1 Corinthians, 3
4. For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apol'los," are you not merely men?
4. For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apol'los," are you not merely men?
Chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians addresses the question of spiritual maturity and the construction of the church as a spiritual building. Paul urges Corinthians to set aside envy and divisions caused by following different religious leaders and uniting in Christ. He teaches that religious leaders are only servants of God and that it is God who grows the church. Paul also warns of the importance of building on the foundation of Christ and the need to get rid of anything that can destroy God's work.
Ephesians 2:19-20: "As soon as you are no longer foreign, nor stranger, but fellow citizens of the saints and the family of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, being Jesus Christ himself the cornerstone." This verse highlights the importance of the foundation of Christ and the apostles in the construction of the Church as a spiritual building.
Psalm 127:1: "If the Lord does not build the house, in vain work those who build it; if the Lord does not keep the city, in vain watches the sentry." This verse emphasizes the need for God's presence and work in the construction of any spiritual work.
1 Peter 2:5: "And also, as living stones, you are built Holy Spiritual House and Priesthood, to offer pleasant spiritual sacrifices to God for Jesus Christ." This verse highlights the participation of believers in the construction of the Church as a spiritual building, being themselves living stones that make up the spiritual house.
Matthew 7:24-25: "Everyone, for, who listens to these words and practices them, I will resemble him to the prudent man, who built his house over the rock. The winds and hit with a moment against that house; yet it did not fall, because it was founded on the rock. " This verse emphasizes the importance of building on a solid and resistant foundation, as well as in the construction of the church as a spiritual building.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13: "For, just as the body is one and has many members, and all members, many, are one body, so is Christ as well. For we were all baptized in a spirit, forming A body, whether Jews, and Greeks, or servants, and free, and we have all drunk from one spirit. " This verse highlights the importance of unity among believers and everyone's participation in the construction of the Church as a spiritual building.
“Diga ao Senhor: Faça em mim segundo a Tua vontade, mas antes de mandar-me o sofrimento, dê-me forças para que eu possa sofrer com amor.”. São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
