The Babes of Sin City

Sep 23, 2012 By: Pastor Joseph LoSardo Series: The Church in Sin City Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
So far in our studies, we have seen several hints that Paul does not believe that the Corinthian church is as mature and spiritual as they think themselves to be. Up to this point, his teaching very clearly distinguishes between the natural or unsaved person and the spiritual individual who has been regenerated and possessed by the Spirit of God. In chapter 3 Paul gets to the point by making a most stinging indictment of the church’s spiritual condition. As chapter 3 opens, he again deals with the church as “brothers;” however, he comes to the conclusion that the previous 30 verses had been hinting at, namely that their divisions are indicative of their immaturity and lack of spirituality. By the time Paul writes this letter, it is clear that he expects that there should have been some spiritual growth. He finds their divisive behavior to be a sign that they are stuck in the “milk” stage. They had not grown in their understanding and application of the Gospel, and were exhibiting behavior more characteristic of wretchedly fallen human nature, than of spiritually mature men. Some have used this text to introduce a third way – that of the “carnal Christian” who professes to have made Christ Savior but not Lord. We deal with this in the sermon in some detail.