How would you cope if someone pointed out that you were immature?  It is the kind of accusation that generally needs to be made by someone who really loves another.  In such cases the truth might be received.  In most cases the hearer of the truth show their immaturity by spurning the criticism, pouting, sulking, and giving their friend the cold shoulder.  In my opinion many ‘successful’ people are compensating for problems that are unresolved from their childhood.  In my opinion many leaders in the church are looking for authority and control.  Some people in relationships have learned to avoid confrontation or arguments.  They think they have created a peaceful environment.  However, as their inner tension and stress grow they are surprised by the lack of growth in their lives.

1 Corinthians 3:1-4

¹Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. ²I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. ³You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? ⁴For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?

Questions

1. As what can Paul not address the Corinthians?
2. What does Paul say that the Corinthians are?
3. How does following a popular person, even in the church, breed worldly immaturity?
4. What divisions in the church do people have temper tantrums over?
5. How can godly maturity lead to more unity in your life?

Going Deeper

Observation

1. How many times is ‘worldly’ or its equivalent used?
2. What description is used for the Corinthians stature in Christ?
3. What qualifier is used twice before ‘men’?
4. Which two examples of of popular leaders does Paul give?
5. What is coupled with jealousy in this passage?

Interpretation

1. Without plasma TV’s and Rock ‘n’ Roll, what opportunities did Corinthians have for worldliness?
2. What exactly constitutes ‘worldliness’?
3. How do people become Christians and get stuck in worldliness?
4. How are jealousy and quarreling interdependent?
5. What would be the ‘solid food’ that Paul would have given the Corinthians?

Application

1. Would Paul write to you as a maturing Christian or as someone stunted by worldliness?
2. Are you reading things that stretch you spiritually? What do you read?
3. Where do you see a pattern of jealousy and quarreling?  How does an attack and defend scenario stunt growth?
4. How does polarizing around political affiliation, cultural preferences, or worship styles stunt growth?
5. How do you pray?  Is there a more or less constant conversation between you and God?