1 Coríntios 3
A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson - Gold was freely used by the ancients in their palaces. Their marble and granite pillars are still the wonder and despair of modern men. The wooden huts had hay (chortos, grass, as in Mark 6:39) and stubble (kalamē, old word for stubble after the grain is cut, here alone in the NT, though in LXX as Ex. 5:12) which were employed to hold the wood pieces together and to thatch the roof. David
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson - Paul did not glory in making his sermons thin and watery. Simplicity does not require lack of ideas or dulness. It is pathetic to think how the preacher has to clip the wings of thought and imagination because the hearers cannot go with him. But nothing hinders great preaching like the dullness caused by sin on the part of auditors who are impatient with the high demands of the gospel. Vine - a skillful teacher, while imparting elementary instruction to those who require it, does so in such a way as to prepare for what is to follow, and while this is true of the apostle’s teaching yet his hearers were standing in the way of their own development.
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson- Wrangling follows jealousy. These two voices of the spirit are to Paul proof that the Corinthians are still σαρκικοι [sarkikoi] and walking according to men, not according to the Spirit of Christ. Since there is jealousy (zelos) and strife among you, are you not fleshly - These deeds of the flesh indicated that they were not walking by the Spirit as mature believers, but were walking according to the desires of the fallen flesh. The Corinthians possessed the indwelling Spirit, but were failing to let Him possess them. In fact by their sins of jealousy and strife they were quenching the power of the Spirit. Strife (heated, even violent conflict) is same Greek word (eris) in 1 Cor 1:11+ where Paul had heard there were "quarrels (eris) among you." Paul does not stop with these sins, but as sin always does leading to more sins, he will go on to describe their sin of "choosing sides," ("factionalism").
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson comments that zelos "In itself it means only warmth, ardour, zeal, but for a bad cause or from a bad motive, jealousy, envy, rivalry results." Jealousy describes envy of someone else’s possessions, achievements, or advantages. It describes the spirit which cannot be content with what it has and looks with jealous eye on every blessing given to someone else and denied to itself. Jealousy and strife are used again in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians "For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;(2 Cor 12:20) Strife (2054)(eris) means contention, wrangling, quarrels. It refers to engagement in rivalry, especially with reference to positions taken in a matter! It conveys ideas of self-centered rivalry and contentiousness and is an expression of enmity with bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension. It has no place even for simple tolerance, much less for humility or love.
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson - God will bestow to each the reward that his labour deserves. That is the pay that the preacher is sure to receive. He may get too little or too much here from men. But the due reward from God is certain and it will be adequate however ungrateful men may be. Paul expands on the theme of rewards in 1 Cor 4:5+ (which is good news for those whose rewards are burnt up) declaring "do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise (NOTE - EACH AND EVERY MAN WILL RECEIVE PRAISE! AMAZING GRACE INDEED!) will come to him from God." Near the end of this lengthy letter Paul uses kopos in an exhortation to the Corinthians saints - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work (ergon) of the Lord, knowing that your toil (kopos) is not in vain in the Lord.(1 Co. 15:58+) Each (each, every man, everyone)(1538) see hekastos Will receive (take, took) (2983)(lambano) in this context means to receive, regularly with acc. of the thing; used to embrace all areas of life from simple things to spiritual benefit. Reward (wage) (3408)(misthos) literally refers to pay which is due for labor performed or dues paid for work. Misthos is used in two general senses in the NT, either to refer to wages or to reward, recognition or recompense. In this latter figurative usage, misthos refers to rewards which God bestows for the moral quality of an action, such rewards most often to be bestowed in eternity future. 