία παρὰ τῷ θεῷ ἐστιν. γέγραπται γάρ, Ὁ δρασσόμενος τοὺς σοφοὺς ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτῶν· KJV 1 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. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:19 for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it hath been written, 'Who is taking the wise in their craftiness;' ASV 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness: CSB 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness; NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; NRS 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," NAB 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God, for it is written: "He catches the wise in their own ruses," NJB 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of the world is folly to God. As scripture says: He traps the crafty in the snare of their own cunning GWN 1 Corinthians 3:19 The wisdom of this world is nonsense in God's sight. That's why Scripture says, "God catches the wise in their cleverness." BBE 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolish before God. As it is said in the holy Writings, He who takes the wise in their secret designs: the wisdom: 1Co 1:19,20 2:6 Isa 19:11-14 29:14-16 44:25 Ro 1:21,22 For: Job 5:13 He: Ex 1:10 18:11 2Sa 15:31 16:23 17:14,23 Es 7:10 Ps 7:14,15 Ps 9:15,16 141:10 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Job 5:13 “He captures the wise by their own shrewdness, And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted. 1 Corinthians 1:18;For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. WORLDLY WISDOM FOOLISH, CRAFTY For (gar) - term of explanation. Always begs question "What is being explained?" The wisdom of this world is foolishness (moria > "moronic") before God - Wuest - "the wisdom of this world system is foolishness as God looks at it." In 1 Cor 1:20+ Paul asked the rhetorical question (expecting an affirmative reply) "Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" The world's wisdom is antithetical to God's wisdom and thus is always destined to be intellectually weak and/or even irrational/foolish.

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - The Lord knows the reasonings of those who are wise, that they are futile reasonings. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:20 And again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." NLT 1 Corinthians 3:20 And again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless." ESV 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." NIV 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." GNT 1 Corinthians 3:20 καὶ πάλιν, Κύριος γινώσκει τοὺς διαλογισμοὺς τῶν σοφῶν ὅτι εἰσὶν μάταιοι. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again, 'The Lord doth know the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain.' ASV 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise that they are vain. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." NRS 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." NAB 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again: "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." NJB 1 Corinthians 3:20 and again: The Lord knows the plans of the wise and how insipid they are. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:20 Again Scripture says, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are pointless." BBE 1 Corinthians 3:20 And again, The Lord has knowledge of the reasonings of the wise, that they are nothing. THE LORD KNOWS: Ps 94:11 THAT: Job 11:11,12 Ps 2:1 Ro 1:21 Col 2:8 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Psalm 94:11+ The LORD knows the thoughts of man, That they are a mere breath. Kistemaker - Paul relies on the text of the Septuagint, which has the plural men (man). By replacing the words of the men (man) with of the wise, Paul alters the text and at the same time interprets it. He changes the wording but not the meaning. Once more the keyword is “wise,” even though Paul had to substitute it for the word men (man). Yet the context of Psalm 94 speaks of the foolish reasoning of arrogant men who oppress and kill the innocent. They boast that they are safe because the Lord neither sees nor pays attention (Ps. 94:7). These people resemble those who oppose God with worldly wisdom. Their thoughts are fully known to the Lord, for nothing is hidden from him. The Lord declares that man’s thoughts are empty; that is, the opinions of the wise are futile and useless (compare Rom. 1:21).

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - Wherefore, let no one continue to be boasting in men, for all things are yours, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:21 So then, no more boasting about mere mortals! For everything belongs to you, NLT 1 Corinthians 3:21 So don't boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you-- ESV 1 Corinthians 3:21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, NIV 1 Corinthians 3:21 So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, GNT 1 Corinthians 3:21 ὥστε μηδεὶς καυχάσθω ἐν ἀνθρώποις· πάντα γὰρ ὑμῶν ἐστιν, KJV 1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; YLT 1 Corinthians 3:21 So then, let no one glory in men, for all things are yours, ASV 1 Corinthians 3:21 Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things are yours; CSB 1 Corinthians 3:21 So no one should boast in human leaders, for everything is yours-- NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: NRS 1 Corinthians 3:21 So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, NAB 1 Corinthians 3:21 So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, NJB 1 Corinthians 3:21 So there is to be no boasting about human beings: everything belongs to you, GWN 1 Corinthians 3:21 So don't brag about people. Everything belongs to you. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:21 So let no one take pride in men. For all things are yours; let no one boast in men: 1Co 3:4-7 1:12-17 4:6 Jer 9:23,24 For all things belong to you: Ro 4:13 8:28,32 2Co 4:5,15 Rev 21:7 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 1:29+ so that no man may boast before God. 1 Corinthians 1:31+ so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 4:6+ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. PROPER VIEW OF SPIRITUAL LEADERS So then (hoste) - So that, accordingly, thus, so that. Albert

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the existing order of material things or life or death or present things or things about to come, all belong to you, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. Everything belongs to you, NLT 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, ESV 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-- all are yours, NIV 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, GNT 1 Corinthians 3:22 εἴτε Παῦλος εἴτε Ἀπολλῶς εἴτε Κηφᾶς, εἴτε κόσμος εἴτε ζωὴ εἴτε θάνατος, εἴτε ἐνεστῶτα εἴτε μέλλοντα· πάντα ὑμῶν, KJV 1 Corinthians 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; YLT 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things about to be -- all are yours, ASV 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; CSB 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come-- everything is yours, NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come-- all are yours. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-- all belong to you, NAB 1 Corinthians 3:22 Paul or Apollos or Kephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, NJB 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether it is Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, the world, life or death, the present or the future -- all belong to you; GWN 1 Corinthians 3:22 Whether it is Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life or death, present or future things, everything belongs to you. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:22 Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; Paul: 1Co 3:5-8 9:19-22 2Co 4:5 Eph 4:11,12 or the: Ro 8:37-39 Php 1:21 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AMPLIFICATION OF "ALL THINGS" BELONGING TO THE CHURCH Related Passage: Ro 8:37-39+ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world (kosmos) or life (zoe) or death (thanatos) or things present (enistemi in perfect tense) or things to come - Paul had just stated All things belong to you in 1 Cor 3:21 and now he begins to enumerate those things. Paul or Apollos or Cephas echoes his previous mention in 1 Cor 1:12+. And as stated in 1 Cor 4:1 these men were " servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" and were to minister to the spiritual needs of the people. Therefore in that sense these leaders belong to the Corinthians. Gordon D. Fee has an interesting comment noting that the five things (world, life, death, things present, things to come) "are the ultimate tyrannies of human existence, to which people are in lifelong bondage as slaves.” (NICNT-1Cor) Kistemaker - Paul says that all things (world, life, death, things present, things to come) belong to the believers, because they are not slaves but possessors. How does life belong to us? In Colossians 3:4+ Paul writes "Christ our life" (cf Col 1:27+, 2 Pe 1:3-4+, Jn 14:23 = Father and Son in us!) and Christ Himself said "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10b) Only believers can truly live life as God meant it to be live. Now we are still hampered by our residual fallen flesh, but we can still experience abundant life in Christ. But one day when our body is glorified, we will experience a dimension of life that in beyond our wildest imagination and expectation, for that is our sure hope (cf 1 John 3:2-3+). How is death ours? In Php 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." So for a believer, our death is not our loss, but our gain, another one of those things that is foolishness to the natural man (1 Cor 2:14)! Oh, blessed divine paradoxes! Beloved, the worst that can happen to us on this earth is really the best thing that can happen to us! (cf Php 1:23-24+). Albert

1 Coríntios 3

Wuest - and as for you, you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 3:23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. NLT 1 Corinthians 3:23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. ESV 1 Corinthians 3:23 and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. NIV 1 Corinthians 3:23 and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. GNT 1 Corinthians 3:23 ὑμεῖς δὲ Χριστοῦ, Χριστὸς δὲ θεοῦ. KJV 1 Corinthians 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. YLT 1 Corinthians 3:23 and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's. ASV 1 Corinthians 3:23 and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. CSB 1 Corinthians 3:23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. NKJ 1 Corinthians 3:23 And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. NRS 1 Corinthians 3:23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. NAB 1 Corinthians 3:23 and you to Christ, and Christ to God. NJB 1 Corinthians 3:23 but you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God. GWN 1 Corinthians 3:23 You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. BBE 1 Corinthians 3:23 And you are Christ's; and Christ is God's. you: 1Co 6:19,20 1Cor 7:22 1 Cor 15:23 John 17:9,10 Ro 14:8 2Co 10:7 Ga 3:29 5:24 and Christ: 1Co 8:6 11:3 Mt 17:5 Joh 17:18,21 Eph 1:10 Php 2:8-11 1 Corinthians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 6:19; 20+ Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price (RANSOMED WITH PRECIOUS BLOOD - 1 Pe 1:18-19 +): therefore glorify (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) God in your body. 1 Corinthians 7:22+; For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 1 Corinthians 15:23+ But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, Romans 14:8+ for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. BELIEVERS ARE NOT THEIR OWN BUT BELONG TO CHRIST And you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God - You is plural so he is speaking of the Corinthians as a body, the Body of Christ. There are actually no verbs in the Greek - "you of Christ, and Christ of God."