1 Corinthians 3

Structure:

Misunderstanding Leadership (1 Corinthians 3:1–9)

The Immature (1 Corinthians 3:1–4)

Leadership Roles (1 Corinthians 3:5–9)

The Foundation and the Temple (1 Corinthians 3:10–17)

The Testing of the Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:10–15)

The Temple of God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16–17)

The Foolishness of Worldly Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18–23)

Fools in a Wise Age (1 Corinthians 3:18–20)

Application to Leadership (1 Corinthians 3:21–23)

Introduction:

Paul’s description of the church may be his boldest use of metaphor here in this passage, especially given the temple’s significance within Israel’s religious practices and future hopes. The Jerusalem temple was one of the key symbols within Israel’s worldview and the dominant architectural feature of the nation.

The Psalms frequently describe the temple as the place where the worshipers can encounter God’s presence:

Psalm 27:4 NKJV

4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.

Psalm 63:2 NKJV

2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.

Psalm 78:69 declares the foundation of the temple was part of creation itself. The temple is was the focal point of Israel’s and for the early church’s religious life. It also was the center of political and economic activity too.

Psalm 78:69 NKJV

69 And He built His sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which He has established forever.

This history and importance of Jerusalem’s temple, the dwelling place of God, really highlights Paul’s comments in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, making these verses all the more striking.

Issues:

Different Leadership Roles.

Testing by Fire.

Saved through Fire.

The Church as God’s Temple.

God will Destroy the Temple.

Key Word Study: Sarkikos, “Fleshly”

Background Studies: Temples in Corinth.

Misunderstanding Leadership (1 Corinthians 3:1–9)

1. In verses 1–4, Paul describes the Corinthians as “fleshly” or immature.

How does this spiritual immaturity show itself in their understanding of leadership, and what are some examples of similar misunderstandings in today’s church?

2. Paul uses the metaphor of planting and watering to describe leadership roles (v. 5–9).

How does this metaphor help us understand the proper role of leaders in the church, and what does it say about God’s role in spiritual growth?

The Foundation and the Temple (1 Corinthians 3:10–17)

3. Paul says the foundation of the church is Jesus Christ (v. 11).

Why is it important to build on this foundation, and what are some “materials” people might use to build that are not in line with Christ?

4. In verses 12–15, Paul talks about testing by fire.

What do you think this testing represents, and how does it challenge us to evaluate the work we do for God?

5. In verses 16–17, Paul describes the church as God’s temple and warns that anyone who destroys the temple will be destroyed.

What does it mean for the church to be God’s temple, and how should this truth shape how we treat one another within the body of Christ?

The Foolishness of Worldly Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18–23)

6. Paul warns against self-deception and calls believers to become “fools” to become wise (v. 18–20).

How does this statement challenge the way we view success and wisdom in the world?

7. In verses 21–23, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they belong to Christ, and all things belong to them through Him.

How does this perspective help us to avoid divisions and pride in the church?

Application

Reflecting on this passage as a whole, what steps can we take as individuals and as a church to avoid the immaturity and divisions Paul addresses?

How can we better align our leadership, service, and community life with the truth that the church is God’s temple?