28v in NT - Matt. 5:12; Matt. 5:46; Matt. 6:1; Matt. 6:2; Matt. 6:5; Matt. 6:16; Matt. 10:41; Matt. 10:42; Matt. 20:8; Mk. 9:41; Lk. 6:23; Lk. 6:35; Lk. 10:7; Jn. 4:36; Acts 1:18; Rom. 4:4; 1 Co. 3:8; 1 Co. 3:14; 1 Co. 9:17; 1 Co. 9:18; 1 Tim. 5:18; Jas. 5:4; 2 Pet. 2:13; 2 Pet. 2:15; 2 Jn. 1:8; Jude 1:11; Rev. 11:18; Rev. 22:12 Labor (2873)(kopos from kopto = chop, hew, cut down, strike; figuratively to lament which apparently came from the idea of striking one's breast) (See also study of related verb kopiao) is strictly a smiting as a sign of sorrow, then sorrow itself. Kopos thus describes a state of discomfort or distress, trouble, difficulty, transferring the sense of the primary meaning which is beating. Kopos referring to labor conveys the sense that the labor involves toil, fatigue, suffering, weariness and sorrow. It thus speaks of an intense effort which can be united with trouble. In short kopos conveys the idea of arduous toil involving sweat and fatigue and emphasizes the weariness which follows as a result of the straining of all of one's powers to the utmost. NT uses - Matt. 26:10; Mk. 14:6; Lk. 11:7; Lk. 18:5; Jn. 4:38; 1 Co. 3:8; 1 Co. 15:58; 2 Co. 6:5; 2 Co. 10:15; 2 Co. 11:23; 2 Co. 11:27; Gal. 6:17; 1 Th 1:3; 1 Th 2:9; 1 Th 3:5; 2 Th 3:8; Rev. 2:2; Rev. 14:13 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. Amplified - For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson - God is the major partner in the enterprise of each life, but he lets us work with him. Witness the mother and God with the baby as the product. The farmer works with God in God’s field. Without the sun, the rains, the seasons the farmer is helpless. God is the Great Architect. We work under him and carry out the plans of the Architect. It is building ([oikos], house, [demō], to build). Let us never forget that God sees and cares what we do in the part of the building where we work for him. D A Carson adds that "what Paul finds inexcusable is the kind of fawning and defensive attachment to one particular leader that results in one-upmanship, quarreling, and jealousy. Implicitly, such allegiance is making too much of one person. It verges on assigning that person godlike status. In fact, a little sober reflection reminds us that many Christian leaders properly contribute to our spiritual growth and fruitfulness, but in any case it is God alone who gives life and fruitfulness, however much he uses means. No Christian leader is to be venerated or listened to or adulated with the kind of allegiance and devotion properly reserved for God alone. That is folly; it betrays a deep ignorance of the nature of true Christian leadership and of the corporate and mutually supportive ways in which Christian leaders complement one another’s work under God." (Ibid) Matthew Henry on God's fellow workers - They are laborers with God, synergoi-co-workers, fellow-labourers (v. 9), not indeed in the same order and degree, but in subordination to Him, as instruments in His hand. They are engaged in His business. They are working 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. Men may neglect and vilify one minister while they cry up another, and have no reason for either: they may condemn when they should commend, and applaud what they should neglect and avoid; but the judgment of God is according to truth. He never rewards but upon just reason, and He ever rewards in proportion to the diligence and faithfulness of His servants. Note, Faithful ministers, when they are ill used by men, should encourage themselves in God. And it is to God, the chief Agent and Director of the great work of the Gospel, to Whom those that labour with Him should endeavour to approve themselves. They are always under His eye, employed in His husbandry and building; and therefore, to be sure, He will carefully look over them. Fellow workers (4904)(sunergos from sun = together + érgon = work) means literally working together with and thus refers to a companion in work, a colleague, a co-laborer, a fellow laborer or fellow helper. Sunergos - 13x in 13v - Rom. 16:3; Rom. 16:9; Rom. 16:21; 1 Co. 3:9; 2 Co. 1:24; 2 Co. 8:23; Phil. 2:25; Phil. 4:3; Col. 4:11; 1 Thess. 3:2; Phlm. 1:1; Phlm. 1:24; 3 Jn. 1:8. You are God's field - Amplified = "God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation." Field is a vivid metaphor, for it pictures saints in need of watering and weeding in order to grow healthy "plants." First Corinthians is an example of Paul doing a little "weeding," so to speak, in God's garden in Corinth! The metaphor of a field recalls some of Paul's last words to Timothy "The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops." (2 Ti 2:6+) God's building - Paul presents a second metaphor of a building which serves as a segue to the next section of his letter in which he will present himself and Apollos as builders of God's church in Corinth (cf 1 Peter 2:5+). Carson on the building metaphor - We will understand it better if we remember what a slow process building a great edifice was before the days of power equipment. Cathedrals in Europe often took four or five centuries to complete, sometimes longer. In Paul’s day, a temple, a much more modest edifice than a medieval cathedral, sometimes took decades. So one builder might lay the foundation; others would complete various phases of the building project and then would move on, retire, or die, while still others would take their places. The lesson is clear: Paul laid the foundation, and others have built on his work. It is the project as a whole that is important, and, implicitly, it is foolish to focus all praise on just one of the builders who has contributed to the project. The builders themselves, after all, have shared a common vision, a