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.
When Paul first arrived in Corinth, that local church was in its infancy. He just told us that we have the mind of Christ in the last verse of chapter two, and that only the spiritual one will be able to understand spiritual things (1 Cor 2:14:15). Coming off of that, the Corinthians are reminded of their beginning, that they were carnally minded instead of letting the Spirit of God teach them spiritually. They were as infants in Christ, and if we're honest, all of us start there at some point in our life, even if some grow up in solidly Christian homes. We get an indication here that Paul had to expound much scripture to these believers in Corinth when he first arrived.
This verse is word for word with the Greek. The only thing to point out is the word for "babes" is nepios. It has the meaning of an infant. We can infer that to the adults and all those in Corinth this letter is written to, it's referring to one who is unlearned or new to the doctrine of the grace of God. I wanted to point that out because there are several words in the Greek that can be translated as a child.
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.
Continuing with the infant analogy, Paul could only give them the basics when he was there. He couldn't get them solid food, referring to deeper spiritual things because they wouldn't get it. We don't get a 2 month old a T-bone steak because they can't handle it. In the same way, Paul could not teach the Corinthian saints all the details of God's word, because they wouldn't be able to handle it at that time. Sadly, he adds that even at this later date, they can't handle it. We'll see in the next verse that they are still stuck doing things in the flesh. We're going to see Paul do what he tells us to do, in that whomever is spiritual should restore someone in a fault (Gal 6:1). He's going to do a lot of that in this letter.
The only thing to point out in the Greek here is the emphasis about the last few words. I think this was a wake up call to the local church at Corinth the way God has it here. The phrase "neither yet now are ye able" in the Greek is literally "But now not still now are you able." I see a lot of phrases in the Greek with a double "now' or a double or triple negative to really hammer home a point. This is one of those times, where Paul is sincerely trying to get the saints at Corinth to start acting as saints should, pointing out their need for spiritual versus carnal or fleshly (Gal 5:17)
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?
Let's take a moment and think about what this verse implies. Being envious, striving, and causing divisions are not what a saint should be doing. These are reiterated as qualifications for leaders in a church in that they should not strive nor cause division, especially when it comes to doctrine (2 Tim 2:14-26, Titus 3:9-11). That's a challenge we can all accept today. These thoughts will creep into our minds, as we still reside in this fleshly body until the day of our blessed hope when Jesus Christ calls us home to Heaven (Rom 7:23-25, 1 Thess 4:13-18, Titus 2:13). Do we cut another down when they make a statement? Or do we try to restore them to truth in meekness and love? Do the words that come out of our mouth edify our brother or sister of faith, or condescend to them? If we're all to endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit, we should always think before speaking, and seek the well-being of others (Eph 4:3, 29).
Once more there is more emphasis found in the Greek of this verse. Before I point that out, the Greek actually doesn't have the word "divisions." It only references zeal (envying) and strife. But right after that, the Greek doesn't just say, "are ye not carnal?" It says, "Are you most definitely carnal?" The word in the Greek is ouchi, which a literal translation is definitely not. most of the time, question are asked with a negative in the Greek. Here it literally says, "Are you not definitely carnal and walk according (Greek kata) to mankind?"
1 Corinthians 3:4
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Now we get to examine how they are being carnal. Causing division was one thing that defines carnality as in verse 3. Jesus Christ also spoke in His earthly ministry that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Matt 12:25, Mark 3:25, Luke 11:17). Causing division among people is something from sin and the devil. In contrast, God desires unity (Rom 12:16, 15:1-5, 1 Cor, Eph 4:3-6, Phil 2:1-5, 4:2). As believers, we are all of one body in Christ, so we ought to be unified (1 Cor 12:13).
We get a glimpse that the main cause of division comes from boasting who brought some to Christ. One would claim they were under Paul's teaching, another of Apollos. We still have this sort of thing going on today, if not with people claiming allegiance to certain pastors, then to certain denominations. I've heard plenty of times, "I'm a Methodist," or "I'm a Baptist," or even "I believe only the Pentecostals." Did God label us? Does it please God that we put stock in another name? The way I read scripture, God sees people as either saved from sin and death and bound for Heaven, or not saved from sin and death and bound for Hell. It's summarized by being either in Christ or not. Those are the labels God puts on, for in Christ there is neither male nor female, Greek nor Jew, slave nor free (Gal 3:28, Col 3:11). God is no respecter of persons. Whoever wants to be saved may be saved, regardless of social status or anything else. All are one in Christ Jesus. All are unified, called saints, when they trust in Christ Jesus and the gospel of reconciliation. So, what label should we put stock in? Let him who glorieth, glory in the Lord. Let us glorify God for being in Christ.
The Greek reads a bit differently here, though the same idea comes across. The verb to say at the beginning is in the subjunctive. It more accurately reads, "For when one may say." There is also more emphasis as the Greek "men" goes untranslated. Very interesting that we do not see the normal word translated as "carnal" also. Instead of sarx (noun) or sarkikos (adjective), it is anthropos (noun), which is the word for mankind. Here is a literal translation:
For when one might say, "I, indeed, I am of Paul," now (de) another, "I of Apollos," are you not mankind?
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?
The immediate correction to the division comes by laying out a fact. The claims were boasts in who saved or sanctified each believer in Corinth. So the question is raised, who is Paul and who is Apollos? The answer: are both servants of God through Jesus Christ. Both were a gift from God to serve in their respective capacities, being obedient to God in what they were given. They served those at Corinth by sharing the word of God and equipping the saints there. Just because they shared the word of God didn't give the Corinthians license to elevate Paul and Apollos above the normal believer, though. They were given the ability by God, and as such, God is the one deserving of glory, not them.
It doesn't surprise me that there is more emphasis in the Greek here. The verse starts off with "oun" which means "therefore." It's a stronger connection to the previous statement than the Greek "gar." The word "and" is translated from the Greek "de." It may be of interest to note that the word "minister" is from "diakonos" where we get our word deacon from. The word "by" comes from "dia," and there isn't a "man" mentioned as the KJV has "every man", but rather the Greek just says "each." Here's a more literal translation:
Therefore, who is Apollos? Now who is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, also to each just as the Lord has given.
1 Corinthians 3:6
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
As if verse five wasn't enough to understand, we have a picture lesson that will be carried on for a few verses. Apollos and Paul were simply servants, sharing what God had given them. It was as Paul would plant in a field and Apollos would come by and water. How did the seeds grow? Did Paul or Apollos do that part? No, of course not. God brings forth the fruit.
The only thing different from the Greek is the definite article for the God.
1 Corinthians 3:7
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Since God is the one bringing the increase, then those who plant and water shouldn't be gloried in, should they? Again, I say He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (1 Cor 1:31). This isn't saying that whoever plants and waters are useless or that what they do is useless. Far be it from that, as we'll see in the next verse. But the focus should be on God if we're to be unified in our faith.
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.
The labor we do for God is certainly worth something. God will reward the labor as is proper for the believer at the judgement seat (Greek bema) of Christ. We will see this concept fleshed out a bit in this chapter, but it's also in 2 Cor 5:10 and the surrounding verses. In the eyes of God, whoever labors is as one, meaning they are either being obedient or not, regardless of what the work is. God doesn't look more highly on one giving food to the hungry than giving more money to a ministry, or helping someone with a disability compared to counseling a couple about to be married. Later in this epistle, God will give us the illustration of the Body of Christ and how each individual is important, but each has a different function. In my eyes, God looks at each situation and sees whether or not the laborer is heartily doing the labor unto the Lord or not (Col 3:22-23). The rewards will come by the laborer either serving in the spirit or in the flesh, in selflessness or selfishness.
