3:8-10 How are we to understand what Paul says here?
3:8-10 How are we to understand what Paul says here?
We learn from this that those who minister the word are merely fellow-labourers together with God. They must not allow a party spirit to factionalize the assembly. God's work involves many different ministries and there is no one ministry superior to another in the Divine order (CP 1Cor 12:28-30; Eph 4:7-16).
Every minister of the word is equal in importance in the divine order. It is God Himself who is the most important. Nothing can come to fruition without Him, regardless of who initiates it.
Being God's building means that God indwells us through the Holy Spirit - we are the habitation of God through the Holy Spirit (CP 1Cor 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 2Cor 6:16; Eph 2:19-22). We should note here however, that God dwells in men only as they live in union with Him (CP Lu 22:3, see also comments on 1Cor 1:14-17, 3:16-17(A), 3:16-17(B), and 3:18-20)).
It should also be noted here too the scriptures which clearly refute the teaching by some that Peter is the rock upon which the church is built (CP 1Cor 3:11; Eph 2:19-21). It is Christ, and not Peter who is the foundation stone of the New Testament church.
(See also comments on Mt 16:13-18(A) and author's study Jesus not Peter the Rock upon which the Church is built in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2)).