And You Are Christ’s

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

I Corinthians 3:21-23

Paul steers his readers away from man worship. The Corinthians had become sectarian. Some said they were of Paul. Others said they were of Apollos. They had divided themselves into groups, each having a teacher to whom they attached themselves as adherents. Paul has pointed out that these teachers, himself included, were merely instruments in Christ’s ministry. They deserved no credit. They had planted, or watered, but it was God Who caused the spiritual work to grow. Paul is seeking to get their eyes and affections off men. In our text he boldly says, ‘Therefore let no one boast in man.’ This lays the axe to the root of the ‘celebrity preacher’ tree. Preachers are to make much of Christ. Paul sets that forth earlier in Corinthians. Preachers are not here to develop personality cults. When he could have easily gained a following, Paul rejected the very idea of it for himself and for the others who also ministered in his era. He understood that Christ must be preeminent. To that end, he declares all these ministers to have their place and purpose, but that Christ is overall. We may gain insight from their teaching, but their value exists in what they show us of Christ. He is the central figure in all we believe.

Our God of Grace and Glory,
we rejoice that You have given to us
those who can point us to Christ.
We praise You for everyone who
remains faithful to that work.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning