Unity and Freedom in Christ: A Call to Faith

 

Summary

In the passage from 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, Paul addresses the divisions within the Corinthian church, where members were aligning themselves with different leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Cephas. Paul emphasizes that all things belong to the believers because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. This message is a call to unity and a reminder of the futility of glorying in human leaders. The divisions in the Corinthian church were symptomatic of a deeper issue: a reliance on human wisdom and a failure to grasp the magnitude of the gospel. Paul is astonished that the Corinthians, having embraced the gospel, are reverting to worldly thinking. He warns them against the folly of glorying in men, which leads to spiritual slavery.

Paul argues that glorying in men is foolish because human wisdom is limited and transient. The world often elevates individuals to positions of undue reverence, but these individuals are fallible and finite. True wisdom and freedom come from God, not from human leaders. Paul reminds the Corinthians that in Christ, all things are theirs, and they should not enslave themselves to human leaders or worldly philosophies. The modern world, much like the Corinthian church, often turns its back on God, seeking freedom in human wisdom and achievements. However, this leads to a different kind of bondage—slavery to the world, to life, to death, and to the present and future.

The gospel offers true freedom through Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin, death, and the devil. In Christ, believers are set free from the guilt of sin and the tyranny of worldly powers. They are no longer slaves to the world but are masters of it, as all things are theirs in Christ. This freedom extends to life and death, the present and the future. Believers are called to glory in Christ, who is the eternal Son of God, the Lord of history, and the one who will return to establish His eternal kingdom. In Christ, believers find true freedom, purpose, and hope.

Key Takeaways:

- Unity in Christ: The divisions in the Corinthian church serve as a reminder that our allegiance should be to Christ, not human leaders. In Christ, all things are ours, and we are called to unity and humility, recognizing that our true identity and inheritance are found in Him. [23:42]

- The Folly of Human Glory: Glorying in human leaders or wisdom is ultimately futile because human wisdom is limited and transient. True wisdom comes from God, and in Christ, we have access to all things. We must guard against the temptation to elevate human leaders above their rightful place. [19:33]

- Freedom in Christ: The gospel offers true freedom from the guilt of sin and the tyranny of worldly powers. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to the world, life, death, or the present and future. Instead, we are masters of these things, as all things are ours in Christ. [29:32]

- The Authority of Christ: Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the Lord of history, and the one who will return to establish His eternal kingdom. In Him, we find true freedom, purpose, and hope. Our allegiance should be to Him, as He alone is worthy of our glory. [46:33]

- The Eternal Perspective: In Christ, we gain an eternal perspective that transforms our view of the world, life, and death. We are no longer bound by the temporal concerns of this world but are free to live with hope and confidence in the promises of God. [54:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:43] - Introduction to the Corinthian Problem
- [01:36] - Divisions in the Church
- [02:40] - Paul's Astonishment
- [03:59] - The Foundation of Christian Life
- [05:43] - The Folly of Human Wisdom
- [07:08] - Self-Deception and Sin
- [09:29] - The Illusion of Freedom
- [12:12] - The Folly of Glorying in Men
- [16:26] - The Consequences of Glorying in Men
- [23:25] - True Freedom in Christ
- [29:32] - Slavery to the World and Life
- [36:27] - The Fear of Death and the Future
- [41:42] - The Authority of Christ
- [54:53] - The Eternal Perspective in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 3:21-23

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Observation Questions:

1. What divisions were present in the Corinthian church, and how did Paul address them? [01:36]
2. According to Paul, what is the folly of glorying in human leaders? [16:45]
3. How does Paul describe the freedom that believers have in Christ? [23:25]
4. What does Paul mean when he says, "all things are yours"? [23:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul’s message about unity in Christ challenge the way believers view their allegiance to human leaders? [16:13]
2. In what ways does Paul suggest that human wisdom is limited and transient? How does this contrast with the wisdom from God? [19:33]
3. How does the concept of freedom in Christ redefine the believer's relationship with the world, life, and death? [29:32]
4. What implications does the authority of Christ have for believers in terms of their purpose and hope? [46:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any human leaders or philosophies you have been tempted to glory in? How can you shift your focus to Christ instead? [16:13]
2. Consider a situation where you relied on human wisdom rather than seeking God’s guidance. What steps can you take to seek true wisdom from God in the future? [19:33]
3. In what areas of your life do you feel enslaved by worldly concerns? How can embracing your freedom in Christ change your perspective and actions? [29:32]
4. How can you actively promote unity within your church community, focusing on your shared identity in Christ rather than differences? [23:42]
5. Think about a time when you felt hopeless or lacked purpose. How does the authority and promises of Christ provide you with hope and direction? [46:33]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to experience the freedom that Christ offers. What practical steps can you take this week to live in that freedom? [23:25]
7. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, focusing on the promises of God rather than temporary concerns? [54:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ
In 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, Paul addresses the divisions within the Corinthian church, urging believers to align themselves with Christ rather than human leaders. The church members were identifying with different leaders, causing disunity. Paul reminds them that all things belong to believers because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. This unity in Christ transcends human allegiances and calls for humility and recognition of our true identity in Him. By focusing on Christ, believers can overcome divisions and embrace the unity that comes from being part of His body. [23:42]

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life where you have allowed differences to create division? How can you seek unity in Christ with that person today?


