And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. Truth to Learn All things are ours, but we are owned servants of God. Meaning Explained In the previous verse, Paul gave a fairly concise description of what Christians possess as God’s children. Lest we get puffed up by our possessions (whether...
1 Corinthians 3:22 – All Has Been Given
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I know it has been awhile since I sent out my last verse. I have had to take a little time off to re-evaluate this ministry. As you may know, since last December, I have been seeking permission from Thomas Nelson (Harper Collins...
1 Corinthians 3:21 – Focus on Him
Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: Truth to Learn We need to keep our focus on God and humbly serve Him. Behind the Words “Therefore” is translated from the Greek word hōste. This word is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and the particle...
1 Corinthians 3:20 – God’s Way, Not the World’s
and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." Truth to Learn God’s way is the only way to present God’s truths. Behind the Words The word translated “again” is palin. This is probably derived from pale, which refers to a back-and-forth struggle. Palin means...
1 Corinthians 3:19 – Wisdom or Foolishness?
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; Truth to Learn Good’s foolishness is better than the world’s wisdom. Behind the Words Kosmos is the Greek word translated “world.” It refers to “order” or “arrangement.” It...
1 Corinthians 3:18 – When Wisdom is Foolish
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. Truth to Learn Use your gifts with wisdom, but not worldly wisdom. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “deceive” is exapataō. This word...
1 Corinthians 3:17 – Destruction Equals Destruction
If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Truth to Learn Destroying a church has dire consequences. Behind the Words “Anyone” is translated from the indefinite pronoun tis, which means “someone,” “a certain one,” or “anyone.”...
1 Corinthians 3:16 – We Are God’s Temple
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Truth to Learn The body of Christ (the church) is the Temple of God. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “know” is eidō, which means “to see.” However, it...
1 Corinthians 3:15 – Enduring or Flammable?
If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Truth to Learn We need to build with enduring works, not flammable works. Behind the Words Katakaiō is the Greek word translated “burned.” It is made up of kata, meaning...
1 Corinthians 3:14 – Crowns of Victory
If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. Truth to Learn Our works in building up the church will be tested by fire and the good works will result in a reward. Behind the Words “Anyone’s” is translated from a form of tis,...