Many times, the apostles are speaking to believers and admonishing them to keep the faith and
Romans 10: 14 is such a profound verse that we sometimes take for granted. The role of God’s ministers is so very important. Without hearing the Word - continually - by way of a preacher, so many believers can be hardened by sin and entrapped by the deception of Satan:
“ How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
1 Corinthians 3
There are ministers who plant the word and ministers who water the word. Paul spends a great deal of time in Chapter 3 explaining the role of a minister to the carnal Christians who are at Corinth.
Paul calls them carnal early in chapter 3: “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are carnal: for there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3: 2-3).
carnal - sarkikos - pertaining to flesh, i.e. bodily, temporal, or animal, unregenerate.
Unregenerate means not reforming or showing repentance; obstinately wrong or bad.
The verses below further address being carnal or fleshly:
Romans 8:5-7
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Notice that Paul is specifically naming the brethren here.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Again, Paul uses ye several times in this verse to indicate that he is specifically addressing/warning the brethren. Since every person lives literally and dies literally, Paul is not making a reference to physically living and dying. Instead, he is confirming what so many verses of the Bible state: If one does not abide in Christ and is not led of His Spirit, that once believer will face eternal damnation instead of eternal life.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
A believer is a son of God only if the believer is LED by the Spirit. Verse 13 just before this verse shows Paul warning believers that they must through the Spirit - which means being LED of the Spirit - mortify the deeds of the flesh. If a believer continues to be carnal, that believer is not being led by the Spirit of God.
Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul exhorts this group of carnal Christians for good reason. A Christian must grow in the faith from milk to meat. A babe in Christ does not have mature fruit, and we know that Jesus speaks of fruit many times to exhibit how we will know those who have eternal life. Before continuing in 1 Corinthians 3, it is necessary to further address why a believer must grow beyond milk.
In Hebrews chapter 5, those on milk instead of meat are addressed:
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
unskilful - apeiros - inexperienced, i.e. ignorant
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Immediately after he states this to the believers who must be taught again (verse 12) with milk (verse 12 & 13), he begins chapter 6 of Hebrews. As I have stated earlier, the Lord showed me miraculously and by His divine revelation that a believer can reject the faith he once believed in, can remain carnal and never bear fruit ( fruit indicates maturity in Christ), and thus will not inherit eternal life. The Lord has taught me how to discern His voice from the voice of others. When my Saviour speaks, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Hebrews 6 Immediately after ending chapter 5 with verse 13, he then moves straight into chapter 6 with an undeniable truth regarding believers:
1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
perfection - teleiotes - a completer, i.e. consummator
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Immediately after telling these believers in Hebrews that they needed to be taught again on “milk”, he then illustrates that a believer who has the Holy Ghost, is enlightened, and has tasted the word of God and the powers to come will be rejected and burned IF those believers fall away. There remains no more sacrifice for sins because those who fall away have newly crucified Christ. He is telling them this for a very specific reason. He is using this as a warning. This should be a warning to all believers who are carnal or who have made progress but falter on their journey in Christ. Repent and continue on to perfection/completion IN CHRIST. A believer’s heart that is gradually hardened can find him or herself in this very same situation of eternal damnation.
We must understand the danger of remaining a carnal believer or making progress only to digress and become carnal again. Romans 8 and Hebrews 5 & 6 specifically warn us of the dangers.
This is why Paul exhorts the Church at Corinth very specifically.
Again, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:,
“I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are carnal: for there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3: 2-3).
carnal - sarkikos - pertaining to flesh, i.e. bodily, temporal, or animal, unregenerate.
Unregenerate means not reforming or showing repentance; obstinately wrong or bad.
He then goes on to explain that there are divisions within the church. They are not united - some of them say, “I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos” (verse 4). Both Paul and Apollos have ministered to the Corinthians. Acts 19 shows that Apollos has ministered there: “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth” (verse 1).
Paul explains that they are carnal in their divisions. He explains that he and Apollos are ministers (teachers) and that the Corinthians should not say,”I am of Paul or Apollos”, but instead they should say, ”I am of God.” He goes on to give two very specific illustrations or examples to help the Corinthian believers understand:
1. He uses farmland images.
a. Paul plants the seed. The seed is the Word. The ground/farmland represents believers.
b. Apollos waters the ground (believers) that has been sown with seed (Word of God).
