Avoiding Worldly Wisdom
Based on 1 Corinthians 3:12–23

Avoiding Worldly Wisdom

Based on 1 Corinthians 3:12–23

Introduction
Paul writes to the church at Corinth to remind them of the difference between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of the world. The Corinthians had fallen into strife, division, and pride by elevating men above Christ and by relying on worldly ways to guide the church. In this section, Paul speaks about the testing of faith, the temple of God, and the emptiness of human wisdom. Every Christian will face trials, and every congregation must guard against defilement by worldly methods. Our task is to remain faithful to Christ and His word, for His wisdom alone endures.

Faith Tested by Fire
Paul compares Christian faith to materials tested by fire. Some are like gold, silver, and precious stones—refined and strengthened under trial. Others are like wood, hay, and straw—burned and destroyed when difficulties arise (1 Corinthians 3:12–13). Trials reveal the quality of faith. Peter writes that fiery trials should not surprise us (1 Peter 4:12). Even Peter himself was sifted by Satan and faltered when he denied Christ (Luke 22:31–32). But through repentance he returned and was strengthened. Every Christian will face trials that reveal whether faith is genuine.

The Responsibility of Teachers
Paul acknowledges that some of those he converted remained faithful, while others fell away. Demas is an example of one who deserted the faith (2 Timothy 4:10). This brought Paul sorrow, yet Paul’s salvation was not dependent on the choices of others. Each person is accountable for their own faithfulness. Teachers and preachers can plant and water, but each individual must endure. John warned Christians in 2 John 8 to watch themselves, lest they lose what they have worked for. Faithfulness is a personal responsibility that no one can carry for another.

The Temple of God
Paul declares that the church at Corinth collectively was the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). God’s Spirit dwelled among them as they followed His word. To defile the temple was to invite God’s judgment. This same truth applies to every local congregation today. The church is holy because God is holy. Paul uses the same imagery in Ephesians 2:20–22, describing the church as a holy temple built upon Christ the cornerstone. Just as God’s glory once filled the Holy of Holies, so His presence dwells within His people today. This demands holiness and reverence in all that we do.

The Folly of Worldly Wisdom
Paul warns the Corinthians not to be deceived by the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 3:18–20). The world measures success by numbers, money, and influence, but God measures success by faithfulness to His word. Many religious groups have turned to business models, entertainment, and human philosophies to attract followers. But these are worldly methods that defile the church. God calls them foolishness. His ways are higher than man’s ways, and His wisdom is revealed in His word alone. To rely on worldly wisdom is to become a fool in God’s eyes, but to trust His word is to become truly wise.

Christ Alone is Our Foundation
Paul closes this section by reminding the church not to boast in men (1 Corinthians 3:21–23). Whether Paul, Apollos, or Cephas, no man is to be elevated. We belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. Our loyalty is to Him alone. When we follow men, we invite division and error. When we follow Christ, we find unity, holiness, and eternal reward.

Conclusion
The message of 1 Corinthians 3:12–23 is clear: avoid worldly wisdom and cling to God’s word. Trials will come, but genuine faith will endure. The church is God’s holy temple and must not be defiled by human ideas. Let us not glory in men, but in Christ alone, who is our foundation and wisdom.

Avoiding Worldly Wisdom Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

• Corinthian context: strife, division, worldly influence

• Theme: God’s wisdom vs. man’s wisdom

II. Faith Tested by Fire (1 Corinthians 3:12–13)

• Gold, silver, precious stones endure trials

• Wood, hay, stubble fail under pressure

• Trials reveal faith’s quality (1 Peter 4:12)

• Peter’s denial and restoration (Luke 22:31–32)

III. Responsibility of Teachers (1 Corinthians 3:14–15)

• Teachers plant and water, but faith is personal

• Demas as an example of unfaithfulness (2 Timothy 4:10)

• John’s warning: watch yourselves (2 John 8)

• Each believer accountable for their faith

IV. The Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16–17)

• Congregation as God’s temple

• Spirit dwells as we follow His word

• Defilement invites judgment

• Ephesians 2:20–22 – Christ as cornerstone, holy temple

• Call to holiness as God’s dwelling place

V. The Folly of Worldly Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18–20)

• Warning against deception

• World measures success by numbers and wealth

• Many churches adopt worldly methods

• God calls it foolishness

• True wisdom found only in God’s word

VI. Christ Alone is Our Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:21–23)

• Do not glory in men: Paul, Apollos, or Cephas

• All things belong to us in Christ

• We belong to Christ, and Christ to God

• Unity found in Christ alone

VII. Conclusion

• Trials test faith; genuine faith endures

• Each Christian responsible for faithfulness

• The church is God’s temple, holy and precious

• Reject worldly wisdom; cling to God’s word

• Glory only in Christ, our foundation

Call to Action
Let us examine our lives and our congregation. Are we building with gold and silver, or with wood and straw? Are we relying on the wisdom of men, or the wisdom of God? Let us commit to holiness as the temple of God, avoiding worldly wisdom and holding fast to Christ as our only foundation.

Key Takeaways

• Faith is revealed by trials (1 Corinthians 3:12–13; 1 Peter 4:12)

• Each believer is responsible for faithfulness (2 John 8)

• The church is God’s holy temple (1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Ephesians 2:20–22)

• Worldly wisdom defiles the church (1 Corinthians 3:18–20)

• Christ alone is our foundation (1 Corinthians 3:21–23)

Scripture Reference List

• 1 Corinthians 3:12–23 – Faith tested, temple of God, avoiding worldly wisdom

• 1 Peter 4:12 – Fiery trials test believers

• Luke 22:31–32 – Peter sifted by Satan

• 2 Timothy 4:10 – Demas deserted the faith

• 2 John 8 – Watch yourselves to remain faithful

• Ephesians 2:20–22 – Church as holy temple

• Proverbs – Source of God’s wisdom

• Isaiah 55:8–9 – God’s thoughts higher than man’s

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO