There were many problems facing the church in Corinth. Corinth was the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire. It now lies in ruins.

1. Immaturity (3:1-4)

The church at Corinth was spiritually weak. They had not grown up spiritually; they were still carnal in nature. Their lives did not honour Christ. They gave lip service but did not study God’s Word and teach it to others.

We need to take responsibility for our growth. God wants to deal with us personally. Do we read the Bible through? It takes commitment. The enemy diverts us from studying. Those who have been around for years as Christians are still on baby food. They are still drinking milk instead of chewing on meat. The Church had grown in numbers but not very many as individuals.

2 – Divisiveness (3:5-8)

Some were followers of certain teachers. It was a sign of their immaturity. They were not exhibiting in their lives the fruits of the Spirit. The Church is people and not a building. It is the people who need to be built up. There was competitiveness amongst leaders in the Church.

3 – Work in progress (3:9-17)

We are not a show house. We are a building site. We are a work in progress. God is building us up into His temple. What building and using us for?

4 – Worldly wisdom (3:-18-23)

Don’t boast about following an earthly leader. Don’t think as the world thinks. We need to understand God’s word.

5 – Leadership challenges (4:1-13)

• For the church (4:1-7)
• For leaders (4:8-13)

6 – Family secrets (4:14-21)

You walk should be better and you will be a better person when you do. New converts need baby food. Those who have been believers for years should be growing up and eating solids. God is our Father in Christ. We could do better. It is not too late to change. You might not be able to turn on to many appliances in your kitchen. Do you think God lacks power? The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available.

Categories: 1 Corinthians