common purpose. (Ibid) Mattoon on God's building - As the song goes, "He's still working on me." Paul mentions this thought all throughout his epistles that we are God's construction project. As He builds our lives, He lives within us. We are a full-time job for Him. He never goes home at 5:00 p.m. because we are His home. He gets the glory because He is the architect and the builder. Field (1091)(georgion cf georgos = a farmer) means a tilled field, a farm (Lxx - Pr 24:30; 31:16) and is used metaphorically of the saints at Corinth in aggregate or corporately. (1Co 3:9 = only NT use). Uses in Septuagint - Gen. 26:14; Prov. 6:7; Prov. 9:12; Prov. 24:5; Prov. 24:30; Prov. 31:16; Jer. 51:23 Building (edification, edifying) (3619)(oikodome from oikos = dwelling, house + doma = building or demo = to build) is literally the building of a house and came to refer to any building process. Oikodome can refer to the actual process of building or construction. Another literal meaning is as a reference to a building or edifice which is the result of a construction process (Mt 24:1, Mk 13:1, 2 are the only literal uses of oikodome in the NT). Most of the NT uses of oikodome are metaphorical or figurative, obviously an architectural metaphor. As used here in Eph 2:21, oikodome refers to the church as the building for God's indwelling (cp 1Co 3:9 - see discussion below). Figuratively the idea is the process of edification or building up spiritually or spiritual strengthening. Other figurative meanings include our physical bodies (2Co 5:1), as a reference to the process of spiritual growth, edification or building up (some contexts speak primarily to the individual, some to the corporate body of Christ) (Ro 14:19, 15:2, 1Co 3:9, 14:3, 5, 12, 26, 2Co 10:8), ILLUSTRATION - Rod Mattoon - Rev. A. J. Gordon, one of the founders of Gordon Conwell Divinity School, told of being outside, walking and looking across a field at a house. There beside the house was what looked like a man pumping furiously on one of those hand pumps. As Gordon watched, the man continued to pump at a tremendous rate. He seemed absolutely tireless, pumping on and on, up and down, without ever slowing in the slightest, much less stopping. Truly it was a remarkable sight, so Gordon started to walk toward him. As he got closer, he could see it was not a man at the pump, but a wooden figure painted to look like a man. The arm that was pumping so rapidly was hinged at the elbow and the hand was wired to the pump handle. The water was pouring forth, but not because the figure was pumping it. You see, it was an artesian well, and the water was pumping the man! Beloved, when you see a man who is at work for God and producing results, recognize that it is the Holy Spirit working through him, not the man's personality or schemes that are changing people's lives. Our responsibility as believers is to do our best for the Lord, keep our hand on the handle in laboring for Him, and let the Holy Spirit empower our lives and bless our work. If we fail to be responsible in serving Christ, we stop growing in the Lord and start behaving like a bunch of babies. Something Much Bigger We are co-workers in God’s service. 1 Corinthians 3:9 Today's Scripture & Insight : 1 Corinthians 3:5–9 More than two hundred volunteers assisted October Books, a bookstore in Southampton, England, move its inventory to an address down the street. Helpers lined the sidewalk and passed books down a “human conveyor belt.” Having witnessed the volunteers in action, a store employee said, “It was . . . a really moving experience to see people [helping]. . . . They wanted to be part of something bigger.” We can also be part of something much bigger than ourselves. God uses us to reach the world with the message of His love. Because someone shared the message with us, we can turn to another person and pass it on. Paul compared this—the building of God’s kingdom—to growing a garden. Some of us plant seeds while some of us water the seeds. We are, as Paul said, “co-workers in God’s service” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Each job is important, yet all are done in the power of God’s Spirit. By His Spirit, God enables people to thrive spiritually when they hear that He loves them and sent His Son to die in their place so that they can be free from their sin (John 3:16). Do you see yourself as a part of God’s plan or as someone who works alone in your service for Him? How does this affect the way in which you serve Him and others? Dear God, thank You for including me in Your plan to tell everyone about Your love. Help me to represent You well with my words and actions. See related devotional - We Have Work To Do Our Work Matters We are God's fellow workers. —1 Corinthians 3:9 Today's Scripture : 1 Corinthians 3:7-15 One of the world’s greatest architects, Sir Christopher Wren, undertook the task of helping to rebuild London after it had been nearly destroyed by fire in 1666. One day he visited the site where a large church building was under construction. He called out to a laborer perched high on a scaffold, “What are you doing up there?” With pride that man called back, “I’m