Part 6

Chapter 3

Today we are going to begin chapter 3, but we aren’t going to get very far. I want to explain why.

The information contained in chapter 3 is not just historical, it wasn’t meant just to comprehend, but I believe that it is critical for us to understand and apply to our lives so that we can avoid some of the pitfalls that our brothers and sisters in Corinth did not.

To begin today, I created a sort of self-assessment quiz for us to take. Now there is no passing or failing, you won’t be turning these into me for grading, this is between you and the LORD and whoever you want to share it with.

HAND OUT QUIZZES

Now the purpose of taking this test was to perform a spiritual maturity assessment for ourselves. The questions that you were asked either describe a mature or immature believer in Yeshua.

I wanted to do this for a couple of reasons. 1. I wanted to get your attention. I want each and every one of us to pay close attention to every bit of what Paul has to say today and in the next few weeks. It matters. How spiritually mature we are truly matters.

It matters for us and our own relationship with God, it matters for our marriages, how we raise our kids, how we shop in the stores, and even how we perform our jobs. Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:11

1 Corinthians 1:11 ESV

11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.

Wether or not Chloe’s people represented other believers as most believe, or if they represent an unbelieving community where I tend to fall, what matters is that we recognize that the world is watching.

There are consequences for being and remaining an immature Christian.

Stagnation: Believers who do not mature in their faith may become spiritually stagnant. The Bible encourages Christians to continually seek growth and transformation in their relationship with God. In 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV), it says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Failure to grow can lead to a lack of spiritual vitality and depth. Lack of Discernment: Immature believers may struggle with discerning right from wrong and may be more susceptible to false teachings and doctrines. In Ephesians 4:14 (NIV), it warns against being "tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming." Missed Blessings: The Bible often speaks of the blessings and rewards that come with spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:12-14 (NIV) mentions that mature believers are able to "distinguish good from evil" and enjoy the deeper truths of God's Word. Ineffective Witness: Immature believers may have difficulty effectively sharing their faith and being a positive influence on others. Mature Christians are encouraged to be a light to the world and to share the gospel with others (Matthew 5:14-16). Potential Discipline: In some passages, the Bible warns of potential discipline or correction from God for those who persistently fail to mature or who engage in sinful behavior. Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV) says, "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you because the Lord disciplines the one he loves."

Paul knows all of this. He more than most of us understands the importance of being a mature believer. Now when we open up 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 here is what we find.

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 (ESV)

1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

Remember the first 4 chapters of this letter are primarily focusing on the division within the church. Now we see that at least in part, the fruit of our spiritual immaturity is jealousy and strife.

This is why I wanted to spend some time here on these first three verses today. Because I don’t want us to experience these things.

What is a spiritual person?

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Fruit of the Spirit:

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Renewed Mind:

Scripture: Romans 12:2 (NIV) - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Prayer and Worship:

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Love for Others:

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV) - "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Humility:

Scripture: James 4:10 (NIV) - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Obedience to God's Word:

Scripture: John 14:15 (NIV) - "If you love me, keep my commands."

Serving Others:

Scripture: Mark 10:45 (NIV) - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Discernment:

Scripture: 1 John 4:1 (NIV) - "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Unity in the Body of Christ:

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

What is a Fleshly person?

Driven by the Flesh: Fleshly people are characterized by being primarily driven by their sinful desires and human nature. They prioritize their own desires and impulses over God's will.

Scripture: Romans 8:5-8 (NIV) - "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God."

Worldly and Earthly Focus: Fleshly people are often preoccupied with worldly pursuits, materialism, and the pleasures of this world, rather than seeking spiritual things.

Scripture: Colossians 3:2 (NIV) - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Lack of Spiritual Discernment: Fleshly individuals may struggle with discerning spiritual truths and may be easily influenced by worldly philosophies and false teachings.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV) - "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."

Works of the Flesh: Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV) provides a list of behaviors associated with the works of the flesh, including sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, hatred, and more.

Spiritual Immaturity: Fleshly individuals may be characterized by spiritual immaturity, as they have not grown in their faith or yielded to the transformational work of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NIV) - "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly."

Hostility Toward God: Fleshly people may exhibit resistance or hostility toward God and His commands.

Scripture: Romans 8:7 (NIV) - "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so."

Now let’s stop here for. You have your test in hand. This will help you to determine how mature you think that you are. What I would like to do is really spend some time looking at what maturity and immaturity looks like.

I think this is important. I think it is critical to our community. Because what I see here in this passage is a root cause, the church at Corinth, rather being grafted into Israel is grafted into sin.

If we are to be different, if we are to learn from our brothers and sisters, then I think we can’t just move pass this topic too quickly.

Here are three common reasons why Christians fail to spiritually mature.

Lack of Consistent Spiritual Practices:

Inconsistent or minimal engagement in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with other believers can impede spiritual growth. Christians who do not prioritize these practices may find it challenging to deepen their relationship with God and develop a mature faith.

Worldly Distractions and Priorities:

The demands and distractions of daily life, as well as the pursuit of worldly success, can divert Christians' attention away from spiritual matters. When materialism, career ambitions, or other worldly pursuits take precedence, it can hinder spiritual growth and maturity.

Unresolved Sin and Lack of Repentance:

Unresolved sin, including unconfessed sins and ongoing sinful habits, can be a significant obstacle to spiritual growth. Without genuine repentance and a commitment to turning away from sin, Christians may remain spiritually stagnant or even regress in their faith.

So let’s begin with Biblical Maturity. What I am trying to do is to give you what the Bible says in each of these points, and how I see the worldly response. But I would really appreciate your help in this conversation right now. What I would like is for us to name a couple of ways we can become more spiritually mature. We need to be a community that encourages one another.

onoring Parents:

Biblical Teaching (Exodus 20:12): "Honor your father and your mother."Worldly Contrast: While many people value honoring their parents, the world may also emphasize individualism and independence, sometimes leading to neglect or strained relationships with parents.

Seeking Wisdom:

Biblical Teaching (Proverbs 4:7): "The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding."Worldly Contrast: The world often values knowledge and information, but it may prioritize secular or materialistic wisdom over godly wisdom found in Scripture.

Tzedakah (Charity):

Biblical Teaching (Deuteronomy 15:7-8): "If there is a poor person among you... you shall generously open your hand to him."Worldly Contrast: While charitable giving is common, the world may also emphasize personal wealth accumulation or materialism over generous giving to those in need.

Loving Your Neighbor:

Biblical Teaching (Leviticus 19:18): "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."Worldly Contrast: The world may sometimes prioritize self-interest, competition, or indifference toward neighbors and communities rather than selfless love and support.

Forgiveness:

Biblical Teaching (Matthew 6:14-15): "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."Worldly Contrast: While forgiveness is valued in society, grudges, resentment, and a desire for revenge can often prevail, hindering true reconciliation.

Justice and Fairness:

Biblical Teaching (Deuteronomy 16:20): "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you."Worldly Contrast: The pursuit of justice and fairness can sometimes be undermined by biases, discrimination, and social injustices in the world.

Respect for Elders:

Biblical Teaching (Leviticus 19:32): "You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged."Worldly Contrast: In some cultures, the elderly may not always receive the respect and care they deserve, with society sometimes focusing on youth and productivity.

Personal Responsibility:

Biblical Teaching (Deuteronomy 30:19-20): "So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants."Worldly Contrast: The world may promote personal freedom and choice, but it can also encourage self-indulgence and decisions that disregard moral or ethical consequences.

Now let’s take a look at the immature.

g self-reliance and secular pursuits.

Shallow Biblical Knowledge:

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB) - "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."Worldly Response: The world may prioritize secular knowledge and dismiss the Bible as a source of wisdom and guidance.

Reliance on Feelings:

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."Worldly Response: The world may emphasize emotional experiences and self-expression as the primary source of identity and meaning.

Lack of Fruit of the Spirit:

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."Worldly Response: The world may prioritize success, competition, and individualism over the qualities of the Spirit, such as gentleness and self-control.

Resistance to Correction:

Scripture: Proverbs 12:1 (NASB) - "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."Worldly Response: The world may value self-expression and autonomy over accepting constructive criticism or correction from others.

