Text: 1 Corinthians 3:21-23
We have been abundantly blessed by God. In our text, Paul emphasized certain blessings we have as Christians. He said, “All things belong to you.” What does that mean? To answer that, we need to look at what he said and what is in the context.
Context: We Are Not to Boast
- Not to boast in our wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18-20) – the gospel is foolishness to those who are “wise” (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
- Not to boast in men (1 Corinthians 3:21) – Paul already warned about this (1 Corinthians 1:12); it is a sign of being carnally-minded (1 Corinthians 3:4)
- What does this have to do with Paul’s point? – God gives every good thing and everything we need; there is nothing to be gained by seeking after worldly wisdom because this leads us away from God (1 Corinthians 1:21); there is no reason to follow men because this leads us to become arrogant for a certain “party” (1 Corinthians 4:6)
What Belongs to Us
- Paul, Apollos, Cephas – those who proclaim the gospel; we do not belong to them (1 Corinthians 1:12-13; 3:4); they are our bond-servants for Christ’s sake (1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 4:5)
- The world – the physical things God created; man is head over the creation (Genesis 1:26, 28); God blesses us with every good thing (James 1:17; cf. 1 Timothy 6:17; Acts 14:17)
- Life – given by God (Acts 17:25); it is uncertain (James 4:13-15), so each day is a gift; we are free to choose how we use this gift (Joshua 24:15)
- Death – this is not usually something we want to have, but we have it regardless (Hebrews 9:27); for the Christian, we gain something better after death (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; Philippians 1:21); we should not fear death (Matthew 10:28)
- Things present (what we have now) – God’s word (1 Peter 2:2; Acts 20:32); the church (1 Timothy 3:15); our brethren (Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:24-25); temporal blessings (1 Timothy 6:17-18); opportunities for growth and service (Philippians 1:22; 1 Peter 4:1-2)
- Things to come (what we hope to gain when this life is over) – the presence of God (Philippians 1:23); the eternal kingdom (2 Peter 1:11); company of all the saints of all the ages (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); eternal blessings (Revelation 21:4; 22:1-5); ability to gather around the throne of God and praise Him forever (Revelation 7:9-17)
We Belong to Christ
- Collectively, the church belongs to Him (1 Corinthians 3:16) – He purchased it with His blood (Acts 20:28)
- Individually, we belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) – He redeemed us (1 Peter 1:18-19)
- Therefore, what belongs to us is to be used for His honor and glory – also used according to His will
Conclusion
- God has provided us with every good thing
- Therefore, let us use everything He has given to serve and glorify Him
