Category: 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 3:8 – Unity and Individuality

Posted on by Will

Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Truth to Learn

The work of ministry is a team effort, but the rewards given will be based on individual effort.

Behind the Words

“One” is translated from the Greek word heis, meaning the number “one.” It is written here in the neuter person, just like the word ti in verse seven, further supporting the use of ti in verse five.

“Each one” is from the Greek word hekastos (from hekas, meaning “separate”). It refers to “each one” or to “everyone.” In the case of “everyone,” it implies specific application to each one separately, not to the group as a whole.

The words “will receive” are from lambanō, which means “to take” or “to receive.” It is expressed in the future tense, indicating action that will take place sometime in the future.

Misthos is the word translated “reward.” It refers to “wages” or “a reward” that is given as payment for work done.

The words “according to” are from the Greek word kata. The primary meaning of this word is “down.” When used metaphorically, as it is here, it expresses the relationship of one thing with respect to another. In this sense it means “according to,” “in comparison to,” or “with respect to.”

“Labor” is from the word kopos, based on the word koptō, meaning “to strike,” “to hit,” or “to cut.” It refers to “wearisome or painful effort” or “hard work.”

Meaning Explained

In the agricultural metaphor that Paul has been using, he has shown that the work of the gospel involves both planting of seeds (evangelism) and nourishing of the spiritual plants that have sprung up from the seeds (preaching and teaching). Because of the divisions that had sprung up in the church at Corinth, Paul is making a strong point that all of those who labor for God are one unit. They are not divided, working in competition with each other, but working together as members of the same team.

In the upcoming verses, he will switch from an agriculture metaphor to that of constructing a building. In both of these, Paul clearly shows that the work of ministry is a combined effort, requiring hard work on the part of many people. Each person has their part of the job to do for a common objective. Each person has his or her work to do according to the gifts that God has given them to work with, but there is a unity of purpose for all.

Now, lest we get lazy and assume that the work of the ministry will get done whether or not we do our part, Paul declares a significant truth. Each one of us will be paid (rewarded) for the work that we do individually. Later, Paul will show that our payment will depend on the quality and focus of our labor; here he states that we each have our own assignment and we need to be doing the work assigned us by the Master.

Application

In any church today, eighty percent of the work is performed by twenty percent of the people. However, those who faithfully do the work assigned to them will receive the reward promised to them, while those who are not working will receive nothing.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 3:7 – Faithfully Serve and Trust

Posted on by Will

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

Truth to Learn

Every Christian needs to serve, trusting God for the result.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “so then” is hōste. It is made up of hōs, meaning “in this manner” and te, meaning “and.” Thus, hōste literally means “and therefore.”

“He who plants” is from the participial form of phuteuō, which we saw in yesterday’s verse, meaning “to plant.” In the participle form it means “the one planting” or “he who plants.”

“He who waters” is from the participial form of potidzō, which we also saw in yesterday’s verse, meaning “to give a drink” or “to irrigate.” In the participle form it means “the one giving a drink” or “the one watering.”

The word translated “anything” is ti, meaning “a thing” or “something.” In verse five we pointed out that the word “who,” from the word tis, should probably have been translated as “what” (or “what thing”), from the word ti. The fact that Paul uses ti in today’s verse is evidence of that statement.

The words “who gives the increase” is from the participial form of auxanō, which we also saw in yesterday’s verse, meaning “to grow” or “to increase.” In the participle form it means “the one giving the increase.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is very similar to yesterday’s verse; however, there is one important difference. In verse six, Paul told us that he is the one who planted the seeds of faith and that Apollos was the one who watered the seedlings. He now tells us that in spite of how important it is for us to be obedient to God in our calling, compared to God our efforts are miniscule and we should not claim any credit for the results.

You will recall that this teaching came about because of the divisions being caused in the Corinthian church as a result of people claiming to follow different leaders. They were placing these leaders on a pedestal, claiming allegiance to one or the other. In response to that, Paul pointed out that the very people whom the Corinthians were giving special honor and allegiance to were nothing more than servants. Neither Paul nor Apollos deserved the credit for the church growth; they were simply servants faithfully performing the tasks assigned to them by their Master. It is the Master who is producing the results.