Worldly Priorities:

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-16 (NASB) - "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."Worldly Response: The world may prioritize materialism, personal gain, and instant gratification over spiritual growth and sacrificial living.

Unresolved Conflict:

Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24 (NASB) - "Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering."Worldly Response: The world may often avoid difficult conversations, opting for conflict avoidance or retaliation instead of pursuing reconciliation.

Lack of Compassion and Forgiveness:

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB) - "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other."Worldly Response: The world may emphasize justice and revenge over the Christian virtues of compassion and forgiveness.

Overemphasis on Signs and Miracles:

Scripture: Matthew 12:39 (NASB) - "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet."Worldly Response: The world may prioritize empirical evidence and skepticism over faith in supernatural occurrences.

Fear of Sharing Faith:

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB) - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you."Worldly Response: The world may view evangelism as intrusive or offensive, valuing secularism and tolerance of diverse beliefs.

As I read through this list myself, I felt a bit of conviction. Having been a Christian for some time now I really thought that I had become mature, but truthfully, I have a long way left to grow.

Here’s why there is a clear connection between 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 ESV

1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

and Hebrews 5:12-14

Hebrews 5:12–14 (ESV)

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

The phrase "the word of righteousness" in Hebrews 5:13 refers to the teachings and principles of God's righteousness as revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly the Law of Moses and the prophetic writings. The Hebrews, to whom the letter of Hebrews was written, would have understood this phrase in the context of their Jewish faith and familiarity with the Old Testament.

In the Old Testament, righteousness is a central theme, and it is often associated with living in alignment with God's moral and ethical standards. The Law of Moses, given to the Israelites, contained numerous commandments and regulations that were meant to guide them in righteous living and obedience to God. These commandments covered various aspects of life, including moral conduct, social justice, and religious practices.

The Hebrews would have understood "the word of righteousness" to encompass the teachings found in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), the writings of the prophets, and the wisdom literature (such as Proverbs). These Scriptures provided guidance on how to live a righteous and God-honoring life.

In the context of Hebrews 5:13, the writer is expressing disappointment that the readers have not progressed in their understanding and application of these foundational teachings. Instead of moving beyond basic principles, they still require elementary instruction in the fundamental aspects of their faith.

The writer of Hebrews encourages the readers to move beyond the milk of basic teachings and to delve into the solid food of deeper spiritual truths, which includes a more profound understanding of God's righteousness and how it applies to their lives. This passage serves as a call to spiritual maturity and a deeper engagement with the Word of God, which encompasses the teachings of righteousness found in the Old Testament Scriptures.

Hebrews 6:1-2 (NASB):"Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment."

Repentance from Dead Works:

Scripture: Acts 20:21 (NASB) - "solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."Explanation: Repentance involves turning away from sinful actions and attitudes, acknowledging one's need for forgiveness, and turning to God in faith through Christ for salvation.

Faith toward God:

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) - "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."Explanation: Faith toward God involves a trustful reliance on God's existence, character, and promises, seeking Him in a relationship built on faith and trust.

Instructions about Washings:

Scripture: Acts 22:16 (NASB) - "Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name."Explanation: Instructions about washings refer to baptism, a symbolic act of cleansing and identification with Christ, representing the forgiveness of sins and new life in Him.

Laying on of Hands:

Scripture: Acts 8:17 (NASB) - "Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit."Explanation: The laying on of hands signifies various acts, including imparting the Holy Spirit, commissioning for ministry, and prayer for healing or blessing.

Resurrection of the Dead:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NASB) - "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead."Explanation: The resurrection of the dead is the hope of believers in Christ, as Jesus' resurrection ensures the future resurrection of all believers to eternal life.

Eternal Judgment:

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27 (NASB) - "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment."Explanation: Eternal judgment refers to the final judgment of all people, where God will render a just verdict, assigning eternal destinies based on their relationship with Christ.

So next week I would like to know which direction you would like to go. Should we return to 1 Corinthians 3, or would you prefer that we really dig into these 6 elementary teachings?