The Wisdom of God
In 1 Corinthians 3-4, the apostle Paul continues to address the divisions within the Corinthian church. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, and warns against worldly wisdom and division.
Worldly Wisdom
3:1-4: Paul begins by stating that he could not speak to the Corinthians as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. He reminds them that they are still worldly and unable to receive spiritual truths. He asks rhetorically if they are still behaving in a worldly manner, with jealousy and strife among them.
The Foundation of Wisdom
3:5-15: Paul reminds the Corinthians that he and Apollos are only servants of Christ, and that only God is the one who makes things grow. He emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that everything comes from God. He warns them that anyone who destroys God's temple (the church) will be destroyed by God.
The Foolishness of Worldly Wisdom
3:16-23: Paul states that the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. He quotes scripture, saying that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the discernment of the discerning. He reminds the Corinthians that all things belong to them, including Christ, and that they belong to Christ.
Paul's Ministry
4:1-7: Paul describes himself and Apollos as servants of Christ, commissioned to manage God's grace. He reminds the Corinthians that he and Apollos are mere servants, and that it is God who is the judge. He warns them not to go beyond what is written, and not to form factions.
The Consequences of Worldly Wisdom
4:8-21: Paul sarcastically remarks that the Corinthians are already rich, wise, and reigning, implying that they think they have it all. He reminds them that he and the apostles are fools for Christ, and that they have become spectacles to the world. He encourages the Corinthians to imitate him and follow his example.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, humility, and recognizing God's sovereignty. He warns against worldly wisdom and division, and encourages the Corinthians to imitate his example of humility and service to Christ.