Day 2: The Folly of Human Glory
Paul warns the Corinthians against the folly of glorying in human leaders or wisdom, as human wisdom is limited and transient. The world often elevates individuals to positions of undue reverence, but these individuals are fallible and finite. True wisdom and freedom come from God, not from human leaders. In Christ, believers have access to all things, and they must guard against the temptation to elevate human leaders above their rightful place. This reminder calls for a shift in focus from human achievements to the eternal wisdom found in God. [19:33]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: Consider an area where you have been seeking validation or glory from others. How can you redirect your focus to seek wisdom and approval from God instead?


Day 3: Freedom in Christ
The gospel offers true freedom from the guilt of sin and the tyranny of worldly powers. In Christ, believers are no longer slaves to the world, life, death, or the present and future. Instead, they are masters of these things, as all things are theirs in Christ. This freedom is not just a release from bondage but an empowerment to live fully in the identity and inheritance given by Christ. Believers are called to embrace this freedom and live with the confidence that comes from being set free by the gospel. [29:32]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel bound or restricted? How can you embrace the freedom that Christ offers in that area today?


Day 4: The Authority of Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the Lord of history, and the one who will return to establish His eternal kingdom. In Him, believers find true freedom, purpose, and hope. Our allegiance should be to Him, as He alone is worthy of our glory. This understanding of Christ's authority calls believers to a life of worship and devotion, recognizing His rightful place as Lord over all. By submitting to His authority, believers can experience the fullness of life that comes from being aligned with His eternal purposes. [46:33]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what ways have you been hesitant to fully submit to Christ's authority in your life? What steps can you take to acknowledge His lordship today?


Day 5: The Eternal Perspective
In Christ, believers gain an eternal perspective that transforms their view of the world, life, and death. They are no longer bound by the temporal concerns of this world but are free to live with hope and confidence in the promises of God. This eternal perspective allows believers to navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and assurance, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. By focusing on the eternal, believers can rise above the fleeting worries of this life and live with a sense of peace and joy. [54:53]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to the eternal promises of God today? What practical steps can you take to cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life?

Quotes


verses therefore let no men glory in men for all things are yours whether Paul or Apollos or sephus or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's now the word therefore at the beginning of that 21st verse tells us at once that the Apostle in these three verses is suing up or drawing a conclusion from what he has just been saying and I suggest to you that the conclusion which we have in these three verses is not only the conclusion of what he has been saying immediately before in this context but is indeed uh a summary and a summing up of the argument that he has been conducting from the early part of the first chapter [00:21:43]

now the Apostle as I've explained wrote this letter to the Corinthians because of certain conditions that had Arisen in the Christian church the church had come into being as the result of his preaching and naturally therefore he was interested in her condition and the condition of the members but unfortunately there had been troubles certain divisions had appeared in the church some say that they were followers of Paul others were followers of Apollos a fellow laborer with Paul then others said they were followers of sephus the Apostle Peter and others disdaining any following of men said they were the followers of Christ now here was a very Grievous problem the church dividing itself up into factions and following men and dividing from one another [00:91:32]

and in doing this he has shown that this carnal thinking this worldly thinking shows itself in three main respects the first is the failure to realize the magnitude of the problem that is why he had to tell them that there was only one Foundation they were inadequate as I tried to show the first evening in their idea of sin and the condition of men and men especially standing before God in the Judgment they were totally inadequate in their understanding of that and then secondly as we saw last night they were tending to bring in this element of human reason human understanding in there was a certain amount of pride of intellect and a pride in the matter of reason and we have dealt with that and now I come to deal with the third element in this unhappy condition that had Arisen in the church at Corinth and that was this false confidence in men [00:286:76]

now here is a very important proposition the Bible has got many things to say about a man who doesn't believe in God about a man who isn't a Christian it says that he is Lawless that he is disobedient that he's a man who's missed the mark it has got many things to say about him but I think you'll agree with me those of you who know your Bibles that what the Bible seems to say most frequently about the man who lives his life without God and without this gospel is that he is a Fool by which it means that he doesn't think he doesn't think straightly there There Is Something warped about his whole process of reasoning and this is the charge of course which the Apostle is elaborating at this particular point and he says to these Corinthians who are tending to go back to that old style of thinking you're deceiving yourselves you're going back to the position in which you once were [00:476:40]

