Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
The Apostle Paul knows that his name was used by those in the Corinthian church to sow discord and disunity by this deliberate attempt to form factions and create cliques. He reasons with them that ministers like himself are servants of God, entrusted with the spiritual mandate to fulfil the Great Commission. He serves his Master, Jesus Christ. They are to follow him as he follows his Master Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul is asking a rhetorical question. The answer is “yes.” Some believers in Corinth were indeed spiritually immature, unable to grasp the deeper meaning of Christian consecration involves sacrificial service and devotion.
The Apostle Paul wisely observes the spiritual state of believers in Corinth by describes their tell tales signs of spiritual immaturity. He tells them unapologetically of envying and strife and divisions among them.
The newborn baby like the newborn believer is fed with milk so that it may grow. However, the child that has come of age like the older believer that has come of age must be able to eat meat for his spiritual nourishment. However, the situation is such that for some believers, observed the Apostle Paul, they are unable to take meat even though they have been believers for a time. What is the reason? Spiritually, these believers are not growing. A sad observation.
The Apostle Paul describes the Christians as carnal in that they are spiritually immature. It does not mean they are not saved. He uses the term “babes in Christ” to denote those who are not growing spiritually but are still spiritual babies. It is sad to see malnourished children who are not growing because of the lack of nutritious food intake. He is using this as an illustration to describe those who cannot accept the instruction that a spiritual man will need.
The mind of Christ finds its storehouse in the Word of God. The psalmist expressed this well when he speaks of the efficacy of God’s Word to guide him along life’s pathway – Psalm 19:7-14 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
The Apostle Paul exhorted in Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. What is the mind of Christ? He explains in the earlier verses in the outworking of human affections in Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
The believer, with the indwelling Holy Spirit, is able to understand and judge spiritual matters. And yet, the unbeliever cannot judge him. He is able to discern spiritual matters and is in the position to make true assess by the enabling and help of the Holy Spirit.
The unbeliever or the natural man cannot understand spiritual things. Understanding comes by the illumination of the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer. To the unbeliever, the things of God are foolishness to him. I recall as an unbeliever I heard for the first time the word “holiness”. It has no meaning to me. I do not understand what it means. I recall also not having any moral compass in the sense the I have not heard the laws of God as summarised in the Ten Commandments.
The Apostle Paul’s claim is that his utterance is God-given and Spirit-led. This is a proof text for infallibility of the preaching ministry of the apostles. Today, the apostles are no longer with us. But the Word of God that is written down is preserved for us today (Matt 5:17-18, Psalm 12:6-7). Today, we are to preach the Word of God as the Spirit of God teach us in our study of Scriptures. Our authority is in the Word of God recorded for us today.