The Real Reason For Broken Relationships
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
January 24, 2007
Mike Matijevich

I. THE PROBLEM 3:1-4

A. Not the devil- but carnality (defined v1b “babes”)
1. Carnal= people of the flesh (can’t understand the bible 2:14)
* Note: The day we were saved didn’t improve on the old flesh one bite!
Rom 8:7 “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”
* My natural mind is God’s enemy! (Self-help books will not help the flesh)
* Paul is talking to the church crowd- sings, teaches, in the church etc.
* Good things done in the flesh.

B. It is a control issue- the flesh wants to control your life!
1 John 5:12 “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
- Only two kinds of people… saved / lost. (simple)
- Only two kinds of believers… spiritual / carnal. (simple) 1 Cor. 1:1
*** We are ALL in one of the two categories- no in between! (simple)
* I make my decisions on the basis of what I want--- or what God wants.
.
Rom 8:1-4 Why God sent His Son
Rom 8:5 mind the flesh--- always thinking about ourselves.
Rom 8:6-8 …”But I prayed yesterday, I taught, I memorized, I preached… in the flesh.”
* Cannot please God.

C. Not more bible but the “push away” 1 Cor. 3:2 cp (Paul spent 1 ½ yrs.)
Jn 16:12-13 “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:”
1. Ephesians 5:16-17-18 Paul explains the meaning of being filled with the Spirit.
Note: Be not “drunk with____________” . The usual things, but also too much prophecy, too much activity in the church & family a mess, EXCESS- TV, whatever… controls your life
Eph 5:19-21 the results of Spirit’s control…
*** When you are Spirit-filled you will get along with other Spirit-filled believers.

D. See the manifestation of this kind of carnality- 3:3-4 (not Mt. 18 stuff)

II. THE SOLUTION 3:5-9

A. Base your life on your relationship to Christ not on people. 3:5 (personalities)
1. Stop focusing on your little world- & other people
2. Why some people just don’t have a walk with God! Control of SELF.

` B. Learn to accept the diversity & the unity we have in Christ 3:6-8
1. So it doesn’t make any difference whether you teach, or what you do in the church – God gives the INCREASE.
a. Everyone is an equal part in the whole 3:7-8 (no matter what gift you have) God does it!
Note: See I can’t do what I do without you (others) doing what they do. (their gifts)
??? What does God want YOU to do? The push away!

2. We work together to accomplish the mission. 3:8
a. Your reward not based on a title, but what you did with what you had.

C. We are a work in PROGRESS 3:9
a. “Husbandry”- farm (imagine the beans don’t want to be next to the corn)
b. “Building” – (imagine the 2x4’s don’t want to be next to the pipes.

Say God I want you to be in charge of my life!

Conclusion:
1. Only two types of believers – what kind are you?
2. If this is the place where God has placed you then why not cooperate & do something for the kingdom of God?