December 13, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 3
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;
22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;
23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
In the third chapter of the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthians and their conflicts, which have arisen from divisions and jealousy. He highlights the importance of unity in faith and the role of God’s servants while emphasizing the foundation of the Christian faith—Jesus Christ. This chapter challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual growth and our understanding of collaboration in faith.
Commentary
Paul begins with a sharp critique of the Corinthians’ immaturity (verses 1–4). He describes them as “fleshly” and “children in Christ,” unable to grasp the depth of faith. This immaturity manifests in disputes and divisions within the congregation. Paul admonishes them to shed such childish behaviors and to grow spiritually.
In verses 5–9, Paul shifts the focus to the role of faith workers. Neither he nor Apollos are of central importance; they are merely servants through whom God works. Paul emphasizes that it is God alone who gives growth in faith. This perspective calls us to practice humility and recognize God as the source of all fruitfulness.
In the section on the responsibility of teachers (verses 10–15), Paul reminds the Corinthians that Jesus Christ is the only cornerstone upon which the life of faith can be built. The quality of each work will ultimately be tested, and only that which is based on eternal values will endure. This warning is directed especially at leaders and teachers in the faith, who are responsible for laying solid and lasting foundations.
In verses 16–17, Paul explains that believers are the temple of God, in which the Holy Spirit dwells. He emphasizes the holiness of this temple and warns against defiling it. This statement underscores the sanctity and value of each believer and calls us to reverence and responsibility.
Finally, Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world (verses 18–23). The wisdom of men is foolishness to God, and all things belong to believers because they are anchored in Christ. Paul urges the Corinthians not to rely on people or seek glory from them but to find their identity and inheritance in Christ.
Summary
Paul criticizes the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity and divisions caused by jealousy and human thinking. He emphasizes that God’s servants are tools in God’s hands and that the growth of faith comes solely from God. Jesus Christ is the only foundation of faith, and the quality of the work built upon it will be tested. Believers are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within them. Paul concludes with the exhortation not to rely on human wisdom or glory but to rest in the wisdom and glory of Christ.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.
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