Two Tier Christianity? 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

 

Main Idea:: We must live as People of the Spirit not people of the flesh.  people of the flesh are ignorant to the truth of the gospel, people of the spirit have grasped the gospel’s cosmic implications.  Which one are you?

 

 

1.       People of the Spirit vs. People of the flesh

 

1.1.  “Spiritual”

 1 Corinthians 2:13-15, 14:37, Galatians 6:1

 

1.2. “Carnal” of the flesh.

 

1.3. “Infants”

 

2.       What they believe – Milk vs. Solid food

 

2.1.  Milk

2.2.  Solid food.

 

The Spirit should identify God’s people in such a way that their values and world view are radically different from the wisdom of this age.  They do know what God is about in Christ; they do live out the life of the future in the present age that is passing way; they are marked by the cross forever.  As such they are the people of the Spirit, who stand in bold contrast to those who are merely human and do not understand the scandal of the cross.  Being spiritual does not lead to elitism; it lead to a deeper understanding of God’s profound mystery- the redemption through a crucified messiah.                               Gordon Fee.

 

We never, therefore, move on from the cross of Christ – only into a more profound understanding of the cross. ‘Paul does not have a simple gospel of the cross for babes, and a different wisdom-gospel for the mature.  All Christians are potentially mature in Christ, though only some are actually what all ought to be.’

David Prior

 

1 Corinthians 1:30 , Hebrews 10:14 , Philippians 3:8-15 , Galatians 2:19b-20 , 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

 

3.        Believe and do!

 

3.1. Challenges for Corinthians in Belief & Action

Ø       Jealousy

Ø       Strife

James 3:13-18

Ø       Relating to Leaders Wrongly

Ø       View of the Church Improperly

Ø       Church Discipline

Ø       Law/License

Ø       Immorality

Ø       Acestism

Ø       Spiritual Pride

Ø       Charismatic Chaos

Ø       Confusion of Roles

Ø       Denying the Resurrection

Ø       Tithes and Offerings

 

3.2. Challenges for Us in Belief and Action

 

3.2.1.    Cross centered living.

 

3.2.2.    Regarding Secondaries

 

3.2.3.   Passion for Christ

 

 

IT IS GOOD TO HOLD FAST to the old truths, and to contend earnestly (but not savagely) for the faith once delivered to the saints; but it is possible to be sound in doctrine and sound asleep at the same time. Truth turned into a pillow for an idle head is a good thing turned to most evil use. If we wish our form of teaching to exercise power, we must exhibit its practical influence right diligently. A doctrine that will not work will not live. Some very orthodox people are very lazy, and laziness is certainly heterodoxy of the worst type. A good-for-nothing Christian is a great sinner…. Oh, lovers of truth, bestir yourselves.  --- C. H. Spurgeon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Application Questions:

  1. Describe people of the spirit versus people of the flesh. 
  2. What are their differences in belief?
  3. What are their differences in action?
  4. How might they differ in how they regard their marriages?
  5. Their families?
  6. Their church?
  7. Their network of friends, neighbors and extended family?
  8. Their finances?
  9. Their career?
  10. Their free time?
  11. What one change in belief or practice is this teaching bringing about in your life?

 

 

My Main Application:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources:

 

NIV Study Bible

New Geneva Study Bible

NAS Study Bible

ESV Bible

 

1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems, John MacArthur

 

The Cross and Christian Ministry, DA Carson

Showing the Spirit, DA Carson

 

1 Corinthians, David Prior, Bible Speaks Today Series

daily Devotional

Day

Passage

Thoughts

Sunday, January 02, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

What are spiritual people?  What are people of the flesh? (hint: look at 1 Cor 1-3.)  What makes the difference?  Is there an area of your life where you more resemble someone of the flesh versus someone of the Spirit?  How can the gospel of Christ bring change here?

Monday, January 03, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

Explain the difference between milk and solid food. What aspects of the gospel of Christ are currently feeding your soul?

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

How does the gospel transform how you see God?

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

How does the gospel transform how you see yourself?

Thursday, January 06, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

How does the gospel transform how you see family?

Friday, January 07, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

How does the gospel transform how you see your church?

Saturday, January 08, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

How does the gospel transform how you see unbelievers around you?

Sunday, January 09, 2005

1 Cor 3:1-4

What are you set apart for in the gospel?  What are the purposes of God in rescuing you from sin and making you His own?  How can you realize that today?