There is a subtlety here in Paul’s teaching that I don’t want us to miss. The fact that people were giving allegiance to certain leaders implies that the people gave credit to these leaders for the success that the church had achieved. It is the same way in the sports world today. We give credit to a great quarterback of a football team when they win and often blame the same person when they lose. In fact, the success of a football team depends on all of the players doing their part as assigned to them by the coaches.

Application

Church growth is not the result of great leaders, it is the result of every member of the body doing the work that God has assigned them. The lack of growth of the church (spiritually or in numbers) is not necessarily the fault of the pastor. It is more likely the result of the members of the body not doing what God has assigned them to do. Are you giving your all to serve your Master in the task He has chosen for you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 3:6 – Farmers and Gardeners

Posted on by Will

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

Truth to Learn

We are called to be servants, planting seeds and nourishing the church. God will do the rest.

Behind the Words

Phuteuō is the Greek verb translated “planted.” It is derived from phuton (a plant), which is itself derived from the verb phuō, meaning “to generate” or “to spring up.” Thus, phuteuō refers to planting a seed with the hope that it will spring to life and grow. It is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating action that was done in the past at a point in time.

“Watered” is from the Greek verb potidzō, which means “to give a drink” or “to irrigate.” This verb is also expressed in the aorist tense, indicating past action done at a point in time.

The words “gave the increase” are translated from the verb auxanō, which means “to grow” or “to increase.” Unlike the other two verbs, this one is expressed in the imperfect tense, indicating past continuous action.

Meaning Explained

Most of the Roman world outside of the city of Rome itself was based on an agrarian society. Growing crops and raising cattle were necessary for meeting the needs of the Roman citizens. Because of this, nearly everyone understood the basics of raising crops. In much of Jesus’ teaching and throughout the writings of the apostles, agricultural metaphors were used because the ideas being taught were easier to understand when related to something as familiar as agriculture.

This metaphor is applicable to teachings about the sprouting of faith in a person’s heart (the parable of the sower and the seed) and about the gathering together of God’s people into His kingdom at the end of this age (the harvest of the wheat and the tares). It is also particularly applicable to the growth of the church as Paul applies it here.

You and I are not responsible for the growth of the church any more than we are responsible for another person’s salvation. These things are God’s doing. We are responsible as farmers and garden growers to plant the seeds of the Gospel message and to tend the plants of faith after they have sprouted up.

Although Paul was one of the best teachers of God’s truth in the first century, he was primarily an evangelist. He planted the seeds of faith throughout the Roman world. In Corinth, it was Paul, with the assistance of Sylvanus and Timothy, who proclaimed the Gospel of salvation to the people there. He stayed there long enough to ensure that the tender new seedlings got a good start and warned about the weeds and insects that would try to choke and nibble at the seedlings as they grew. Apollos, on the other hand, was responsible for providing the spiritual fertilizer and water that the young Christian plants needed to grow strong. Paul realized, however, that the growth of the church, both in numbers and in strength is really God’s doing.

Application

If you are in a church that is healthy and growing, it is because there are dedicated farmers and gardeners of God who invest their time and effort into being God’s servants. They pull out the weeds and they are on constant lookout for spiritual insects. They give their all to God and they give Him all the glory. When was the last time you thanked one of these servants?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:5 – Leader or Servant?

Posted on by Will

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?

Truth to Learn

A pastor leads by being an example of a humble servant.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “who” is tis, an interrogative pronoun meaning “who?” The oldest manuscripts, however, have the word ti, meaning “what?” Either one makes sense grammatically, but ti (what) makes more sense in context.

“Ministers” is from the Greek noun diakonos. This is the word from which we get our English word “deacon.” It refers to someone who serves, like a waiter serving a meal.

