What causes "jealousy and dissension" among believers, according to 1 Corinthians 3:3? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians was written to a church gifted and busy, yet riddled with division. Paul zeroes in on the heart problem before he addresses the symptoms. The Core Issue in 1 Corinthians 3:3 “for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?” • Worldly (literally “fleshly,” sarkikos) thinking is the cause. • Living “as mere men” means relying on natural impulses instead of the Holy Spirit. • Jealousy and dissension are evidence, not the root; the root is a flesh-dominated life. Signs of Spiritual Immaturity Paul has just said he could give only “milk” (v. 2). Immaturity shows up when believers: • Compete for attention and recognition. • Align themselves with human leaders (vv. 4–5). • Measure success by worldly standards instead of obedience and love (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5). How Fleshly Thinking Breeds Jealousy and Strife • Self-centered ambition (Philippians 2:3). • Pride in human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20–29). • An appetite for prominence (Mark 10:43–45). • Failure to walk by the Spirit, which alone produces love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:16, 22). Connected Passages • James 3:14–16: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” • Galatians 5:19–21: jealousy and strife listed among “the works of the flesh.” • Romans 8:6–8: the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God and cannot please Him. Together they confirm Paul’s diagnosis: fleshly living always breeds division. Practical Takeaways for Today • Cultivate a Spirit-filled mindset: daily surrender to Christ replaces self-interest with His interests (Romans 12:1–2). • Value every member’s role: God gives growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–7), so boasting in people is pointless. • Pursue love above giftedness: love “is not jealous… it is not self-seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5). • Keep the cross central: remembering Christ’s sacrifice humbles pride and unites hearts (Ephesians 2:14–16). Jealousy and dissension flourish when believers think and act like the world; they fade when hearts yield to the Spirit and glory in Christ alone. |
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