1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
The servant of God works with God, not on their own. This concept in this verse will be repeated in chapter 15:9-10. Paul was laboring with God in his ministry. Any believer that pauses to think would agree that they are only part of the labor going on for the gospel's sake. God educates us and prepares us, God brings the opportunities, and then God works with us in those opportunities for His glorification. The jobs will vary, but all labor for the Lord are done with believer and God together. Then we are given the picture that the saints, through the labor, are God's increase. The saints are the fruit of God working with believers, growing us up together in Him (Eph 4:15).
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.
This is a very important verse in understanding the word of God. Paul is a wise masterbuilder laying a foundation which was given to him. How can he say that? Because the revelation of the mystery was given to Paul to preach to the world (Rom 16:25, Eph 3:1-9, etc.). He is not arrogant, as some may say, in claiming this grace as his own. It was given to him of God and he took that responsibility very seriously, as we'll see in chapter 9:17. In much the same way we refer to the Law that was granted to Israel as the Law of Moses, we could say that this gospel that is preached today is the Mystery of Paul or the gospel of Paul. It isn't arrogant, but rather stating what God did.
As the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom 11:13), and an apostle of the mystery (there are others, though Paul was the one chosen initially and the one to write scripture), Paul laid that foundation of the doctrine of the mystery because it was given to him (1 Cor 8:17). The bible student would do well to examine the differences of the mystery compared to prophecy of the Old Testament, which is essentially comparing the differences between the gospel of the circumcision as given to Peter to the gospel of the uncircumcision as given to Paul (Gal 2:7). The mystery is different in several key ways, like the only future prophecy to be fulfilled in the mystery is the catching away of the Body of Christ in what is commonly called the Rapture. Several Old Testament prophecies are awaiting fulfillment, but we are doing the word of God disservice if we think those are being fulfilled or being lined up for fulfillment today. God is quite clear that the Rapture event happens first, then the earthly hope of the gospel of the circumcision, along with all related prophecies, will be played out (1 Thess 1:10, 4:13-5:11, 2 Thess 2:1-3, Titus 2:13).
So Paul laid a foundation, so let's be clear that this foundation was unique to him. It is the foundation of the mystery, where anyone may be saved from sin and death by believing in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary (Acts 13:38-39, Rom 3:21-26, 4:1-5, 1 Cor 15:1-4, Gal 1:6-12, Eph 2:8-9, etc). Paul was the master builder because he was the one given this message of reconciliation, so that is the foundation that is laid as indicated in this verse. Who is this other that builds on it? In the Greek it is the word allos, which is another of the same kind. This is different than the Greek heteros, which is another of a different kind. I get some blank stares when saying that, but I found this to be a good illustration of what it is.
Imagine you're in grade school or about to take part in some activity with a large group of people. The person in charge has everyone count off 1 to 3. So each person counts in order, "1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3..." Then the person in charge has all the 1's gather in a spot, all the 2's gather in another spot, and all the 3's gather in another spot. Within each group, there are several "others" but they all have the same number and are all on the same team. This is allos. But a 1 is on an "other" team compared to a 2. They are different teams and different strategies, though part of the same activity. This is heteros.
So in our context, Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles lays the foundation of the gospel of the grace of God, or the gospel of the uncircumcision. Another of the same kind or team (allos), or in other words either another apostle or a teacher of some kind of the gospel of the uncircumcision, comes along to the Corinthian church and builds upon that foundation. We would do well to note the warning in this verse, to watch how the foundation is built on. We will be given an analogy of what that looks like for the spiritual ramifications in the next couple of verses.
In the Greek it is quite emphatic that Paul is talking of the gospel that was committed to him of God. First, there is a definite article for the God, then an article to denote what was given. That concept might get lost in the "which" of the English. It may interest some that the Greek for master builder in this verse is architekton, very clearly where we get our word architect from. A literal interpretation of this verse is this:
According to the grace of the God, that having been given to me, just as a wise master builder, foundation I have laid. Another (allos), now (de), is building upon. Each one, now (de) watch (blepo) how he builds.
