1st Corinthians Chapter 3

Spiritual maturity is a subject that affects us all. We should all be seeking to grow as Christian. It could be said that if we do not grow we will die. The Christians in Corinth were call "infants in Christ"because of their lack of maturity, we must be careful that we are not like them, but rather we are striving to grow.  We have an example to grow into – Christ (Eph. 4:15). When we become Christians we are born again (John 3:3-5) and we are babes in Christ. We are not to remain in that state. The Hebrews, just like the Corinthians were condemned for their lack of growth. (Heb. 5:12-14)

To grow physically we need to eat good food, to grow spiritually we need to have good Spiritual food. The Corinthians were not spiritual people; they were fleshly. They could not take solid spiritual food; they could only take the milk. Milk is fine for a baby, but a baby has to grow up and take spiritual food. (1 Peter 2:2)

We saw in the 1st Chapter that there were divisions in the church that was based on different teachers, (“I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 1Cor. 1:12) . Paul states that these teachers, including himself,  were just servants.  They were servants of the Lord and it was that Lord who gave the increase. I does not matter what task the servant does, he is still just the servant.  The focus needs to be on God. See (1 Cor 12:12-25.)

Paul changes imagery from a field to a building: we are God’s building. The temple is built of the people in it. All will be tested by fire, some will withstand the fire, others will be burnt up. We need to be careful how we build. We build up the foundation of Christ and we need to make sure that those who are added to the church are of such that they will come through the fire. We need to protect the temple of God. (2 Cor 6:14-16)

The Corinthians were being fleshly. They were looking to men, rather than God. They were foolish while professing to be wise. We can learn from the faults of these brethren.  we need to look above rather than to the earth.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory Col. 3:1-4