What behaviors indicate being "worldly" according to 1 Corinthians 3:1? Scripture Focus “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. Indeed, you are still not ready. For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of men? For when one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere men?” Key Observations From the Text - “Worldly” (sarkikos) literally means “fleshly,” tied to living according to human impulses rather than the Spirit. - Paul equates worldliness with spiritual immaturity—“infants in Christ.” - Three concrete behaviors follow his charge: jealousy, dissension, and partisan allegiance to leaders. Behaviors That Reveal Worldliness • Jealous Competition – “Jealousy” (v. 3) shows a heart measuring itself against others, craving recognition or advantage (cf. James 3:16). – It exposes a focus on self rather than on Christ’s glory. • Strife and Quarreling – “Dissension” (v. 3) speaks of open conflict, factions, and hurtful words (Galatians 5:19–20). – Where the Spirit rules, peace prevails; where the flesh rules, friction erupts. • Personality-Centered Loyalty – “I follow Paul… I follow Apollos” (v. 4). Elevating human leaders breeds division and distracts from allegiance to Jesus alone (John 17:21). – This mindset adopts the world’s celebrity culture instead of Christ’s servant model (Mark 10:42–45). • Spiritual Diet of “Milk” Only – Inability to receive “solid food” (v. 2) shows reluctance to press into deeper doctrine and obedience (Hebrews 5:12–14). – Settling for basics while resisting growth keeps believers tethered to earthly thinking. • Walking “in the way of men” – Choosing human reasoning over God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:14; 3:19). – Worldly believers lean on popular opinion rather than the Spirit’s discernment. Why These Behaviors Matter - They grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30–32). - They fracture Christian witness (John 13:34–35). - They stunt personal growth and rob believers of spiritual riches (Colossians 2:6–10). Moving From Worldly to Spiritual • Pursue humility—esteem others above self (Philippians 2:3). • Seek unity around the cross, not personalities (1 Corinthians 1:10, 18). • Feed daily on Scripture, progressing from milk to meat (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Walk in step with the Spirit, producing love, joy, peace, and the rest of His fruit (Galatians 5:22–25). |
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