In this chapter, the condition of the Corinthian believers is uncovered. They were not waiting on the Spirit of God, and, as a result, their spiritual growth was hindered. The envying and strife among them were proof that they were walking as carnal men. They were making much of men because their eyes were off Christ. The Apostle Paul describes himself only as a planter and Apollos as a waterer, giving God all the credit for the increase. Isn’t it good to be laborers together with God? We can all help in that which God is building. He will reward each according to the quality of his work. The foundation of the building is Jesus Christ. The material put on it must withstand the fire or it will be burned and the builder will not get a reward for his labors. It is the fire that will make manifest every man’s work. We may lose reward, but not our salvation. It is an encouragement to know that we are on the winning side. At the end of this chapter, some of the things that are ours are listed. Even death is ours, in that it now opens the portals of paradise to us.
1. What existed among the Corinthian Christians that proved that they were carnal and walking as worldly men? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___
2. If the planter and the waterer are nothing, who is the one who gives the increase? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___
3. What is the only foundation that can be laid for God’s house? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___
4. What will test (or, try) every man’s work to tell what sort it is? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___
5. All things are ours, and we are __________, and Christ is __________. 1 Corinthians 3:___