You are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

The expectation throughout the whole of the New Testament, is that once we have become a Christian, we should grow up into maturity. Paul here, in 1 Cor. 3:3, is pointing out that the presence of envy, strife and divisions among us, is evidence that we are still carnal, that is spiritually immature.

Though we are admonished not to compare ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12), we are admonished to grow in grace. We are all at different stages, and depending on where we have come from, some of us will have a lot further to go than others, to be spiritually mature. The expectation though, is that we go from glory to glory, as we behold the Lord’s face (2 Cor. 3:18). For the alcoholic, the first months sobriety is perhaps the first stage of his or her glory! For others it may be the realization that we have not arrived! In any case, we cannot go from glory to glory without Him, but as Peter points out in 2 Peter 1:3, He has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him.

Among other things, these two references testify of resources that are available to us, that are worth emphasizing. The first, from the 2 Corinthians reference, has to do with intimacy in worship with the Lord. Paul is talking about the transforming power of His presence. We have a part to play of course, namely that we are to behold His face. We cannot do this without spending time with Him. This is a far cry from our tendency to rush into his presence with a grocery list of prayer requests. I am speaking to myself here!

The second resource is not independent of the first, but rather adds to it. In particular the phrase "knowledge of Him," includes knowing Him in relationship, and also knowing about Him and His ways. We must not neglect the rational side of the knowledge of Him, as some do. So then Paul tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2), and Jesus tells us that if we continue in his Word, then we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free (John 8:31).

Father, thank you that you have already provided everything that I need to live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me to do my part in appropriating this. When I get out of balance, please bring me back. Thank You, that You have begun a good work in me, have promised to bring it to fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In his precious name Amen