1 Corinthians 3

Introduction

Memory Verse

1 Cor. 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” (ESV)

Lesson

Coming into chapter 3 Paul compares the spiritual and natural person. In particular, Paul argues that the Spirit of God dwelling within the believer changes them.

Spiritual Infants (1-4)

• What images does Paul use in verses 1-4 to describe people?
  • Infants
  • Milk instead of solid food

• Is milk inherently bad? What does Romans 12:2 tell us about the right trajectory for a christian?

• The term sanctification is complicated and often misunderstood. What are the differences between positional sanctification, progressive sanctification, and perfective sanctification?

• What does verse four reveal about the problems the Corinthians faced?

Misunderstanding Ministry (5-9)

• According to verse 5. What is the identity of a minister?

• According to verse 6-9, who holds responsibility?

• What are the practical applications of this for ministers? For the congregation?

The Building Metaphor (10-17)

• According to verse 10, what various responsibilities exist in ministry?

• What priority is given in verse 11?

• What do you believe is represented by gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw in verse 12?

• What three types of builders are discussed in verses 12-17 and for what are they a metaphor?
  • Expert (14)
  • Unwise (15)
  • Destructive (17)

• What do we learn about soul security from 1 Corinthians 3:13-15?

• How do we make sense of the destruction mentioned in verses 16-17? In particular, verses 13-15 suggested soul security but verse 17 makes it sound like destruction is possible?
  • The you in verse 16 is actually plural. That is, this refers to the church not an individual. It is possible for an individual to destroy a local church.

An Incredibly Strong Warning for Pastors (18-23)

• The phrase "Do not deceive yourselves" gives the idea of "watch out!" this is for you too!