The word translated “through” is dia. In reference to a location, it refers to motion through a place. In reference to time, it refers to a continuance of time. When it is used in regard to a person or his action, it refers to that person and his action as being the instrument through which the objective is achieved.

Pisteuō is the Greek verb translated “believed.” It means “to be firmly persuaded about something,” that is, to believe or have faith in something. It is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating past action that occurred at a point in time.

“Each one” is from the Greek word hekastos (from hekas, meaning “separate”). It refers to “each one” or to “everyone.” In the case of “everyone,” it implies specific application to each one separately, not to the group as a whole.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse serves as a transition from Paul’s teaching regarding divisions in the church to teaching about serving God for the purpose of building up the church. As we previously pointed out, Paul is using himself and Apollos as the two specific people that might be seen as leaders of the church in Corinth because they are the two who have done most of the pastoring in that church. Later in this letter we will learn that Paul is about to send Timothy to take over the ministry there.

Before sending him, however, Paul needs to ensure that the members of the Corinthian church recognize that whoever serves in the capacity of pastor or teacher is not doing so as a “leader” but as a “servant.” It is true that the pastor of any local church has some leadership responsibilities. However, it is not his job to become a ruler or even a figurehead for the church.

Paul tells the Corinthians (and us) that the person who oversees the operation of a local church and who provides regular teaching from God’s Word is not a political or religious leader. This man is simply a servant, a conduit of blessing through whom God speaks to the members of the local assembly. He also tells us that these “ministers” serve in the church in accordance with the gifts that each one was given. In other words, it is God who gave Paul the ability to simply and plainly lay out the plan of salvation, it is God who gave Apollos the ability to speak eloquently, and it is God who gives salvation to everyone who believes. By declaring strong allegiance to one man over another, the Christians in Corinth were, in effect, giving individual men credit for what God and God alone has done and is doing.

Application

The position of church pastor is one of the most difficult and thankless jobs a man could have. He is to lead the people without being their leader. He is to be a conduit of God’s blessing and an example to all of how a servant is to behave.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 3:4 – Only One Master

Posted on by Will

For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?

Truth to Learn

When preference leads to arguments, we leave the realm of the Spirit and enter the realm of the flesh.

Behind the Words

“Says” is translated from the Greek verb legō, which literally means “to lay forth.” Figuratively, it means “to relate in words” or “to say something.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating possibility or probability. So, it could be translated as “one might say.”

The word translated “carnal” is sarkikos, which we have seen several times in the past few verses. It refers to someone who lives and acts like an unsaved person, following the thoughts and emotions of the human nature rather than the Spirit of God. The best Greek texts use the word anthropos rather than sarkikos. If this is the correct reading, then Paul is saying, “are you not men?” In other words, Paul is saying, “are you not acting like natural, unsaved men?”

“Another” is from the Greek word heteros, which means “another of a different kind.” By using this word instead of allos (another of the same kind), Paul is emphasizing the difference in the way these people think about their preachers.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse sounds very much like the comment Paul made when he started out this section of teaching:

Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:12)

As we have already learned, the Church in Corinth was divided by contentious factions, different groups of people claiming different leaders as the people who they were following. In 1 Corinthians 1:12 four different leaders were identified, but in today’s verse only Paul and Apollos are mentioned. The reason for this is likely the fact that Paul and Apollos were the first two leaders of the Church in Corinth.

Paul, along with Sylvanus and Timothy, started the church in Corinth. After they moved on to Ephesus, Apollos was sent to Corinth where he took over the leadership responsibility of the church there. Paul, by his own admission, was not a great preacher (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Apollos, on the other hand, is referred to in Acts 18:24 as an eloquent preacher. This could easily explain why some people preferred one over the other: Paul, with his simple, straight forward style and Apollos, with his more intellectual and stirring presentation.

There is nothing inherently wrong with preferring one style of preaching over another. However, when we let that preference develop into arguments of who is better or who is the real leader, we leave the realm of the Spirit and enter the realm of carnality. As Paul will point out in the upcoming verses, both of these men were nothing more than God’s servants doing the will of their master.

