1Corinthians:3

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-4 - The most simple truths of the gospel , as to man 's sinfulness and God 's mercy , repentance towards God , and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ , stated in the plainest language , suit the people better than deeper mysteries . Men may have much doctrinal knowledge , yet be mere beginners in the life of faith and experience . Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of carnality . True religion makes men peaceable , not contentious . But it is to be lamented , that many who should walk as Christians , live and act too much like other men . Many professors , and preachers also , show themselves to be yet carnal , by vain-glorious strife , eagerness for dispute , and readiness to despise and speak evil of others . * Verse 5-9 - The ministers about whom the Corinthians contended , were only instruments used by God . We should not put ministers into the place of God . He that planteth and he that watereth are one , employed by one Master , trusted with the same revelation , busied in one work , and engaged in one design . They have their different gifts from one and the same Spirit , for the very same purposes ; and should carry on the same design heartily . Those who work hardest shall fare best . Those who are most faithful shall have the greatest reward . They work together with God , in promoting the purposes of his glory , and the salvation of precious souls ; and He who knows their work , will take care they do not labour in vain . They are employed in his husbandry and building ; and He will carefully look over them . * Verse 10-15 - The apostle was a wise master-builder ; but the grace of God made him such . Spiritual pride is abominable ; it is using the greatest favours of God , to feed our own vanity , and make idols of ourselves . But let every man take heed ; there may be bad building on a good foundation . Nothing must be laid upon it , but what the foundation will bear , and what is of a piece with it . Let us not dare to join a merely human or a carnal life with a Divine faith , the corruption of sin with the profession of Christianity . Christ is a firm , abiding , and immovable Rock of ages , every way able to bear all the weight that God himself or the sinner can lay upon him ; neither is there salvation in any other . Leave out the doctrine of his atonement , and there is no foundation for our hopes . But of those who rest on this foundation , there are two sorts . Some hold nothing but the truth as it is in Jesus , and preach nothing else . Others build on the good foundation what will not abide the test , when the day of trail comes . We may be mistaken in ourselves and others ; but there is a day coming that will show our actions in the true light , without covering or disguise . Those who spread true and pure religion in all its branches , and whose work will abide in the great day , shall receive a reward . And how great ! how much exceeding their deserts ! There are others , whose corrupt opinions and doctrines , or vain inventions and usages in the worship of God , shall be made known , disowned , and rejected , in that day . This is plainly meant of a figurative fire , not of a real one ; for what real fire can consume religious rites or doctrines ? And it is to try every man 's works , those of Paul and Apollos , as well as others . Let us consider the tendency of our undertakings , compare them with God 's word , and judge ourselves , that we be not judged of the Lord . mhcc @1Corinthians:3:16 ,17 @ Verse 16 ,17 - From other parts of the epistle , it appears that the false teachers among the Corinthians taught unholy doctrines . Such teaching tended to corrupt , to pollute , and destroy the building , which should be kept pure and holy for God . Those who spread loose principles , which render the church of God unholy , bring destruction upon themselves . Christ by his Spirit dwells in all true believers . Christians are holy by profession , and should be pure and clean , both in heart and conversation . He is deceived who deems himself the temple of the Holy Ghost , yet is unconcerned about personal holiness , or the peace and purity of the church . * Verse 18-23 - To have a high opinion of our own wisdom , is but to flatter ourselves ; and self-flattery is the next step to self-deceit . The wisdom that wordly men esteem , is foolishness with God . How justly does he despise , and how easily can he baffle and confound it ! The thoughts of the wisest men in the world , have vanity , weakness , and folly in them . All this should teach us to be humble , and make us willing to be taught of God , so as not to be led away , by pretences to human wisdom and skill , from the simple truths revealed by Christ . Mankind are very apt to oppose the design of the mercies of God . Observe the spiritual riches of a true believer ; "All are yours ," even ministers and ordinances . Nay , the world itself is yours . Saints have as much of it as Infinite Wisdom sees fit for them , and they have it with the Divine blessing . Life is yours , that you may have a season and opportunity to prepare for the life of heaven ; and death is yours , that you may go to the possession of it . It is the kind messenger to take you from sin and sorrow , and to guide you to your Father 's house . Things present are yours , for your support on the road ; things to come are yours , to delight you for ever at your journey 's end . If we belong to Christ , and are true to him , all good belongs to us , and is sure to us . Believers are the subjects of his kingdom . He is Lord over us , we must own his dominion , and cheerfully submit to his command . God in Christ , reconciling a sinful world to himself , and pouring the riches of his grace on a reconciled world , is the sum and substance of the gospel . Henry ' _1__4 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

---