Arrested Development
Saints Sinners Soldiers
February 10, 2019
Rev. Tim Sharpe
In 1 Corinthians 3 Paul calls believers away from worldly wisdom toward God-given spiritual maturity, which is shown in how we treat one another, rooted in our belonging to the Lord, and dependent on trusting God rather than human leaders.
Summary
Paul confronts the Corinthians' reliance on worldly wisdom and immature divisions, urging them to embrace true spiritual wisdom given to the mature. He teaches that real maturity is visible in community—how Christians treat their brothers and sisters—rather than private spirituality or allegiance to flashy leaders; ministers like Paul and Apollos serve the Lord, not themselves. When believers understand they belong to God (are God’s field) and stop living for themselves, they can rest in that identity and begin to grow and mature.
Key Points
- Call away from worldly wisdom to God’s wisdom
- Spiritual wisdom is given to the mature, and self-deception is possible
- Maturity is measured by how we treat one another; community reveals spiritual fruit
- Leaders (Paul, Apollos) work for the Lord, not for personal followings
- Believers belong to the Lord and are God’s field, positioned between worldly and divine wisdom
- Resting in belonging to God leads to true growth and Christian maturity
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