Readings:
2 Chronicles 13
Sirach 20
1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 3

Paul revisits the dissension the brought up at the beginning of this letter, that’s how much this infighting was bothering him. He tells them they’re wasting their time giving total allegiance to men, because it’s God that actually grows the faith of individuals and the church.

He says that the foundation is Christ and he builds upon that foundation, both himself and other ministers of the gospel, but he’s also speaking to us individual Christians because we’re all called to build up the church with our own personal works. We build upon the foundation of Christ, but if it’s inferior in quality it will be burned up like the straw, wood and hay mentioned as material, while the quality matter will survive the test on the last day.

This is also often pointed to as a text that supports the doctrine of purgatory, in that our lives will be measured and anything unholy or not fit to enter heaven will be burned away like the impurities in hold that are burned off in the kiln, and we ourselves will survive.

He also reminds them to not rely too much on their own wisdom because the wisdom of man is folly and can lead to destruction if you’re not careful. Not that all wisdom is wrong, but overconfidence in earthly wisdom and knowledge can be dangerous and destructive.

Tomorrow’s Readings:
2 Chronicles 14
Sirach 21
1 Corinthians 4