Published by Vince Baker Ministries ·
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
1 Corinthians 3:16 · KJV
Why does the discussion begin with rivalries?
The Corinthians were organizing their loyalties around prominent teachers. Paul says he planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase. The shift from field to building moves the argument forward. Jesus Christ is the foundation and each builder should take care how they build. Then Paul tells the people that they together are God’s sanctuary.
How does this change a church argument?
Ephesians describes people who were once separated becoming one household and a dwelling place for God through the Spirit. If the people together are a temple, contempt for a fellow believer damages something sacred. A disagreement can still require a truthful conversation or a boundary. The image changes how that conversation is conducted.
Examine your contribution to the building
Read 1 Corinthians 3:5–17. Identify one habit that builds up your congregation and one way you could stop feeding rivalry. Ask what it would look like to speak truth while guarding another person’s dignity.
Read the Scripture passages
- 1 Corinthians 3:16 · KJV
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 · KJV
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-17 · KJV
- Ephesians 2:13-22 · KJV
- 1 Peter 2:4-5 · KJV