Apollos waters by teaching and preaching in addition to what Paul has planted for further growth of the converts.
c. God gives the increase. It is God who brings about growth of the convert . The Lord is the reason for any believer’s growth. Abiding in Him brings growth. A labourer (pastor/preacher/Paul/Apollos) for Christ is a very important vessel used to speak to/feed a believer in the Word of God. These carnal Corinthians are incorrect when they say, “I am of Paul or I am of Apollos.” Paul is trying to simplify by using farmland as the example.
d. The farmland (believer) belongs to God. Paul and Apollos are labourers on the farmland that belongs to God. Think about any farmland. A person labours on the farmland by planting and watering. What is the reward of being a labourer/preacher/pastor for the Lord? People who come to the FAITH and stay in the FAITH. That is the reward Paul speaks of here:
1 Corinthians 3:
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
In verse 8, Paul is showing that ministers for the Lord are equal in the labour they are doing FOR the Lord. Paul and Apollos have the same goal in mind: To win people to Christ and to have them grow in Christ. All farmlands are planted and watered for the purpose of growth. That is the reward. They long to see believers grow in Christ. A farmer’s reward in his farmland is to see the fruit of his labour. When the corn sprouts and continues to grow, the farmer is rewarded for his labour in planting and watering that land. Planting seed without watering is pointless. Watering land without a seed planted is also pointless. That’s why they are one (verse 8). They are preaching the Word and teaching people about the Gospel - the good news. When he says “every man shall receive his own reward”, he is directly referencing the reward for ministers of Christ. -Those who are planting and watering God’s land/garden- How do we know this? He explains further in verse 9.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Paul uses “WE” in verse 9 indicating Apollos and himself. He and Apollos labour (plant the seed and water the seed) to believers for the Lord. Labourers in verse 9 is the Greek word sunergos which means a co-labourer, i.e. co-adjutor. A co-adjutor is “an assistant to a bishop, especially one designated to succeed the bishop.” We can see the relationship between Paul and Apollos through these definitions.
“YE” is then used to apply directly to the Corinthians-the believers at Corinth. “Ye are God’s husbandry.” Husbandry is the Greek word georgian and means cultivable i.e. a farm. Again, the believers at Corinth are the farm/farmland. Both Paul and Apollos have laboured/toiled with these believers who represent God’s farmland. Why? For growth - Farmland is cultivated for growth. Given that Paul has already stated that these Corinthians are on milk; it is understandable that Paul continues to teach these Corinthians on a simplistic level in order for them to continue growing. All ministers/labourers for God want to draw converts closer to God. God is the only One who can bring the increase, as Paul states. That is why the Corinthians should not say they are of Paul or Apollos. All glory is given to God because without God, there would be no seed, no one to plant, no one to water, and no growth.
Later in the book of 1st Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 9: 1, Paul states: “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus? are not ye my work in the Lord?”
Work in this verse is the Greek word ergon which means “to work; toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act.”
Paul is acknowledging that the people he preaches to/teaches are his work in the Lord.
Paul continues in verse 16 of 1st Corinthians 9:
16“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
partaker - sugkoinonos - co-participant
This chapter 9 of 1st Corinthians is very closely related to chapter 3 of 1st Corinthians. Paul directly states in these verses that these believers are his work/toil for the Lord. What is his reward? “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some . . . that I might be partaker thereof with you.”
In chapter 10 of 1st Corinthians, Paul continues to explain that he does not seek a reward in a worldly sense or even a special “crown”: 33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Returning to 1st Corinthians 3, after Paul uses farmland images, he then transitions to the idea of building.
2. Building
Paul says in verse 9, “ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.”
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
masterbuilder - architekton - a chief constructor, i.e. architect
Paul gives credit to God’s grace that he has been called to be the chief constructor or architect. He, Paul, has laid the foundation of Jesus. Another will build upon the foundation such as Apollos/teacher/pastor. It is important to note that this foundation is NOT believers.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
foundation - themelios - something put down, i.e. a substruction
Paul states the very same concept of building in Ephesians below,
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Question: Who is built upon the foundation of Jesus and the apostles/prophets?
Answer: YE (believers) (Paul is addressing believers when he uses the word ye.)
Compare what Paul says below in 1 Corinthians 3 to what he stated above in Ephesians:
1 Corinthians 3:
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
Notice in Ephesians 2 verse 20 that the chief corner stone is a symbol (or represents) Jesus, the foundation is a symbol for the apostles and prophets with, again, Jesus being the chief corner stone of that foundation.