helping Sir Christopher Wren build a cathedral!” That was not an empty boast, for without the help of unnamed workers, Wren could not have constructed any of his impressive structures. The beautiful churches are as much a memorial to the workers as to Wren. Do you ever feel that what you’re doing in life is boringly humdrum and unimportant? Most of us probably feel as if we’re on that sort of treadmill. And it’s hard at times to keep in mind that as we serve Christ, “we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9), assisting Him in the building of His church (vv.10-11; Matthew 16:18). But no matter what our job or task in life, as we are faithful to the Lord in the use of our time, talents, and gifts, we are helping Him to build. We need each other as we serve the Lord, With all the workers equal to their tasks; No matter if the jobs are large or small— Our faithfulness is all the Savior asks. —Hess In God's symphony of service, every part is important. Fellow Workers We are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. —1 Corinthians 3:9 Today's Scripture : Exodus 17:1-6 When it came time for Moses to strike the rock in the desert to get water for the thirsty Israelites, his part was very small-just strike the rock. Anyone in Israel could have done it. The main thing was what God was doing in the heart of the earth to provide a bountiful river of water. But the two worked together: Moses before the people; God in the hidden depths of the earth. Moses and God were fellow workers. There are always two agents in every fruitful work: willing workers and a faithful God. The human part is to do whatever God has asked us to do-strike the rock. God’s work is to make the water flow. Was Moses weighed down with anxiety that day as he approached the rock, thinking that he might fail? I doubt it. He had only to follow the Lord in obedience. God had promised to do the rest. And Moses had seen God work mighty miracles in the past. Are you anxious about the task God has given you to do today? Do you believe that everything depends on you? Just strike the rock. God is working in secret to pour out rivers of water for every man, woman, and child. And when living waters begin to flow, praise Him. As a fellow worker with the Lord, Do the work He's given you today; You will find His blessings all outpoured- He will do His part if you obey. -Hess "Apart from Me, you can do nothing." -Jesus Working with God We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 Today's Scripture & Insight : 1 Corinthians 3:1–9 During his 1962 visit to Mexico, Bill Ashe helped fix windmill hand pumps at an orphanage. Fifteen years later, inspired by a deep desire to serve God by helping provide clean water to villages in need, Bill founded a nonprofit organization. He said, “God awoke me to ‘make the most of the time’ by finding others with a desire to bring safe drinking water to the rural poor.” Later, having learned about the global need for safe water through the requests of thousands of pastors and evangelists from more than 100 countries, Bill invited others to join the ministry’s efforts. God welcomes us to team up to serve with Him and others in various ways. When the people of Corinth argued over which teachers they preferred, the apostle Paul affirmed his role as a servant of Jesus and a teammate of Apollos, fully dependent on God for spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 3:1–7). He reminds us that all work has God-given value (v. 8). Acknowledging the privilege of working with others while serving Him, Paul encourages us to build each other up as He transforms us in love (v. 9). Sign in to track your progress! How does leaving the results to God give you the courage to risk doing what seems impossible? What hard thing has He invited you to do with His help? Father, thank You for providing all I need as You continue to accomplish great things in me. God Alone We are God’s fellow workers. — 1 Corinthians 3:9 Today's Scripture : 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to reach the peak of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Since Tenzing did not know how to use the camera, Edmund took a photo of Tenzing as evidence that they did reach the top. Later, journalists repeatedly asked who had reached the summit first. The expedition leader, John Hunt, replied, “They reached it together, as a team.” They were united by a common goal, and neither was concerned who should get the greater credit. It is counterproductive to try to determine who deserves the most credit when something is done well. The church at Corinth was split into two factions—those who followed Paul, and those who followed Apollos. The apostle Paul told them, “I planted, Apollos watered . . . . Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters” (1 Cor. 3:7). He reminded them that they were “God’s fellow workers” (v.9), and it is God who gives the increase in ministry (v.7). Let others have the honors, The glory, and the fame; I seek to follow Jesus And glory in His name. —Horton Jesus must increase; I must decrease. John 3:30+ Bicycle Riders We are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. —1 Corinthians 3:9 Today's Scripture : 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 I remember the first time I tried to ride a bicycle. I thought I would never learn! I pulled the bike alongside the porch and then jumped on and began pedaling, only to end up bumping smack into a maple tree. I had been so intent on pedaling that I forgot to steer. So I tried a second time and concentrated on steering but forgot to pedal, and of course I fell over. I had to learn to use my feet to pump the pedals and my hands to steer at the same time. It was a lesson on what it means to work together. A bicycle built for two or more people is a different sort of challenge. The trick to riding one of these is for the people in back to concentrate on pedaling while the person in front does the steering. All can ride, all must help in pedaling, but only one can steer. So it is in the church. There are some things all must do, while there are other things that only certain ones are entrusted to do. How sad that so many want to steer and so few want to pedal! Use now what God has given you, Count not its worth as small; God does not ask of you great things, Just faithfulness—that's all! —Bosch It is better to be faithful than to be out in front. We are God’s fellow workers. —1 Corinthians 3:9 On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to reach the peak of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Since Tenzing did not know how to use the camera, Edmund took a photo of Tenzing as evidence that they did reach the top. Later, journalists repeatedly asked who had reached the summit first. The expedition leader, John Hunt, replied, “They reached it together, as a team.” They were united by a common goal, and neither was concerned who should get the greater credit. It is counterproductive to try to determine who deserves the most credit when something is done well. The church at Corinth was split into two factions—those who followed Paul, and those who followed Apollos. The apostle Paul told them, “I planted, Apollos watered . . . . Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters” (1 Cor. 3:7). He reminded them that they were “God’s fellow workers” (v.9), and it is God who gives the increase in ministry (v.7). Let others have the honors, The glory, and the fame; I seek to follow Jesus And glory in His name. —Horton Jesus must increase; I must decrease. 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. Amplified - According to the grace (the special endowment for my task) of God bestowed on me, like a skillful architect and master builder I laid [the] foundation, and now another [man] is building upon it. But let each [man] be careful how he builds upon it,
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson - Paul does not shirk his share in the work at Corinth with all the sad outcome there. He absolves Apollos from responsibility for the divisions. He denies that he himself is to blame. Note that 1 Cor 3:10,17 deal primarily with warning to the preacher/teacher of God's Word and emphasize that one must teach those things that will endure (gold, silver, precious stones) which means that one must teach the pure unadulterated milk of the Word (1 Pe 2:2+), not shrinking from declaring the whole counsel (Acts 20:27+) not apologizing for the difficult statements Jesus made in the Gospels, but boldly proclaiming the Word, being ready in season and out of season (2 Ti 4:2-4+). If we do so we will not shrink back from Him in shame at His coming (1 Jn 2:28+). Wise (4680) see sophos Master builder (753) (architekton from archí–, denoting rank or degree + tékton = a workman, builder) means chief constructor, architect.master builder. This word gives us our word architect, but contained the idea of a builder as well as designer. Like a "structural engineer." A head or master workman or builder, an architect (1 Cor. 3:10; Isa. 3:3). I laid a foundation - Laid is aorist tense, in context referring to Paul's initial evangelistic efforts in Corinth 4-5 years prior. With what did Paul lay the foundation? Obviously it was by the proclamation of Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2+, cf 1 Co 1:17,23+), but he will specifically explain the foundation in the next verse. Foundation (2310)(themelios from théma = that which is laid down in turn from títhemi = to place [cf themelioo]) means something laid or put down, that on which a structure is built or a stone used in the construction of a foundation. It was used literally of buildings foundation. Lk. 6:48; Lk. 6:49; Lk. 14:29; Acts 16:26; Ro 15:20; 1 Co. 3:10; 1 Co. 3:11; 1 Co. 3:12; Eph. 2:20; 1 Ti 6:19; 2 Ti 2:19; Heb. 6:1; Heb. 11:10; Rev. 21:14; Rev. 21:19 And another is building on it - Another is allos meaning another of the same kind (like "another [allos] Helper", the Spirit of Christ, in Jn 14:16), in this context another Spirit filled, Word centered teacher. In context this would refer to Apollos who followed Paul's ministry in Corinth (cf at Ephesus it was Timothy following Paul - 1 Ti 1:3). And while not as directly stated as it was earlier, Paul links himself with Apollos as a fellow builder of the church at Corinth, which