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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Corinthians 3:3 - 3:3
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That is, "Ye are in a great measure carnal; for your envy, strife, and divisions prove you to be so, and that you live according to the corrupt nature of man." They had the seed and root of grace abiding, and yet the relics of corruption remaining in them. There is a vast difference between weak grace and no grace, between the presence of sin and the power of sin.
But how could the apostle here call the Corinthians carnal, and babes in Christ, when in 1Co_1:5 he affirmed that they were enriched with all knowledge and utterance?
Ans. That might be true as to some particular persons amongst them, who had those extraordinary gifts of tongues and miracles given them for the confirmation of the gospel; and yet what is here said be true, as to the generality of them, that they had too much carnality and unmollified corruption remaining in them: Ye are yet carnal.
Observe next, What proof he gives of it, namely, ocular demonstration; for, says he, there are among you envying, strife, and divisions. Envy, as the root, bears strife, and strife breeds divisions and factions. Envy is a pestilent lust; it makes another's good our grief. The devil envies God and man their happiness; he rejoices at the destruction of sinners, though he has no advantage by it; nay, though it increaseth his torment, because they were tempted by him to sin. There is nothing so like the devil as an envious man, with his cloven foot, to make division wherever he comes.
Learn hence, 1. That envy is the cause and companion of strife.
Learn, 2. That strife and contention, differences and divisions, are often found in the churches of Christ, and among particular Christians.
Learn, 3. That so far as these prevail in and among any, it evidences that they are carnal, and walk as men.