We do need to be careful what we are taught and that it lines up with scripture. No matter who you are or how much seminary your pastor has, if what is preached doesn't line up with God's word, there is a problem. A house not built on God's word is very apt to crumble.
1 Corinthians 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
First in any building is the foundation. If you hire a contractor to build you a house and he builds the roof first, you're going to be in trouble. Spiritually, the foundation is Jesus Christ. Everything in history has revolved around God's promise of Jesus Christ, as that was made when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:15). That was the only way that sin and death would be solved, and God revealed more of His plan as history progressed. No matter when anyone was alive, no matter the dispensation from God, faith in Jesus Christ was required. From the fall in the Garden of Eden to the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, believers believed in the coming of the Messiah to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). After Jesus was risen from the dead to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is the Son of God, the one promised in Gen 3:15, Israel, as a nation did not accept Him as Messiah. So God separated Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles with the message of reconciliation in Acts 13:2, 38-39. Believers in this dispensation look back to cross and believe that Jesus Christ did the atoning work necessary to forgive sins. Jesus Christ is the foundation.
Now having said that, today, only Paul's foundation of the gospel of the uncircumcision, the risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ can be laid. That can be seen in the Greek where the word "other" is again "allos." No one can lay a foundation that is of the same kind other than what Paul has laid as the wise master builder. There is no other Jesus Christ. Though we knew Christ after the flesh, that is, in His earthly ministry, we don't know Him that way anymore (2 Cor 5:16). He is the risen and glorified Savior of the world, and offers the ministry of reconciliation to all them that believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross (2 Cor 5:17-21). If anyone follows another gospel, they are still accursed (Gal 1:6-7).
The verb tense is a bit confusing in the old English. The word "lay" is in the Aorist in the Greek while the "laid" is in the present. Also there is no "man" in the Greek, but a more generic "one." It reads like this:
For another foundation no one is able to have laid, beside (Greek para) that being laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:12
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
We were just warned to watch what was built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Paul has the true gospel for today, salvation by faith apart from works, but every believer in Christ needs to watch what believe about the word of God and how they live their life after being a new creation, if they want to live as a saint ought to. I'm reminded of the song with the lyric "Be careful little ears what you hear." The believer has two choices, which we pretty much always find in God's word. There is the obvious choice that leads to life or the other choice which doesn't. Concerning building on the foundation of Christ, each believer may either use precious stones or flammable material. We're going to see in a moment that this building is going to go through a fire, so we would be wise to use precious stones so they may be refined by the fire. We will also see how this building is built or what these metaphors mean in the next verse.
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.
This verse correlates the visible, perceivable work done in the flesh with what is built upon the foundation. All works will be made known in "the day." Which day is that? God tells us about the judgment seat of Christ in the next letter to the Corinthians in 2 Cor 5:10. That is the day that will come sometime in the future, after salvation is determined. It is a judgement on works, whether good or bad, according to the dispensation of the gospel given to Paul (Col 1:23-28). The obvious goal of each believer should be to "present every man perfect in Christ" in that day. Knowing the truth of God's word and living the truth of God's word are building with precious stones. The short way to say it is living in the Spirit builds with precious stones. Living after the flesh, on the other hand, is building with flammable material, useful for not much other than burning in the fire.
Another thing to keep in mind is that God is not interested in just doing the good works. First, salvation must be secured, then good works will follow (Eph 2:8-10). Just doing good works for the sake of doing good works isn't what God would like either, it's a heart attitude. A self examination is wise to see if works are being done out of selfishness or out of obedience (Eph 6:5-9, Col 3:22-25). God knows the heart of every man, and each work will be made known as God says in this verse.
The only two things I noticed in the Greek is the verb tense about the revealing by fire. The Greek is in the present and not the future, saying, "because it is revealed in fire." Also, the Greek word "en" is used which is translated "by" in the KJV.