should serve as additional motivation to minimize the saints choosing one man over the other. They were both important for the integrity of the building and the work of both was important. It is also notable that Paul expresses no jealousy against Apollos following him. Building upon (2026) see epoikodomeo But each man must be careful how he builds on (present tense) it - Each is a Greek word (hekastos) which essentially means "no exceptions" regarding attention and adherence to the truth that follows. So here we see Paul broadening the scope of his argument to apply to anyone who would build on God's building (1 Cor 3:9), the Body of Christ, the Church. Must be careful is a command in the present imperative (see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), this command calling for each man to continually pay close attention, weighing carefully how he builds. Paul will explain in the next verse why obedience to this command is so important. Who is each man? It is anyone who builds on the building, the church. More specifically, while the most natural interpretation (from the context) is that each man would refer primarily to pastors and teachers (including elders, Sunday School teachers, etc), it would seem reasonable to apply the principle to all members of the church, for in various ways, each member of a local body in utilizing their spiritual gift(s) contributes to the integrity of the "building." MacArthur on each man - Each man primarily refers to evangelists, pastors, and teachers, who have continued to build on the foundation laid by the apostles. These are given special and the most direct responsibility for teaching Christian doctrine. Paul later instructs Timothy that men who build should be faithful and capable (2 Tim. 2:2). But the context makes it clear that a broader and more inclusive application is also in mind. The numerous references to “each man” and “any man” (vv. 10–18) indicate that the principle applies to every believer. All of us, by what we say and do, to some extent teach the gospel. No Christian has the right to be careless in representing the Lord and His Word. Every believer is to be a careful builder. We all have the same responsibility. (MNTC-1 Cor) (Bold added) Jack Arnold - Even though a minister is only a servant, he has a grave responsibility to build upon the foundation a strong superstructure. There is a right way and a wrong way to build the church of Christ. In this context each man is referring to ministers, men called and gifted by God to build the church in a special way. However, saints who do the work of the ministry are also ministers in the broadest sense, so this does apply to all Christians. Eph 4:11-12 says "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the purpose of equipping the saints that the saints might do the work of the ministry and that the saints might build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-17 The Ministry) Brian Bell - Importance of the genuineness of one’s building materials for the work of the kingdom. Adequacy or integrity of any building material depends upon the test it will have to meet. That test for the Christians building is fire on the day of judgment. Showing it for what it is. (Sermon) Mattoon on must be careful - This caution can have a two-fold application. First of all, those involved in ministries with others, whether it is in the church or in the family, they need to make sure that Christ is the foundation of that ministry. The focus of the ministry should be on the Lord and the truths of God's Word need to be emphasized and clearly presented through teaching and preaching. Ministry that is based on carnality, worldliness, and false teaching creates confusion, and develops carnal, immature believers. Secondly, we are to take heed how we are building our own lives in Christ. How we live, what we do, where we go, how we behave, what we put into our minds and into our bodies, all affect our fellowship with the Lord. All these factors influence our spiritual growth or the lack of it. Robertson on must be careful - The carpenters have need of caution how they carry out the plans of the original architect. Successive architects of great cathedrals carry on through centuries the original design. The result becomes the wonder of succeeding generations. There is no room for individual caprice in the superstructure. Each (each, every man, everyone)(1538) see hekastos Be careful ( beware, take care, take heed) (991)(blepo basically means to have sight, to see, to look at, then to observe, to discern, to perceive with the eye, and frequently implies special contemplation (e.g., often in the sense of “keep your eyes open,” or “beware” Vine adds that blepo means "“to look,” see, usually implying more especially an intent, earnest contemplation. Uses in Corinthians - 1 Co. 1:26 = "consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;"; 1 Co. 3:10; 1 Co. 8:9; 1 Co. 10:12; 1 Co. 10:18; 1 Co. 13:12; 1 Co. 16:10; 2 Co. 4:18; 2 Co. 7:8; 2 Co. 10:7; 2 Co. 12:6; Builds upon (2026) see epoikodomeo Building A Life That Matters (See also God's Tool Kit) I have laid the foundation . . . . But let each