Building God’s temple
Day 583, Tuesday, Mar. 17
1 Corinthians 3:1-23
In the Methodist tradition we talk about “sanctification” or “perfection”—the belief that God continues to work in our lives to continually make us more Christlike as we continue our journey in faith.
The painful part of that belief is admitting that we need growth. As amazing as the gift of justification can feel, it’s just the beginning. Paul states this need for growth harshly in verse 2: “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” When he was first with the Corinthian church, he spoke the truth, but did not overwhelm them with more truth than they could handle.
We can read between the lines and conclude that some in the church think Apollos has presented more knowledge than Paul did. Paul says this is because they had different roles: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
This gives us insight into how to share the gospel. We must always be truthful, but need not overwhelm new believers with complexity beyond what they can handle. Ultimately it is God who brings the growth. Life in Christ begins with a firm foundation, which is Jesus himself. The rest of the Christian life is built upon that—and God will test the quality of what is built.
Paul uses the image in this passage of the church being the temple. Remember that in the Old Testament, the temple was the place where God lived and the place where people met God. Under the new covenant, the temple is not a place but a people. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Tuesday meditation
Psalms 97:1-12
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.
All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols—worship him, all you gods!
Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, Lord. For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.
Prayer focus
Live among us, God, that we may be your holy temple.