a form of godliness

1 Corinthians 3 Paul addresses the issue of CARNALITY. He does not define carnality the same way most of us would, but surrounds it with words like: STRIFE, ENVY, DIVISION. The problem he is addressing is that the people were being drawn to Paul, Appolos, Cephas (not Christ) and this was causing major discord, fighting and division. He first addresses this issue in chapter 1 and then comes around just 2 chapters later and addresses it again!

Understand there were many problems in the church at Corinth at this time: perverting the Lords supper, confusion in the church, incest and other sexual sins, litigation ect...BUT NOTICE WHAT PAUL RIPS ON FIRST? He does not address litigation until ch 6. Perverting the Lords Supper ch 11. Disorderly conduct ch 14. The sexual sins ch 5.

look at ch 3 verse 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.


Any good we do, and righteousness we have, is of GOD, and is GOD!
If we want to be right on this subject we need to:

1. Stop worhsiping SELF
18Let 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. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

2. Stop Worshiping Others
21Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

3. Start Worshiping the Lord!!!
23And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.


I Pray men will stop self exhibiting and others exalting and start worshiping the king of kings and the Lord of Lords. It is ok to get along with people who are different than you!!! I sure am glad God does. In all of our sin, he still loves, accepts, forgives and fellowships with us. Those who practice religion instead of a relationship cannot comprehend that. Thank God HES all about a relationship and has always been against religion. If your spirituality is based on rules and regulations, in place of a relationship you have missed what God has intended the Christian life to be.

I do right, not because some man parrots some older man, I do right because the Love of God constraineth me!