What are the signs that believers are living in a worldly way rather than living by the Spirit? A few signs include jealousy, quarreling, and divisions. The Corinthian Christians were spiritually immature. Their attitudes toward each other were no different from worldly people. Paul saw them as spiritual infants. They emphasized following church leaders like Paul and Apollos. These Christians were no different from worldly people who divide over politics, culture, human status, or their social circle.

To combat their spiritual immaturity, Paul challenged them. Paul and Apollos (and any other church leader) were only servants of the Lord, carrying out whatever was their assigned task. Paul had planted the seed of the gospel. Apollos watered the seed with powerful Bible teaching. But only God could make that seed grow and produce fruit in their lives. Their focus must be on God who makes things grow, including their faith. God would reward Paul and Apollos for their service. But their ministry was God’s service, and they were God’s field and building.

Are you contributing to unity in God or dividing over worldly things? Glorify God in your fellowship and ministry and pray to grow in spiritual maturity.
Application: Father, forgive my worldliness and help me to live by your Spirit. Use me to lead others to Jesus.
One Word: Live by the Spirit, not the world