The Problem of Immaturity
1For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ.3:1 1Co 14:20; Heb 5:13; 1Pt 2:2
2I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready,
The Role of God’s Servants
5What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given.
6I planted,3:6 Ac 18:4–11; 1Co 4:15; 9:1; 15:1 Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
7So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
8Now he who plants and he who waters are one,3:8 Or of equal status, or united in purpose and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
10According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder,3:10 Or wise master builder and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it.
11For no one can lay any foundation3:11 Is 28:16; Rm 15:20; 2Co 10:16; 11:4; Gl 1:6–9 other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.
12If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver,3:12 Jms 5:3 costly stones,3:12 Rv 17:4 wood, hay, or straw,
13each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire;3:13 2Th 1:8; 1Pt 1:7 the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.3:13 Ps 62:12; Pr 24:12; Mt 16:27; 2Co 5:10; 1Pt 1:17
14If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
The Folly of Human Wisdom
18Let no one deceive3:18 2Co 11:3 himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age,3:18 Lk 16:8 let him become a fool3:18 Mt 5:22 so that he can become wise.3:18 Is 5:21; Jr 8:8–9; Gl 6:3
19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness3:19 1Co 1:18 with God, since it is written,3:19 Ac 15:15; Gl 4:22 He catches the wise in their craftiness;3:19Jb 5:133:19 Jb 5:13; Lk 20:23
20and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings3:20 Mt 15:19; 1Tm 2:8 of the wise are futile.3:20Ps 94:113:20 Ps 94:11
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