1 Corinthians 3:14
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Back to the analogy of the work being what is done in the flesh based on the foundation of Jesus Christ, either that work will abide through fire, or it won't. Precious stones will be refined by fire. Wood, hay, and stubble will burn to a crisp. So again, the message is clear that believers should really seek to live in the Spirit all of their days and not quench it (Gal 5:16, 1 Thess 5:19). They should seek to live for the One that gave them life and not for the self. For all that do, they will receive a reward. Now, what could possibly be better than everlasting life with the God of all creation? Hard to say, but if He's handing out rewards, how awesome must they be (Rom 8:18)?
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.
On the flip side of reward, there is loss. If anyone's work is done for the self or in the flesh, the work is considered wood, hay, or stubble. Those things will get burned on this day of judgement, resulting in the person looking upon work and time that was wasted. It is clear that one should suffer a loss in experiencing that. Note well that God says even though this person will suffer loss from their works, they will be saved, but they will go through this fire and experience loss. Again, this isn't a judgement of salvation from sin and death, but what was done in the flesh. People will reap what they sow (Gal 6:7-10).
The only thing to point out in the Greek is that the word "de" is translated as "but" and appears to be untranslated a second time. The last part of the verse may be translated "Now, he himself shall be saved, in this manner, now, as through fire."
1 Corinthians 3:16
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
What an amazing truth we have in Christ as made plain in this verse. For all those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, they have the Spirit of God dwelling in them. In that moment of faith, God's Holy Spirit takes up residence in the body of the believer and seals them unto the day of redemption, which is when Christ shall call us home to Heaven (Eph 1:13-14, 1 Thess 4:13-18, Titus 2:13). Since the Holy Spirit lives in us, by simple logic, our body is then a temple of God.
I always feel the need to point out the Greek for "know" or "knowledge" since there is an important difference between those words in the original language. Here, God used "eido" which is the perceived or understood knowledge. The other thing to point out is the verb tense. The word "know" is in the perfect tense, indicating a done deal in the past. The verb "dwelleth" is in the present. We could translate this in modern terms as, "Have you not understood that you are a temple of God and the Spirit of the God dwells in you?"
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.
God certainly cares for those that are His. He knows them and will do anything to protect them. God also claims vengeance belongs to Him, and He will recompense all according to His righteous judgment (Deut 32:35, 41, Rom 12:19, Heb 10:30). Since the believer is a temple of God, anyone that defiles that temple, or hurts it in anyway, God will surely administer justice and the appropriate consequences. That sounds wonderful, doesn't it, that our Holy Father will protect His children? While that is true, we need to bear in mind that we ourselves can defile our own bodies. In fact, we need to explore the Greek to get the full idea in this verse
In the context here, we are told that there will be rewards according to works, whether they be precious stones or fodder for the fire. Jesus Christ is the foundation, but how to build up this temple? What materials should be used? Should not only precious stones, as is fitting for the temple of the holy and just God? Let every person consider what they build on the foundation of Christ. Is it truth according to God's word? Or is it something only according to man's word? God says, "Let God be true and every man a liar" (Rom 3:4). This is very important to consider as there are consequences both in this life and the life to come. I don't say that to scare anyone, but rather guide believers to what they already desire, to know God personally and in the truth of who He says He is in His complete and inerrant word.
The Greek word for "defile" and "destroy" is phtheiro, which has the idea of corruption or deterioration. The same word is translated two ways in the English, which may be deceptive. No believer should corrupt their building, their temple, which is the body, with lies and false doctrine. The apostle Paul laid the foundation based on the gospel given explicitly to him (Rom 2:16, 16:25, Eph 3:2, etc.). Believers in the gospel of grace, also known as the gospel of the uncircumcision (Gal 2:7) should not mix up doctrine with the gospel of the kingdom, also known as the gospel of the circumcision. It will only lead to confusion, strife, contention, and frustration. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (Matt 16:11-12, 1 Cor 5:6). False doctrine will work it's way in and defile a testimony. So again, take heed how each man build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ laid by the architect Paul, whether precious stones (doctrine of grace) or flammable material (any false doctrine).
The only other thing to point out in the Greek is that there is a definite article to denote the God all three times.
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.
Going back on the concepts of everything we read up until this point, wisdom of the world in regard to spiritual things should be done away with in the Christian. God wouldn't want us to defile ourselves with any worldly wisdom in building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. The gospel of the grace of God, however, is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth (Rom 1:16). God will destroy (apollumi - fully destroy) the wisdom of the wise as He said back in chapter 1 and the 19th verse. Why should we let any of that defile our building?
See how God cares about the believer? He wants the best for each of us and knows what is best. He will work with us to cleanse us of all unrighteousness as we allow Him. That's living out the fancy biblical word sanctification. By removing all the distraction and doctrines of men, we will have an undefiled temple of God, a temple completed with precious stones and not fodder.
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.
For added emphasis, God quotes Himself in Job 5:13. It was already said back in chapter 1 that God had made foolish the wisdom of this world, and also the foolishness of God is wiser than men. Even with our logic we should clearly see that nothing in this world can compare to God. I think of Isaiah 55:9 also where God reminds us that He has a higher way of thinking than we humans do. It should be no wonder, as all humans come from Adam, who passed sin and death into this world. We inherited that trait from our earthly father and lost the connection with the omniscient God. Praise be to God through the Lord Jesus Christ for restoring that relationship through His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, that all who believe in Him and His finished work may have the Holy Spirit of God indwell them, and so have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).
There is more to glean from this verse in the Greek. The word "with" is the Greek "para" and is better understood as "beside." There is a definite article for the world and the God. "World" is the Greek "kosmos" and is the created order, or all of God's creation. Lastly, the word "taketh" has the idea of grasping with the hand as it is the Greek drassomai. As wise as anyone thinks they are, they cannot escape God's sovereign hand. With that in mind, here is a more literal translation:
For the wisdom of this the world is foolishness beside the God. For it has been written He grasps the wise in the craftiness of them.
1 Corinthians 3:20
And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
We ought to pay attention when God is quoting Himself to make a point. So when He quotes Himself twice about a subject, we should really pay attention. This quote comes from Psalm 94:11. Look at what this says. God knows, in the present tense because He is omniscient, the thoughts of the wise. He can see into our hearts and know, but what is the conclusion of all of those thoughts? They are vain. Empty. Futile.
Mankind has a pretty sorry outlook from a biblical lens, doesn't he? Here we read that the smartest, wisest of men have nothing in their heads worth anything. God describes all as having sinned and falling short of His glory (Rom 3:23). There is none that doeth good, no not one (Rom 3:10). Mankind is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1), by nature children of wrath (Eph 2:3), aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world (Eph 2:12). Man is without strength to save himself (Rom 5:6), called sinners and enemies of God (Rom 5:8, 10). This is all because of Adam's transgression, that by him sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom 5:12). It's because of this condition that the good news of Jesus Christ is so good. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 5:21). Praise God that it pleased Him to give us the free gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. And we read in 2 Cor 5:17-21
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
To think that God fixed the sin problem once for all through Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and now any and all who believe on Him is a brand new creation! For those that do so, No longer are you described as that sorry description above, but God changes you from sinner to saint, from death to life, and from a destination of Hell to a destination of Heaven in the very moment of belief! You become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21), the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe (Rom 3:22a). Faith alone in Christ is what saves (Eph 2:8-9), so don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise (Col 2:18-19). That's God's fix, as begun to be given to us in Gen 3:15, made real in the person of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1), and the mystery fully made manifest through the apostle Paul (Eph 3:1-9).