one take heed how he builds on it. —1 Corinthians 3:10 Today's Scripture : 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 My grandkids love to play with Legos. These small colorful building blocks capture their imagination for building forts, planes, houses, or whatever the instructions may call for. Emptying the contents of the box onto the floor, my grandchildren begin to put the pieces together. But soon they think they don’t need to consult the directions. This eventually leads to a point when they realize that building according to their own instincts has resulted in a bad outcome. So, they break it apart and start over again—but this time they have a keen sense of how important the directions are. Because of the grace and forgiveness that You have shown me, Lord, I want to live a life that’s worthy of knowing You. Help me to follow Your plans that You’ve laid out in the Scriptures. Amen. The Bible is the Christian’s blueprint for life. 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Amplified - For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson: "Paul scouts (make a search for something in various places) the suggestion that one even in the interest of so-called "New Thought" will dare to lay beside Jesus another foundation for religion (ED: SEE ANOTHER FALSE FOUNDATION = What is the Jesus Seminar? ). And yet I have seen an article by a professor in a theological seminary in which he advocates regarding Jesus as a landmark, not as a goal, not as a foundation. Clearly Paul means that on this one true foundation,Jesus Christ, one must build only what is in full harmony with the Foundation which is Jesus Christ. Paul is merely repeating the claim of Jesus Himself on this very subject when He quoted Ps 118:22f. to the members of the Sanhedrin who challenged his authority Mk 11:10f; Mt 21:42-45; Lu 20:17f. Apostles and prophets go into this temple of God, but Christ Jesus is the chief cornerstone (akrogoniaios, Ep 2:20+) All believers are living stones in this temple 1Pe 2:5 But there is only one foundation possible."
1 Coríntios 3
Robertson - "Excited partisans can easily excite themselves to a pious phrenzy, hypnotize themselves with their own supposed devotion to truth" Deceive (1818)(exapatao from ek = intensifies meaning of root + apatáo = seduce, deceive - see study of related word apate) means to beguile thoroughly, deceive completely or seduce (persuade to disobedience, lead astray by persuasion or false promises) wholly. The result is to lead astray. To cause a subject to believe or accept false ideas about something with the implication of that one is led out of the right way into error and especially to sin (see 1 Cor 11:3, 1Ti 2:14).Apatao and its derivatives indicate ethical enticement… Deception sometimes comes from within, as our desires impel us to deceive. But more often in the NT, deceit is error urged by external evil powers or by those locked into the world's way of thinking. Used 6x in NT - Ro 7:11; Ro 16:18; 1 Co. 3:18; 2 Co. 11:3; 2 Th 2:3; 1 Ti 2:14 Hodge - 'Let no one doubt the truth of what I have said about the worthlessness of human wisdom, and of the danger of substituting it for God's wisdom. If he does, he will find himself mistaken.' Kistemaker - Self-deception occurs when a person tries to justify his thoughts, words, and actions and refuses to admit that he is wrong. What, then, is this self-deception? Paul explains in the next sentence. “If any of you thinks that he is wise in this age.” First, Paul addresses everyone in the Corinthian church, teachers and learners, leaders and laity, members and adherents. Notice that he once again resorts to using the phrase if any man (cf if any man - 1 Cor 3:12, 17) in his address to the readers. Next, instead of referring to the imagery borrowed from agriculture and the building trade, Paul reverts to an earlier discussion on wisdom (1:20–25; 2:6; see also 4:10). Although he seems to perplex the readers by going back to earlier remarks, he makes these comments on wisdom fundamental to everything else. The Corinthians were deceiving themselves because they were enthralled by worldly wisdom. Third, Paul specifies that the wisdom that seduces the believers has its origin in this age. The wisdom of the world manifests itself in people who want to be independent, govern their own lives, and manage their own affairs rather than submit to the lordship of Christ. If any man among you thinks (present tense - continually) that he is wise in this age - IF is a first class conditional statement means what follows is accepted as true (and thus could be translated "since" or "because"). This indicates that some (? most) of the saints in Corinth were thinking of themselves as wise, but worldly wise, not godly wise (as was Paul in 1 Cor 3:10 = "a WISE master builder"! "Many in the Corinthian church prided themselves on their supposed spirituality or spiritual giftedness or knowledge." (Utley) In our fleshly moments, all believers fall into the trap of thinking too highly of ourselves and our wisdom. The fallen flesh will continually fight against harmony, thinking it's way is the wisest way, but the result is disharmony.