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,...
1 Corinthians 3:13 – The Fire Test
each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. Truth to Learn We need to be working in the church for God’s glory. Behind the Words “Each...
1 Corinthians 3:12 – Church Building Materials
Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, Truth to Learn We all need to be mindful of how we build the church. Behind the Words “Builds” is from apoikomeō, which we saw back in verse ten, meaning “to build a structure.” The...
1 Corinthians 3:11 – A Sure Foundation
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn The church can only be as strong as its foundation. Behind the Words The word translated “other” is allos, meaning “another of the same kind.” A similar Greek word, heteros, means...
1 Corinthians 3:10 – Construction Gifts
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. Truth to Learn Christians are to use their gifts to build up the...
1 Corinthians 3:9 – Builder or Spectator?
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. Truth to Learn Every Christian is assigned a task in building God’s church and we all need to be hard at work, not just watching. Behind the Words In this verse, each time the word “God’s”...