Man's wisdom is empty. Who is he to think that by eating bread and drinking wine he can get to Heaven or to have sins erased? Who is he to think that by taking a bath that sins are forgiven? Who is he to think that the only way to be a saint is by some miracles performed and after the death to be evaluated by other men? Who is he to think he can forgive sin if one confesses sins to him? Vanity, vanity. God says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31). God says that salvation is NOT of works in this age of grace (Eph 2:9). God wants all to know the truth, which is His word, and be saved from our sins through faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood (1 Tim 2:4, John 17:17, Rom 5:11).
So then, back to the verse, there are two things to point out in the Greek. The word for "thoughts" is the Greek dialogismos, where we get our word dialogue from, and more accurately means "reasonings." Secondly, the word "knoweth" is the Greek ginosko, so it is the experiential knowledge.
1 Corinthians 3:21
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
This statement should really come as no surprise. Man's wisdom is vanity. Therefore, don't glory in men. Glory in God, who deserves it. Glory in God, who gave us Jesus Christ to fix sin once for all and restore our relationship with Him. Glory in God, who freely gives us all things in Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 8:32).
The Greek is stronger here. The imperative is used, so it more accurately says, "Therefore, not one glory in mankind. For all things are yours..."
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;
Now we get a description of the "all things" alluded to in verse 21. All things are ours because we are in Christ in the moment of belief that His death, burial, and resurrection paid for our sins. All the fullness dwells in Christ, and believers are baptized to the Body of Christ in the Holy Spirit (Col 1:19, 2:9, 1 Cor 12:13). So no matter what there is, all things are available to us. God tells us He will supply all our need in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). That isn't to say we can do whatever we want and expect God to foot the bill. In true obedience and looking to God in all things, we can expect all our needs met for a testimony glorifying God. The apostle Paul had to learn that in no matter what state he was in to be content. Once he did learn that, it must have been easy to share that God will supply all our need, even if we don't understand what the need is.
Now let's take a look at this list. Paul's things, Apollos' things, Cephas, who is Peter, his things. All of those are at the believer's disposal. Here is a list of people, but why these three? When we look back in chapter 1 and verse 12, this is where the division was coming from. Paul was coming back and reminding them that it didn't matter who they heard the gospel from, or who they favored, or who they maybe thought had more power. No matter which of them plants or waters, whatever words they say should get weighed against the wisdom of God, which we call the bible, because the believer should only build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ with precious stones. The believer should make sure that no doctrines of men creep in, or they will reap vanity.
The next things on the list have to do with creation. First, the blanket statement "or the world." That's the Greek word kosmos again, so it's referring to all of creation. If that's not enough, there's further blanket statements. The range from life to death covers everything. Now, the next two are deceptive in the English. The Greek has a verb in the perfect tense, of the root enhistemi, which literally means to stand in. Being in the perfect tense, it's things that have stood in, or things that have been. God is giving the range of time by saying things that have already been or things that are about to come. All things in the past to all things in the future. All of those blanket statements are ended with the same blanket statement given in verse 21. All things are yours. Period. I may have a degree toward rocket science, but I'm pretty sure any believer can see that God doesn't want us to miss this point.
When we see that all things belong to the believer, or are available for God to supply whatever need, doesn't the idea of coveting appear to be ludicrous? We're told in several places that coveting is idolatry (Col 3:5, e.g.). That should be easier to see after examining these verses. We have all we need in Christ, so wanting something more is the same as saying Christ isn't good enough. It's saying God's grace wasn't sufficient. Where does that leave the one who thinks that way? They start believing the lie in Genesis 3:4-5, they become their own god thinking they know better than the true God. So yes, it is idolatry. All things are ours, but where did they come from? From Almighty God through Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man.
1 Corinthians 3:23
And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
Short, sweet, and so beautiful. We, as believers, belong to Jesus Christ, who is God's. Nothing can separate the believer from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:38-39). We have all things because we are in Christ. Because we are in Christ we belong to Christ. Because Christ belongs to God, we belong to God. We were bought with a price (1 Cor 6:20), therefore, it is our reasonable service to live like a saint (Rom 12:1-2), to live for the one who gave Himself for us (Gal 2:20).
