GOD’S PROVISION TO BE SPIRITUAL
The great challenge for every believer is to be spiritual. This is more than possible for God has provided every means for the believer to grow in grace. Three things may be highlighted: –
1. Our salvation and sanctification in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2)
2. The power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18)
3. The ministry of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4)
THE HARSH REALITY OF LIFE
Though the Corinthians began so well, they suffered the problem of backsliding. And with this the problem of poor growth resulted.
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people
but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:1
1. Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians
a) “And I”
i) The founding-pastor of the Church
ii) The apostle and teacher
b) “Brethren”
i) Paul regarded them as “brethren” with much affection.
ii) This is taught in the Scriptures (Hebrews 2:10-13).
2. “Could not speak to you as to spiritual people”
a) Paul’s ministry of teaching was hindered.
b) He would have loved to address them as spiritual people.
i) The Holy Spirit would have ministered to them through Paul (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).
ii) However, there was the sad realisation that the Corinthians had stagnated in growth.
3. “But as to carnal”
a) The Corinthians had become “carnal”.
b) This word is the opposite of “spiritual”.
4. A gentle comparison
a) They were like “babes in Christ”.
b) And like babies, they could not comprehend deep spiritual truths.
c) The saving factor was that they were at least “in Christ”.