1 Corinthians Chapter 3 Part 2

Ministers of the Word

Paul's main thrust so far in the letter to the Corinthians has been a reprimand of their disunity and the division amongst themselves. He challenged them to see that their basis for unity is the cross of Jesus Christ and not in themselves, or in "more spiritual" pursuits. It is because of their divisions and foolish pursuits that Paul is forced to treat them as unbelievers. They have in effect hardened themselves to the gospel. They think that they are beyond that and in need for some super spiritual wisdom. Paul corrects them by showing us that the same gospel that saves the believer also works constantly in the life and sustains the believer or spiritual man to use Paul's language.

Continuing on the theme of the Corinthians pursuit of "silver-tongued orators", Paul now shifts to a discussion of himself and other ministers of the gospel. He begins by asking the question: "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?" So Paul wants to drive home the point that ultimately the teacher is of little significance compared to the One who "gave the increase." God is the one in ultimate control. Paul and Apollos faithfully fulfilled their differing duties, but they were only effective because God is behind them. To use the same analogy of plant life, its the same as planting a garden. I can plant seeds, I can water the seeds, I can even add fertilizer, but I cannot cause them to grow into plants. That is where I need the sun, which I have no control over. In the same way, God is ultimately in control of the Corinthians growth and spirituality. It is foolish to identify with a specific teacher, who is just that, only a teacher. Rather, we should identify with the God of the universe.

Paul finishes this discussion on ministers by pointing out that despite the ultimate weakness that teachers have, nonetheless they are important as a God-given means to grow the church. Paul shifts into discussing the responsibilities and corresponding standards to which teachers are judged. This is really a neat passage of scripture to me, being in the construction industry. Paul here uses a metaphor of building to convey this idea of ministers. He says; "we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building." Paul calls himself a wise master builder who has laid the foundation (which is Jesus Christ). It is like a foundation constructed with cast in place piles and concrete with twice the code required minimum standards. He takes time to do it right, so there will be no problems later. Another builds on Paul's foundation. These are like the subcontractors of the Word. They are each responsible for different trades in building. One frames the walls and roof, one finishes the roof covering, one applies brick veneer to the outside, one finishes the inside of the building, one paints, one runs electrical work...all important to the finished task. Some are seen in the world's eyes as more prestigious than others, but they are all important to the final picture. Paul inserts a word of caution here though; "But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay that that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Continuing with the building analogy, it would be foolish to tear up the foundation and put in a new one, but the existing foundation is already laid. Then Paul finishes with a stern warning, "...each one's work will be tested..." This is to stimulate us to do our best work as ministers of the word. Be cautious the building materials and workmanship you choose to use as you construct God's people. It is not without consequence.

Tomorrow I will focus on the topic of avoiding worldly wisdom, something that is so easy to get caught up in.