Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 7 & 8
Psalms Reading: Psalm 50
*New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 3
For the Corinthians and Greek culture in general, wisdom and knowledge were extremely important. This is why Paul spends 1 Corinthians 1 emphasizing that it is through faith in Christ that we are saved, not through the wisdom they have worked towards their whole lives. Then in 1 Corinthians 2 Paul says that wisdom is important for the Christian, but it is Godly wisdom that is very different from what they have learned, and it cannot be taught, but is given by the holy spirit. Now in chapter 3 Paul is clearing up any last confusion in case they were not understanding up until now. He very clearly says that they need this Godly wisdom, but do not have it at all. They have been seeking an elevated status in their congregation because of their high learning and deep understandings. Paul wants to set the record straight, living a Christian life is not about sitting in your plush study and writing treatises and books and musings, and becoming revered for your knowledge. It is about getting your hands dirty. He likens the Christians to farmers and builders who have work to do, and he is a worker right there with them. This would have been a very shocking thing to the aristocratically minded members of the Corinthian Church who would have read this.
So let me be as clear as Paul was. If you decide to follow Jesus and serve him, then you will be a servant. Your life will not be a vacation, but a construction project. It will take work, but in the end you will hopefully do something valuable with your life and “the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.” 1 Corinthians 3:13-14. That reward is everlasting life in God’s kingdom, and is worth so much more than a high position in society, or being revered for your earthly wisdom.
Your fellow servant – Chris Mattison
(Posted here first in 2019)
Reflection Questions
- What is your favorite verse in today’s reading? Why?
- Is your work ready to be tested by fire? What might God be calling you to do as a part of His field or building?
- What can you learn about Almighty God in your reading today?
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