Application

Doesn’t it seem silly that people should argue over which servant is the best leader? By definition, a servant is a follower, not the master. There can only be one master: God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 3:3 – Now and Later!

Posted on by Will

for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

Truth to Learn

Immature Christians live for themselves; spiritual Christians live their lives in a Godly manner, for the glory of God.

Behind the Words

The words “you are” are translated from the verb eimi, the verb of being. It is expressed in the present tense and indicative mood, indicating present, ongoing action.

“Still” is from the adverb eti, meaning “still.” It implies a duration of time starting in the past and continuing up to the present time.

Dzēlos is the word translated “envy.” It is based on the verb dzeō, meaning “to be hot.” Thus, dzēlos literally means “hot.” This word is most often used metaphorically, sometimes in a good sense but most often in a bad sense. When used in a good sense it is often translated as “zeal” or “zealous.” When used in a bad sense it is translated as “envy,” “jealousy,” or “anger.”

“Strife” is from the Greek word eris, which means “strife,” “contention,” or “arguing.” It is often used metaphorically to mean “the love of strife,” which seems to be Paul’s intent here.

The word “divisions” is translated from dichostasia, which is composed of dicha, meaning “separately” and stasis, meaning “a stance” or “a posture.” Hence, dichostasis literally means “a separate standing.” This word is not found in the best Greek manuscripts.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has just told the Christians in Corinth that they are still babies in Christ because they have not grown much spiritually since the time of their conversion. Twice in this verse he says that they are living according to the thoughts and desires of a natural person instead of living according to the thoughts and desires of a spiritual person. They are not spiritually mature Christians, they are carnal Christians.

The evidence that he gives is the fact that within the church in Corinth there is envy and strife. The clear evidence of this is the fact that they boast and argue about who their spiritual hero is (Paul, Apollos, Peter, or Christ). If you look at the remainder of this chapter you will see that Paul emphasizes the building up of the body of Christ. Envy and strife do not serve to build, but to tear down. In fact, in his letter to the churches, James says this about envy and strife:

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:14-16)

Clearly, the Christians in Corinth have their sights fixed on themselves and on the things of this world. That is not the way a Christian is to live. The things of this world will pass away, but the things of God are eternal.

Application

As Christians, you spend a few years on this earth, but you will spend an eternity in glory. You can choose to live these few short years for yourself or you can choose to live them for God and give Him all the glory for eternity. The choice is yours!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 3:2 – Milk or Meat?

Posted on by Will

I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;

Truth to Learn

Infants are satisfied with milk. Those who are growing require a lot more nourishment in order to grow.

Behind the Words

The word translated “fed” is potidzō, which means “to give a drink to” or “to let drink.”

“Milk” is from gala, which literally refers to the milk of an animal. Figuratively it refers to the rudimentary elements of the Word of God from which Christians receive spiritual nourishment.

“Solid food” is the translation of the Greek word broma, which refers specifically to food which must be chewed before it is swallowed.

Oupō is the word translated “until now.” It is made up of ou, meaning “not” and pō, meaning “yet.” So this word literally means “not yet.”

The words “you were … able” are translated from the Greek verb dunamai, which means “to have the power or ability to do something. It is expressed in the imperfect tense, indicating past continuous action.

Meaning Explained

In chapter two of 1 Corinthians, Paul contrasted two types of people: those who live according to the thoughts and desires of the flesh (the natural, physical, and emotional part of man) and those who live according to the spirit (the spiritual part of man that is only enabled by God’s Holy Spirit). In yesterday’s verse he introduced a third type of person: the carnal Christian who, although having God’s spirit, chooses to live life according to the flesh, rather than the spirit.

In today’s verse Paul is specifically talking to carnal Christians, those whom he referred to as infants in Christ. For the year and a half that Paul was in Corinth, he put most of his effort into witnessing about Christ and spoon feeding the new converts in the basics of Christianity. Now, several years later, he is writing to the church and chastens them for still being babies in their Christian walk.