Therefore, when Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3: 10, “But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon,” he is talking about the materials used - gold, hay, stubble, and those materials represent converts/believers in Christ. Again, the chief corner stone is Jesus, the foundation represents apostles, and in verse 12, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and stubble represent the types of believers. This is no different than the Parable of the Sower, except materials for a building are used in place of the types of soil/ground. Each type of ground (way side, stony ground, thorns, & good ground) are types of people when the seed is sown in their hearts. Again, verse 20 of Ephesians 2 says that “Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”. Paul says YE are built upon in Ephesians, but in 1 Corinthians, he names specific materials that are built upon the foundation. Believers represent these materials. The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul in BOTH 1 Corinthians and Ephesians. There is great consistency in these two chapters because it is the SAME SPIRIT speaking.
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
When Paul uses every man’s work in this verse, he is talking about the ministers’/labourers’ (Paul/Apollos) work. 1 Corinthians 9: 1 defines what work means:
“ Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?” The believers are Paul’s “work” - as is the case for Apollos, Peter, John, James, any preacher, any pastor, etc. -Believers are their work also.
Paul explains that a man’s (that man is described as an architect - co-labourer with the
Malachi 3: 2 - “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:”
Hebrews 12: 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
consuming - katanalisko - to consume utterly
Continuing in 1 Corinthians 3:
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
Again, what has been built upon the foundation of Jesus and the apostles/prophets?
Believers are the work. Believers are built thereupon the foundation. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9: 16-23 what the reward is. When he says “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon”, Paul is describing believers as being the work. Any man, in this instance, is Paul, Apollos, and any co-labourer with the Lord - as described already with the planting and watering. The “work” represents believers. If a believer abides in the Faith and does not fall away, then Paul or Apollos or any preacher has the reward of knowing those believers continued in the faith until the end.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
In 1 Corinthians 9: 1, Paul says, “are not ye my work in the Lord?” In the above verse 15, whose work shall be burned? The apostles and labourers with the Lord are the labourers being described here. What is their work? Winning souls/people to Christ is their work. Not only are they necessary for laying the foundation of Jesus for believers, but they continue to teach believers in the Word of God. Neither Paul nor Apollos nor any labourer /architect (pastor and preacher) will lose his eternal life even if those he has taught in Christ do not abide in Christ until the end. Any preacher or pastor will suffer loss or sadness for those believers who did not abide or continue IN CHRIST and IN THE FAITH. However, the apostle’s/labourer’s salvation is not based on the believers who fall away. Apostles/teachers/co-labourers must endure their own trial by fire. As is the case for all who believe, they are called to rely on Christ and follow the Spirit’s leading. Again, believers who do not endure in the faith (wood, hay, and stubble) will be removed from the building.
Paul speaks of this very concept again in Colossians 1: 21-29 :
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
minister - diakonos - specifically, a Christian teacher and pastor
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
In these Colossians verses, Paul is speaking to believers telling them that they have been reconciled in the body of Jesus’ flesh in order to present them holy, unblameable, and unreproveable in the Lord’s sight IF THEY (YE) CONTINUE IN THE FAITH. Many do not like to use the word condition, but there is a condition to eternal life. Salvation is absolutely a gift from the Lord, but one must accept the gift. Believers must continue in the faith in order to be made complete IN CHRIST. Paul goes on to explain his role as a minister. Being a minister of Christ is an intensive calling. He uses sufferings, afflictions, labouring, and striving to describe his calling as a minister. In 1 Corinthians 3, we see through the laboring of the farmland (believers) and the laboring of the building (believers) how intense that calling in Christ is for these ministers who are planting and watering and being the architects of the building.
When Paul is speaking to the Thessalonians in the first epistle chapter 2, he speaks of his labor in the Lord when preaching to them and ministering to them. He speaks of the afflictions. He ends chapter two by saying, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”
He continues in chapter three of 1 Thessalonians:
2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
Timothy, a co-labourer/co-architect, was sent to these believers to comfort them concerning their faith. This is the same type of situation we read of in 1 Corinthians 3.
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
Paul admits he had concerns that the believers at Thessalonica may have strayed from the faith, being tempted by the tempter. If that were the case, he admits that his and the other ministers’ labour would have been in vain. Like 1 Corinthians, Paul was concerned that the believers of this church were wood, hay, or stubble. We can see how the ministers (masterbuilder/architect) would have suffered loss in such an event, for he has already said in chapter 2: 20 - “For ye are our glory and joy.” Thankfully, Paul goes on to say that Timothy returned with good news regarding their faith (3: 6).
Also, in Philippians 4: 1 Paul addresses believers, his work: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”
crown - stephanos - a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor).
Continuing in 1 Corinthians 3:
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Compare this verse 16 with verse 9: “ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.”
Paul, in verses 6-8, explains to the carnal Corinthians that he planted and Apollos watered. Then, in verse 9, he tells them specifically that they, believers, are God’s farmland/husbandry. Then, he finishes that verse with “ye are God’s building.” From verses 10 to 15, he then goes on to describe the process or makings of the building - Jesus is the foundation, Paul is the masterbuilder, others or co-labourers continue to build upon (such as Apollos, etc.), and lastly, believers represent the materials used for the building - gold, silver, hay, stubble (these are types of believers). Finally, in verse 16, Paul states precisely what he did in verse 9. He speaks directly to the Corinthians (believers) and tells them that they are God’s temple. The same as they are God’s farmland/husbandry in verse 9. Again, believers who do not endure in the faith (wood, hay, and stubble) will be removed from the building, for this TEMPLE which is being built is HOLY. A believer who does not INCREASE or grow IN CHRIST is not being made HOLY. IF a believer is not being made holy by continuing IN CHRIST, then that would mean something other than the foundation of Christ is being built, and as Paul warns in verse 11 of this 3rd chapter in 1 Corinthians, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy,
defile - phtheiro - to shrivel, or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or to ruin (especially by moral influences, to deprave).
He is not saying that ye (Corinthians or any believer) are God. He is saying that God is housed in a believer. Believers are the building that house God. The Spirit of God lives in a believer, but that comes with a warning. If any man defiles (shrivels, withers, spoils, or ruins) the temple of God, the person who defiles the temple will be destroyed. Question: Paul is warning against what being shriveled, withered, spoiled, or ruined? Answer: The temple of God - which is a believer/believers. These carnal Christians at Corinth have been divided. Some have said, “I am of Paul or I am of Apollos.” These are dangerous words, and Paul has been exhorting these believers to see that they are the temple of GOD - not the temple of Paul or the temple of Apollos. He did this first by explaining they are God’s farmland/husbandry. He does it again by utilizing a building that belongs to God - the temple. Believing anything other than being the temple of God would be defiling the temple of God. Paul will go on in 1 Corinthians and teach on a number of ways a believer should not defile the temple of God. In chapter 5, fornication is directly addressed. Chapter 5 of 1 Corinthians will be addressed in another section of this Testimony of Faith.
Jesus discusses defilement:
Mark 7:15
15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
Nothing/no one on the “outside” can defile pollute a person/believer/temple of God. It is the person himself from his heart, from his imaginations, from his thoughts that can defile himself. Jesus is clear on that. The Spirit is also clear in 1 Corinthian 3: 17: God will destroy anyone who defiles the temple. And we are also told in Revelation 22: 27, “And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Let us not deceive ourselves into believing that God gives eternal life to that which defiles. That false doctrine has no scriptural support.
The last portion of 1 Corinthians 3:17:
“for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
In verse 10, Paul states that the minister or co-labourer, such as Apollos, must “take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” The temple of God is to be holy, and God will destroy by fire any believer (wood, hay, & stubble) who defiles the temple.
Just as a branch that does not abide in Christ the Vine will be removed and cast in the fire (John 15: 6), just as a believer who draws back from the faith will result in perdition (Hebrews 10: 39), just as a believer who was a partaker of the Holy Ghost and falls away cannot be renewed to repentance but instead bears thorns and briers and will be rejected, whose end is to be burned (Hebrews 6: 4-8), just as a believer who was sanctified by the blood of the covenant but wilfully sins and therefore counts that holy covenant as “an UNHOLY thing” insulting the Spirit of grace will face the judgment and fiery indignation of God (Hebrews 10: 26-31) -- all of these fully support the very point Paul is making to these carnal Christians. Any believer who defiles the temple of God will be destroyed. Nothing about destruction equals eternal life.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Notice in Ephesians that the body of Christ (believers) is sanctified by Jesus and is washed by the word - not having spot, wrinkle, or blemish - that it (the body of believers) should be HOLY. As Paul stated in 1 Cor. 3: 17, the temple of God is HOLY. Believers IN CHRIST are sanctified by Christ through the washing of water by the word. However, Paul warns believers in 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17 that we are not to be defiled because we are the temple of God.
What is defiled is not holy, and what is holy should not be defiled. The very definitions of defile and holy are opposites of each other -- meaning they are in no way related. When we abide in the foundation of Jesus Christ, we are made clean by His Word, His blood, and the working of His Holy Spirit within us. However, if it were impossible for the temple of God (believers) to be defiled, then Paul would not have warned/exhorted believers (who represent the temple of God) to avoid being defiled. The man who defiles the temple of God will be destroyed. Understand that Paul is not saying God can be defiled, for all of us know that nothing can taint or defile God Himself. He is all-powerful and cannot be made corrupt. However, Paul is warning those who believe in the Lord to avoid being defiled.
Romans 12
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
These words spoken by Paul in Romans chapter 12 occur after the olive tree example in Romans chapter 11. That will be discussed in detail in this statement of faith. Summarizing chapter 11, Paul explains that believers who do not continue in the goodness of Christ will be cut off. Choosing NOT to continue IN CHRIST means a believer has chosen not to be made holy, for ONLY CHRIST can make a person holy.
1 Corinthians 3:
18 Let 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.
Notice Paul’s warning to the Corinthian church here and his similar warning to the Roman church in chapter 12 above. To both churches, he exhorts them not to be wise in this world. Paul has already established that these carnal Corinthians believe themselves “to be wise in this world” because there are divisions among them -- some say “I am of Apollos,” and some say, “I am of Paul.” When Christians are divided over carnal issues such as which minister/preacher they “belong to”, then those Christians are carnal and are, unfortunately, “conformed to this world” (Romans 12: 2).
Again, Paul says in verse 18 of 1st Corinthians: “Let no man deceive himself.” Paul does not say, “Do not be deceived by another man.” Instead, Paul is very clear regarding his warning. “Let no man deceive HIMSELF.” Also, as Jesus stated in Mark 7: 15, a man is defiled from within. No one can FORCE defilement on another.
deceive - exapatao - to seduce wholly
21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
glory - kauchaomai - to vaunt
vaunt means to boast about or praise(something), esp. excessively
Let us recall, Paul has written 1st Corinthians 3 to address the carnal Christians who are calling themselves “of Paul and of Apollos”. In other words, they are glorying in Paul or Apollos - the Corinthians are boasting or praising these MEN excessively and not giving proper praise and glory to the One who is responsible for all things -- and that is Jesus the Lord.
22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;
No matter what God chooses to use in “growing” the Christian, all of it is being used to help the believer grow in the faith.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:
23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
Ephesians 2:
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
If we read back to the first and second verse of 1st Corinthians 3, we can read that Paul calls them babes in Christ: “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither now are ye able.”
All believers must grow IN CHRIST; again, the body of believers is growing and fitly framed together unto an holy temple IN the Lord (Ephesians 2: 21). Babies must have only milk for a limited time, but in order for that child to continue to grow properly, the child must transition from having only milk to eating other solid foods (meat). Sadly, if the child never moves beyond milk, that child is malnourished, and malnourishment leads to health problems, even death. Throughout the Word of God, believers are exhorted to grow IN CHRIST. John 15 illustrates perfectly how a believer grows - we abide IN CHRIST. When we abide, there will be fruit - not due to our righteousness, but HIS. Again, if Jesus is the vine and believers are the branches that grow from the vine, then we can clearly see that without the Vine, the branches cannot exist/live. A true husbandman (God) will not allow unfruitful branches to remain a part of the Vine. Thankfully, as there is fruit from other branches within the Vine, the Lord will purge/try/test that believer/branch who is growing IN CHRIST in order for more fruit to grow and mature. Being purged is a true test of faith. The purging of a fruitful believer will often times be the most painful of experiences. The most difficult and painful purgings will result in the most glorious fruit and victories - IF the believer ABIDES IN CHRIST.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
1 Corinthian 3 is directly linked to Revelation 21:
Revelation 21
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Notice the clear relationship between showing John the bride, and immediately, the city - New Jerusalem- appears. The two are the same: The Bride = New Jerusalem
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
her light = female & the bride is female
The city of new Jerusalem is described as female - because new Jerusalem is the bride of Christ. Notice her description of having most precious stone. Compare the description here and in the following lines to the temple being built in 1st Corinthians 3 and in Ephesians 2: 20-22.
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Think of Paul describing himself as a master builder in 1 Corinthians 3. We can think of all the apostles called forth by the Lord. They had been called forth to build the temple of God. What a marvelous plan the Lord constructed.
15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Matthew 5:
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Hebrews 11:9-11
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
I am humbled by the Lord’s marvelous plan of perfection. He is worthy of our praise. May we abide in Him through faith, for He is able to sanctify and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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