men and women in rejecting this gospel far from achieving Freedom are But continuing in a state of bondage to reject this gospel is not to be free it is to become a slave it is to become a bond servant and so this is the fundamental proposition of the Gospel this is what it says to the whole world tonight here is a world claiming that it's shaken off religion and has achieved this kind of emancipation unfortunately it requires no special ability to show and to demonstrate that what the world is really doing to itself is to perpetuate its own slavery and to refuse the only one who can ever set a man or a nation or a world free Jesus of Nazareth the Son of God [00:681:72]

now that is what these people were doing yeah they were you see one was always talking about Paul another was always talking about Apollos another always praising Peter now this word glorying is a very important one it doesn't mean that you're just interested it doesn't mean that you tend to agree with a men to glory in a men is to mean that you make your boast in him that's the correct translation of the word in the Greek that was used by the Apostle you make your burst in him you you give him an allegiance you fall at his feet as it were you become bound to him he is your master he is your teacher now this is the great characteristic of the life of the world in which we are living at this present time the world has turned its back upon religion and it is putting its faith in Men in human human leaders and in human teaching [00:750:84]

why is it unutterable Folly to glory in men well the Apostle gives us an abundant answer here the first thing is this that man after all is only a creature he's a created being he's like all other men and he has nothing whereof to boast the Apostle says this about himself he says why why you boasting in us he says who then is Paul and who is apollis but ministers by whom ye believed even as the lord gave to every man I have planted aoll watered but God gave the increase my preaching says Paul would have achieved nothing if it were left to itself the preaching of Apollos would have done nothing it is God that giveth the increase so then neither is he that planteth anything neither he that WTH but God that giveth the increase [00:1003:19]

and in The Second Epistle to these Corinthians he puts it still more plainly he says we preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord and ourselves you are servants for Jesus sake he says you mustn't glory in me I'm only a serpent and I've got nothing except that which I have received now here is surely a great principle that we should put before the modern world the world that glories in and boasts of men and attributes so much to men they deride and dismiss the gospel Jesus Christ is nobody but great men now the question we need to put to them is this are they not guilty of unutterable folly in doing this take the great men that the world revers have they created their powers take a men like Shakespeare did he generate his own gifts did he produce these astounding abilities no no he was born with he's got nothing to boast of and we shouldn't boast of him he's received or any great genius a military genius a genius in science whatever you like these men have not produced their gifts they are born with them they've received them [00:1087:12]

and so the apostles question is the most urgent question surely for the Modern Men Who maketh the to differ from another and what hast thou that th did not re receive now if thou did receive it why Dost thou Glory as if thou H not received it so then it is very foolish to be glorying in a man he doesn't deserve the glory he is what he is in spite as it were of himself but then there's a second reason why it is so foolish to glory in men and that is as I've shown on a previous evening that the powers of men at their very best and highest are very seriously limited I'm not here to say anything against Great Men but I am here to say that it's Madness to worship them or to pin your faith in them however great they are they haven't solved the problem of Life they haven't solved the problem of death they haven't solved what are your most pressing problems and mine even at their very best and highest and not only that all the powers that any man has are by to weigh and they do weigh as he gets older his powers begin to fail and this has always been the case and always will be [00:1161:64]

and in any case anything that a great man has ever discovered is at its best and its highest only partial now this is something that needs no demonstration haven't you noticed how textbooks so soon get out of date I think of textbooks and medson which students had to read 40 years ago probably some of them are not even known at the present time they're out of date knowledge advances and grows and what the Great Men of the past appear to have discovered is ridiculed at the present time Newton and his discoveries were regarded as absolutes until comparatively recently the last word the Newtonian physics is already seriously hopelessly out ofd I remember being taught that the atom was the small smallest and indivisible portion of matter the atom could not be divided there was nothing smaller than the atom by today we know again that this is utterly ridiculous and hopelessly out of De [00:1246:20]

and the Modern Man pretends that he's not afraid of death he whistles to keep up his courage in the dark but never has an age or a generation been more subject to the fear of death slavery to the fear of death than this present generation the author of The epistle to the Hebrews in his second chapter and in verse 14 says that one of the most glorious things that the Lord Jesus Christ has done has been to deliver them who through all their lifetime were subject abond bondage the fear of death and the Modern Man does everything he can to dismiss the notion of death we try to keep young to look young to dress young we are horrified of this this awful Spectre that is ever approaching towards the fear of death this bomb that's hanging over us isn't this true we think we've made ourselves free by turning our backs upon God and upon his son but we are slaves to the fear of death [00:2130:44]

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Transcript
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