Still Drinking Milk or Eating Solid Food – Co-workers in the Lord
Pastor Tan Thai · Oct 9, 2016
This sermon, based on 1 Corinthians 3:5-15, encourages mature believers to accept the responsibilities God assigns them and to work harmoniously together in the church without jealousy or rivalry. Spiritually mature Christians understand that growth comes from God, not personal achievement, and that each person will receive a reward corresponding to their faithful service.
This sermon, preached on Sunday, October 9, 2016, continues from the previous week's message on jealousy and rivalry in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. The pastor focuses on 1 Corinthians 3:5-15 to identify concrete characteristics of a spiritually mature believer, particularly in the context of working together within the local church. The sermon is structured around two main points: each person has a specific assignment, and each assignment carries its own reward.
The first section presents three marks of spiritual maturity. First, mature believers trust and obey God even when they do not fully understand their assignment, as illustrated by Abraham who went out 'not knowing where he was going' (Hebrews 11:8) and Moses who was called from the wilderness. Second, they embrace the diversity of the church body, recognizing that each member has a distinct function as taught in 1 Corinthians 12:12-22, and they do not impose their own methods on others. Third, they work with humility, joy, and harmony, understanding that it is God who causes growth, while the one who plants and the one who waters are equal co-workers in Him.
The second section addresses God's just reward system. Through the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-15, the pastor reminds the congregation that God entrusts resources according to each person's capacity and expects faithful investment. Those who are faithful with what they are given—whether much or little—will receive a proportionate reward. Those who bury their talent out of fear or comparison will lose what they have. Hebrews 6:10 affirms that God is not unjust and will not forget the labor of love shown in His name.
The pastor then expounds the building materials imagery in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, contrasting gold, silver, and precious stones—representing work built according to Scripture and the Holy Spirit's wisdom—with wood, hay, and stubble—representing work built on worldly wisdom, for personal glory or gain. On the last day, fire will test every person's work. The pastor calls the congregation to build their lives and the church with eternal materials: things that endure forever, such as love, humility, and a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
The sermon closes with a challenge drawn from the Sermon on the Mount: there are only two paths, two foundations, and two decisions before every person. The pastor quotes Jim Elliot—'He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose'—as a practical exhortation to give one's time, energy, and gifts to God's work willingly, joyfully, and without jealousy or rivalry.