The Corinthian church was nothing less than a mess. But their problem was relatively straightforward: they had forgotten their identity in Christ and had begun to live like the world. This “identity amnesia” is something Paul addresses head on in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul wants to remind the Corinthians that together in Christ, they already are spiritually mature and therefore should live like it by serving and building up the church, the temple of God. Wisdom is found not in what one has, but in what one gives for the upbuilding of others.

We, like the Corinthians, need this reminder as well. In a culture that wants to define us by anything and everything, we need to remember to live out our identity in Christ by hungering for God’s Word, helping build up the church, living holy lives, and humbly embracing the folly of the cross.

 

Outline

Main Idea: Live out your identity in Christ.

  1. Spiritual People –> Live Hungry (3:1-4)
  2. Servants –> Live Helpfully (3:5-15)
    1. Agricultural Illustration
    2. Architectural Illustration
  3. God’s Temple –> Live Holy (3:16-17)
  4. Fools to the World –> Live Humbly (3:18-23)