August 27, 2021 – 1 Corinthians 3

Paul has already commended the Corinthians: these are those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and saints who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul gives thanks for them and acknowledges their faithful speech and knowledge, that the testimony about Christ is confirmed in them, and that they enjoy fellowship with Jesus. In short, in Christ, their lives are different from what they once were. They look like followers of Jesus!

The problem with the Corinthians is that, regarding certain matters – particularly, “there is jealousy and strife among you” (3:3) – they look worldly, and the work of sanctification needs to continue so that those sins are set aside. They are clearly Christ’s people, but there is much work to be done in making them more and more like Christ. And, so, Paul encourages, “Let each one take care how he builds . . . For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (3:10,11). We who are in Christ are in him, indeed! Let us strive, day by day, to be more and more like him.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

fill me with life anew,

that I may love the way you love,

and do what you would do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

until my heart is pure,

until my will is one with yours,

to do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

so shall I never die,

but live with you the perfect life

for all eternity. –Edwin Hatch (1878)