Sin in 1 Corinthians 3-4

Here we finally have some juicy stuff. Remember the three original questions:

1. How does Paul define sin?
2. What does Paul say about sin before one believes?
3. What does Paul say about sin after one believes?

1 Corinthians 3 has a number of implications for question 3.

First, Paul complains that while the Corinthians apparently think of themselves as "spiritual" (pneumatikos), in fact they are "fleshly" (sarkikos, sarkinos). The association with the flesh implies sin, since Paul makes this association. Being in the flesh yields fruit for death (Rom. 7:5, 18-20). This fruit for death is sin (Rom. 6:23).

So it is fair to say that Paul sees the jealousy and strife among the Corinthians as sinful, proceeding as it does from their flesh (1 Cor. 3:3). He associates such patterns of behavior with being "babes in Christ" (3:1).

A number of cautions are in order. First, Paul does not say that all beginning Christians have this problem. In other words, Paul does not say that a believer must go through such a fleshly baby phase. He is not setting up an ordo salutis here.

But he does imply that believers should grow out of such a state if they are in one. He sees such attitudes as unfitting for believers. This is particularly clear as we will see from his comments on the flesh in Romans and Galatians. There, in a more theoretical form, he will disassociate fleshliness from the believer in a more either-or form of argument.

Secondly, Paul talks about the "work" that Christian leaders do on top of the foundation of Christ (3:10-11). Some build better materials on this foundation than others, and the Day of the Lord, the Day of Judgment, reveals its worth. "Fire will test the work of each one, of what sort it is" (3:13). Some will see their work burned up, but they will be saved through fire (3:15). On the other hand, if someone destoys God's temple, the body of Christ, God will destroy that person (3:17).

This is a puzzling passage. It seems to imply that some believers will face some level of judgment at Christ's return because of the "stubble" they have built on Christ's foundation. But they will still be saved. Apparently the person who destroys God's house has a bleaker outcome to face.

So, thirdly, we have in this chapter and the next indications of Paul's view that the works of Christians as well as non-believers will be judged before the judgment seat of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10). When the Lord comes, he "will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make seen the plans of the hearts" (1 Cor. 4:5).

Finally, Paul speaks of the discipline he himself may have to administer to believers in 4:21. The attitude of the Corinthians is incorrect, particularly their spiritual boasting, and Paul means to correct it. This boasting likely connects to their claims of superior knowledge and wisdom, as well as their boasting in spiritual gifts and being spiritual. They act like they are already kings in the kingdom of God and are not sufficiently thankful to God as the patron who has bestowed their gifts on them.