Thinking
for Myself
1 Corinthians 3:3–4, For ye are yet
carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions,
are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of
Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Paul chastised these believers for being “carnal.” They were behaving like ordinary, worldly
individuals instead of like Christians guided by God's reign in their experiences!
These young believers were dividing themselves into competing supporter groups
over Christian leaders like Paul and Apollos.
The believers were still in a carnal or
fleshly state of soul. This was evidenced by the fact that there was envy and strife among them. Such behavior is characteristic of the men of
this world, but not of those who are led by the Spirit of God.[1]
“they were acting on a purely human level.”[2]
“Carnal” means
belonging to the flesh or governed by ordinary human impulses (selfishness,
ego, and pride) rather than being transformed by the Spirit of God. Paul is not
saying they are not saved, but that they are acting like spiritual infants (“babes
in Christ”) who haven't grown up.
Instead of mature behavior characterized by
humility and concern for others—obedience to God—the Corinthians were
infantile, self-centered, and therefore divisive (v. 4; cf. 1:12). They wanted
lives of exaltation (4:8) without lives of humiliation (4:9–13) because they
did not understand that “Christ … crucified” was a message concerned not only
with justification but also with sanctification (cf. Phil. 2:1–8). This
misunderstanding was at the root of their disunity (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10; 3:4),
which error Paul wanted to correct.[3]
A sectarian disposition
believes a person has been especially called and appointed by God to guard the
true faith against false notions. Usually, pastors are responsible for this
before God. Sectarianism encompasses belief that one is incumbently obligated
to preserve certain ancient ideas while rejecting novelty, contemporary
concepts, or new approaches. This is a little tricky because people have
different preferences, opinions, and values. Certainly, unity around central
doctrines is a fundamental responsibility of each NT Church, but certain values
should characterize each ‘Christian’ congregation as well.
The kingdom of God centers on core moral and
ethical values that shape how disciples live. These values, known as the
Beatitudes, represent “the norms of the kingdom.” Rather than abstract
principles, they define a radically different way of being in the world.
The Bible teaches us about the values and principles of the Kingdom
of God. These values shape how believers are called to live and interact
with each other and the world around us. Again, these values should govern all
of God’s people. For instance, righteousness, love, justice, mercy, integrity,
humility, compassion, forgiveness, peace, and joy should mark every kingdom
subject.
In Romans 14:17 states: “For the
kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in
the Holy Ghost.” The emphasis is on the essence of God’s kingdom
transcending dietary laws and focusing more on spiritual qualities like righteousness,
peace, and joy, because these are given power by the Holy Spirit.
Once more Matthew 6:33 states: “But
seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.” Jesus emphasizes the importance of
prioritizing spiritual pursuits and aligning our life with God’s plan, indicating
that material needs will be met incidentally.
“This kingdom is not a physical place, but rather
a spiritual reality where God’s will is fully done. Jesus taught his followers
to seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness. The idea of the kingdom
also includes the future establishment of a new heaven and earth where God’s
kingdom will be fully realized and visible to all.”—Bible Wisdom
Hub
Many people will speak or post on a matter referencing their
research mostly, others strictly from their opinion, and yet others will merely
regurgitate what they learned in the university. There will be a few who dare
to say what God said in the Bible on the matter at hand!
Critically, what matters most to Jesus is how
followers practice kingdom values rather than merely understanding them—they
must actively embody the kingdom’s message to usher it in. The kingdom welcomes
all people regardless of social status or ethnicity, blesses the meek and poor,
and creates a community where the humble are exalted, the poor are dignified,
and justice, hospitality, and solidarity define relationships. When God’s
people live by kingdom principles in any community, God’s kingdom becomes
visible there—justice displayed, righteousness established. (See citations
below)
Clearly evidence of disunity or division indicate God is not necessarily
leading or guiding that endeavor. He is not on the throne of that life! Sometimes
‘kingdom’ subjects have allowed themselves to be influence by something besides
God. Perhaps politics, ethnicity, culture, country, religion, identity, or university
has cluttered the real issues, and kingdom values are lost in the conflict. The
Bible speaks of behaving like mere men
(1Cor.3:3, 4). When carnal behaviors (such
as “envy, strife, and divisions”) are
expressed they are undoubtedly relying on the basic nature of the weak, sinful,
human flesh—selfish energy dressed up like ‘holy purpose’ must be the cause.
Such immaturity often evidences a weak and frustrated Believer
accompanied by an inferior prayer life, failure to studying the Bible, and
limited quality Christian fellowship. A carnal lifestyle increases our
vulnerability to temptation and sin even on social media platforms.
A good question to ask ourselves is “Am
I living honorably according to God reign in my life?” One of the best ways to defend the truth is to live the truth. My
verbal defense of the gospel will accomplish very little if my life contradicts
what I say. How I live out the grace of God is just as important as what I say.
We really must return to an open Bible in front of us as we open our minds to
God’s Word and our hearts to the truth of the Spirit.
4.
[1]
William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1754.
[2]
William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible
Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1754.
[3]
David K. Lowery, “1 Corinthians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,
ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985),
511.
4. Bitrus A. Sarma, Drums of Redemption: A New Testament Theology for Africa (Bukuru, Plateau: Hippo Books: An Imprint of ACTS and Langham Publishing, 2023), 83–85.
5. Africa Study Bible (Oasis International Ltd, 2016), 1429.
6. Joshua T. Searle, Theology After Christendom: Forming Prophets for a Post-Christian World (New York, NY: Cascade Books, 2018).
“Carnal” means belonging to the flesh or governed by ordinary human impulses (selfishness, ego, and pride) rather than being transformed by the Spirit of God. Paul is not saying they are not saved, but that they are acting like spiritual infants (“babes in Christ”) who haven't grown up.
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