1 Corinthians 3:1–23
Key Verse 3:7 “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
1. How did Paul rebuke the Corinthian Christians? (1–4; cf. 1:11-12) What does it mean to be “worldly”? What is “solid food,” and how can we be “ready” for it? (Hebrews 5:12–14)
2. How did God use Paul and Apollos differently but yet for the same purpose? (5-9) How then should we view God’s servants and ourselves? (9)
3. What new analogy is Paul using in verses 10-11? Why is the foundation of a building so important? What is the church’s one foundation? (11; Ephesians 2:20–22)
4. How does Paul compare Christian works to building materials? (12) What is “the Day” and the test of fire? (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10) Which materials survive the fire and which ones don’t? (13-15)
5. How else does Paul appeal to them not to fight each other? (16-17) Of what danger does he warn them? (18–20) In light of this passage, what is the solution to divisions in the church?