Encounter the Truth

The Lord has entrusted us with resources and opportunities to use fruitfully while we await his return. Jesus has a stark warning for those who would use those things for personal indulgence rather than fruitful service. We need to keep in mind the reality of his return when we consider how we use that which he has given us. ‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’

One of the ways that money grabs hold of our heart is through fear—fear of the future, fear of not having enough. Jesus tells us that the Father cares for us, and we have no need to worry. Instead of fixating on money, we need to train our heart to seek his kingdom first and invest ourselves there.

One of the ways that money grabs hold of our heart is through fear—fear of the future, fear of not having enough. Jesus tells us that the Father cares for us, and we have no need to worry. Instead of fixating on money, we need to train our heart to seek his kingdom first and invest ourselves there.

Money is not a bad thing, but coveting money is terribly dangerous. Jesus warns us against longing for money and placing our confidence in the abundance of money. At the final day, worldly wealth will not help us—only “riches toward God”. We must be on our guard, and learn contentment with what we have.

Money is not a bad thing, but coveting money is terribly dangerous. Jesus warns us against longing for money and placing our confidence in the abundance of money. At the final day, worldly wealth will not help us—only “riches toward God”. We must be on our guard, and learn contentment with what we have.

Here Paul is using the imagery of a building to teach us about the way in which the church of Jesus Christ is constructed. He wants us to see that care is needed at every stage and that only the finest materials will do. The quality and integrity of God’s building—the church—matters immensely to God himself. He will hold every worker to account for the work they do on his building.

Here Paul is using the imagery of a building to teach us about the way in which the church of Jesus Christ is constructed. He wants us to see that care is needed at every stage and that only the finest materials will do. The quality and integrity of God’s building—the church—matters immensely to God himself. He will hold every worker to account for the work they do on his building.

At the beginning of chapter 3, Paul calls the Corinthians "people of the flesh and infants in Christ"—a stinging rebuke. We need to ask ourselves the question of whether or not these words could possibly apply to us. Here in these verses, Paul will show us first the peril of an unspiritual view of Christian ministry. Having highlighted the danger, he will then paint for us a portrait of a truly spiritual view of ministry.

At the beginning of chapter 3, Paul calls the Corinthians "people of the flesh and infants in Christ"—a stinging rebuke. We need to ask ourselves the question of whether or not these words could possibly apply to us. Here in these verses, Paul will show us first the peril of an unspiritual view of Christian ministry. Having highlighted the danger, he will then paint for us a portrait of a truly spiritual view of ministry.

The wisdom of God displayed in the cross of Christ is not something that we can understand on our own. We need the Spirit of God to open our eyes and to give us insight. This means we should be unsurprised if the message of the cross makes little sense to others. And it means that if you are struggling to make sense of the gospel, you should ask God to help you by his Spirit to see and understand.