GROWING UP IN THE CHURCH
(Part 1)
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
I. Paul Views the Church as a Family (vv. 1-4).
A. Paul calls them “brothers” (v. 1). He goes on to say they are not “spiritual” because they are “worldly” and “infants.”
1. They need to be taught but they have already accepted Christ as Savior. Edification or teaching is a constant need in the Christian life.
2. The new birth gives us entrance into Christ as infants. We should grow.
3. Mature Christians are, in a sense, older brothers or sisters to the immature Christian. They need to help in the growing process.
B. The Corinthians were living on “milk” (v. 2) and Paul wanted to give them “solid food.”
C. Their “jealousy” and “quarreling” (v. 3) were proof of their immaturity.
1. Mature people have good relationships; children fuss and pick fights.
2. Children pick heroes. These immature Christians were arguing over preachers (v. 4).
3. Progress is evident in the growth of children. Do some remain spiritual infants?
4. Children follow and imitate others. What lessons in your life teach others in the church?
II. The Church as a Field (vv. 5-9).
A. The word “servants” (v. 5) is the word we translate as “deacon” or “minister” in some other passages.
1. They were servants through whom the Corinthians first heard the gospel which resulted in their belief in Christ.
2. It was not their intent to develop followers for themselves.
B. God uses us to make things happen in His church (vv. 6-8).
1. We do different things but God makes it successful (John 4:34-38).
2. Our purpose should be that of serving God. We will be rewarded.