Our Christian life very much parallels our physical life. In our physical life we started out as a newborn infant. At this stage in our development we could not tolerate solid food, so our mother fed us milk. As we grew, however, we began eating solid food by which we continued to grow and get stronger. Likewise, in our Christian life, we started out by becoming “born again,” as Jesus described it in John 3:3. As a baby in Christ, we were not able to handle deep theological truths. Instead, we had to first learn about the basics of our spiritual life. As our spiritual life continued to grow, we began to receive and understand these deeper spiritual truths.

If a baby is never fed anything other than milk, he or she will not mature. Likewise, if a Christian never feeds on anything other than spiritual milk, he or she will not grow in his or her spiritual life. It takes more effort to consume spiritual solid food, but it is necessary for spiritual growth.

Application

Do you crave spiritual meat, or are you satisfied with spiritual milk?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:1 – Eternal Babies

Posted on by Will

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

Truth to Learn

Some Christians don’t grow in their relationship with Christ.

Behind the Words

The word “could” is translated from a form of dunamis, meaning “to be able” or “to have power or authority.”

“Speak” is from laleō, which refers to the use of words in speech or writing. It is a reference to the ability to communicate rather than the quality of it.

“Spiritual” is translated from pneumatikos. It describes those who exist in the spiritual realm, as opposed to the physical realm. It refers to those who communicate with the God of creation. Therefore, pneumatikos describes those who have a spiritual relationship with God.

Sarkinos is the Greek word translated “carnal.” It is based on the word sarx, which refers to the flesh of a living creature. Thus, sarkinos refers to those who live in the realm of the flesh as opposed to those who live in the realm of the spirit.

The word “babes” is from the Greek nēpios, which is made up of nē, meaning “not” and a form of epō, meaning “to speak.” Hence, nēpios literally means “non-speaking.” It is equivalent to the Latin infans (an infant). So, we see that nēpios refers to someone who is like an infant who hasn’t yet learned to speak.

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul compared the “natural man” to “the spiritual man.” The natural man is one who does not have God’s Spirit (a non-Christian). As a result, he (or she) lives under the influence of the sin nature, rather than the influence of the Spirit of God.

In today’s verse Paul introduces a third type of person, “the carnal man.” This person is barely distinguishable from the natural man because both the natural man and the carnal man are controlled by the flesh (human nature). A carnal Christian is in a most unhappy condition. He or she has been given the Holy Spirit of God as a guide, but does not communicate with the Spirit or, at best, ignores what the Spirit says.

A carnal Christian is further described by Paul as an infant in Christ. Let me point out that there is nothing wrong with being an infant in Christ – if you have recently been “born again.” Every Christian starts out as an infant in Christ. Here Paul is referring to Christians who haven’t grown in their Christian life. For whatever reason, they have decided to remain a baby and not grow in their relationship with God.

Unfortunately, we see this kind of Christians all around us. These “Sunday morning Christians” come to church wearing their Sunday-morning-go-to-church clothes, they sing the songs, they sit patiently (sometimes) while the preacher gives his message, then they walk out and live like the devil the rest of the week. Christianity is easy for them. They don’t have to put any work into it and they typically don’t suffer from spiritual attacks. Our enemy doesn’t have to attack them because they are infants who don’t pose any threats.

Application

Christianity may seem easy to the carnal Christian, but he or she is missing out on the rich blessings of a close personal relationship with the God of creation. Where are you today, my friend? Are you still a baby Christian, or are you growing?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Corinthians 2:16 – Understanding God’s Wisdom

Posted on by Will

For "Who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Truth to Learn

Christians can understand the wisdom of God, with His help.

Behind the Words

“Known” is translated from ginōskō, which we saw back in verse fourteen. It can mean “to come to know” or “to understand.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating past completed action.

The word translated “mind” in both instances of this verse is nous. This word can refer to the intellect or understanding. In general it is used to refer to “the brain” or “the mind.”

