23-0702p - Detailed Summary

23-0702p - 1 Corinthians 3:5-23, Scott Reynolds
Bible Reader: Roger Raines

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(Sermon Notes by Scott Reynolds)

1 Corinthians 3:5-23

Summary of Transcript (0:03 - 21:38)

Bible Reader: (0:03 - 3:15), Roger Raines

1 Corinthians 3:5-23,

Introduction The session begins with a reading from the Book of Corinthians, specifically chapter 3, verses 5 through 23.
Discussion on Ministry and Unity The speaker delves into the roles of Paul and Apollos in the early church, using the analogy of planting and watering to illustrate that while human efforts are involved, it is God who ultimately causes growth. Paul and Apollos are described as servants through whom faith is instilled, but they emphasize that their individual contributions are nothing without God’s influence. The passage discusses how each person’s work will be judged by fire, signifying the test of one’s deeds, with rewards or losses depending on the quality of the work done. The scripture then shifts to the metaphor of the church as God’s temple, warning against destroying this temple, which symbolizes both the physical body and the spiritual community. The speaker touches on the folly of worldly wisdom compared to divine wisdom, advocating for humility and a recognition of God’s overarching plan.
Closing of Scripture Reading The reading concludes with a reminder that all things belong to the believers, who in turn belong to Christ, and Christ to God, emphasizing the unity and mutual belonging within the church.

Preacher: Scott Reynolds

The speaker introduces a sermon by Douglas Hamilton from Junction City Church of Christ, titled "The Strong Church," focusing on unity as a central theme for church strength.

Hamilton’s sermon begins with a focus on the first four verses of 1 Corinthians 3, discussing the concept of a spiritually strong church characterized by unity. He connects this to the previous chapter’s discussion on the gospel, now applying it to the church’s structure.

Fleshly vs. Spiritual (4:40 - 5:48): Hamilton explains that Paul addresses the Corinthians as infants in Christ because of their jealousy and strife, highlighting their division by aligning with different leaders like Paul or Apollos, which reflects a worldly rather than a spiritual mindset.
Historical Context and Division (5:50 - 6:48): The sermon discusses the historical context of Corinth, where eloquence was highly valued, leading to divisions based on which apostle was seen as the best speaker. Paul’s own acknowledgment of his unimpressive appearance and speech is mentioned, illustrating the Corinthians' superficial judgments.
Principles to Combat Division (6:48 - 16:17):
- Fellow Workers (7:55 - 9:42): Everyone in the church is seen as working together in God’s field, with different roles but all under God’s growth. This counters the factional mindset by emphasizing collective effort.
- Shared Foundation of Christ (10:53 - 13:52): Hamilton uses the metaphor of building on Christ as the foundation, where the quality of one’s work in the church will be tested, promoting unity in purpose and doctrine.
- The Church as God’s Temple (14:48 - 16:17): The idea that believers are the temple of God is expounded, highlighting the sanctity of both the individual and the collective body of believers, urging against actions that would divide or defile this temple.

When we truly understand the uniqueness of the statement that all things belong to believers who in turn belong to Christ, it leads to unification rather than division. This understanding shifts the focus from comparing oneself to others to living for Jesus.

Hamilton continues with verses 18 through 23 of 1 Corinthians 3, warning against self-deception and the folly of worldly wisdom. He emphasizes that anyone who thinks they are wise by worldly standards must become "foolish" to gain true wisdom from God. The scripture further states that God catches the wise in their own craftiness and considers their reasonings as useless, encouraging believers not to boast in men since all things belong to them through Christ.

The sermon elaborates on the concept of self-deception, particularly the danger of thinking oneself wise or superior, which leads to division within the church. Douglas cites Romans 12:3, advocating for humility and sober judgment about one’s capabilities. He notes that one of the primary causes of division is when members act as know-it-alls, elevating themselves above others, which disrupts church unity.

Hamilton discusses how Paul likens self-perceived wisdom to worldly wisdom, which God considers crafty and essentially useless. The sermon stresses humility, referencing 1 Corinthians 8:2, which suggests that true knowledge involves recognizing one’s limitations. The speaker explains that boasting in men or in oneself is unnecessary because our value comes from belonging to Christ, not from personal achievements or wisdom.

In concluding, Douglas summarizes the sermon by reiterating four key realizations for maintaining unity within the church: recognizing we are all fellow workers in God’s field, sharing a common foundation in Jesus, acknowledging ourselves as the temple of God, and understanding that we should not act as know-it-alls. These realizations, if embraced, can eliminate division and promote true Christian unity. The sermon ends with an invitation for spiritual commitment as they stand and sing.