Today we are reading 1 Corinthians 3. In this chapter we read what Paul writes regarding divisions in the church. The keyword for this chapter is “sar-ki-nos”. The definition is “fleshly, made of flesh, having the characteristics of flesh, associated with flesh”. Paul uses this word to describe when people act according to their sinful nature and give in to temptation. He says that divisions are connected to fleshly or sinful desires and jealousy. “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 Clearly, the point in this chapter is that as Christians we are called to live by the Holy Spirit’s guidance and not of the flesh. How is this a battle for you? What ways are you tempted to follow the sinful flesh and not the Holy Spirit? How can you resist temptation? May God give you the Holy Spirit and self-control to resist the devil’s schemes. Pastor Tim