Sumbibadzō is the Greek verb translated “instruct.” It is composed of sun, meaning “together” and bibadzō, meaning “to lift up” or “to exalt.” It basically means “to unite” or “to join together.” Metaphorically it means “to put together in the mind” or “to instruct.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is now finishing this part of his message with a literary exclamation point by quoting the Prophet Isaiah. In today’s verse he paraphrases, in a summary form, what the prophet said in the well-known fortieth chapter of the book of Isaiah:

Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or as His counselor has taught Him? With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding? (Isaiah 40:13-14)

In his letter to the Romans, Paul said:

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)

You may recall that in this second chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul has been talking about the natural man’s inability to understand the formerly secret things of God’s wisdom. A couple of verses back he said:

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

What arrogance on the part of man that he thinks he can know God or understand his ways by observation and logical reasoning! The reason a natural man can’t understand spiritual things is because such things can only be understood with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Without the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit, the deep things of God’s wisdom appear to be foolishness.

On the other hand, he who is spiritual (a mature Christian) understands God’s wisdom because it has been revealed to him (or her) by the Spirit. Therefore, Paul can say, “We have the mind (or understanding) of Christ.”

Application

No one can be debated or argued into believing the gospel message or God’s plans for mankind. As you witness to those around you, remember to pray for the right words to say and for God’s Spirit to open the understanding of those to whom you declare the Gospel. And, keep in mind that we are not responsible for saving others, only for witnessing to them. We are to declare the message. Salvation is of the Lord!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 2:15 – The Spiritual Christian

Posted on by Will

But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

Truth to Learn

A spiritual Christian is one who is under God’s control.

Behind the Words

The words “he who is spiritual” are translated from the Greek adjective pneumatikos. This word is derived from pneuma, which itself is derived from the verb pneuō, meaning “to breathe.” Pneuma refers to “air in motion,” that is “a breath,” “a breeze,” or “wind.” In Genesis 2:7, God breathed into Adam the “breath of life.” In the New Testament, pneuma is used as an expression of the rational spirit of man, the intellectual portion of man which distinguishes him from the lower animals. It is also used to describe the essence of beings who exist in the spiritual realm, separate from the physical realm. In this sense, it describes beings who communicate with the God of creation and other spirit beings. Therefore, pneumatikos describes those who have a spiritual relationship with God.

“No one” is translated from oudeis, which is composed of ou, the absolute negative particle and heis, the number “one.” Thus, oudeis literally means “not even one” or “no one.”

Meaning Explained

As we said in yesterday’s verse study, Paul is contrasting “a natural man” with “a spiritual man.” A natural man is someone who lives in the sphere of the soul, the physical and emotional world of nature. This person is controlled by physical appetites, physical pleasure, human intellect, and emotion. In contrast, a spiritual man is someone who lives in the sphere of the spirit of God. This person is controlled by a relationship with God through His Holy Spirit. As we learned in yesterday’s verse, a natural man can’t understand the things of God’s spirit (they are foolishness to him), because such things can only be examined or discerned by the Spirit of God.

Paul’s expression, “he who is spiritual” is a reference to someone who communicates with and is controlled by the Spirit of God. It is not simply a reference to someone who is saved, however. Christians, those who have God’s Spirit within, have a choice that unsaved people don’t have. They can choose to live under the control of the Holy Spirit or under the control of their lower, physical and emotional nature. In the next few verses, Paul will describe those who obey their lower nature as carnal:

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ … For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Corinthians 3:1, 3)

In today’s verse, Paul tells us that the Christians who communicate with and are under the control of the Holy Spirit are able to judge (examine and discern) all things. These people have spiritual insight that a natural man or a carnal man doesn’t have. Paul also tells us that mature Christians (those who are spiritual rather than carnal) are judged by no one. In other words, no one can rightly discern the thinking, attitudes, and motives of someone who is controlled by the Spirit of God.

Application

If you are a Christian, then you are different than someone who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. However, you have a choice to be controlled by your own emotions and desires or by the Spirit of God. Who is in control of your life?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved