In this lecture, Don Carson discusses 1 Corinthians 3, highlighting the apostle Paul’s warning against factionalism and emphasizing that Christian leaders are servants of God. The church is portrayed as God’s temple, where believers are accountable for how it’s treated, and Christian work will be tested by fire. Carson urges believers to value the church’s eternal significance, live in unity, and honor the body of Christ with gratitude and reverence.

He teaches the following:

• First Corinthians 3 has been used to teach unbiblical doctrines.
• A common evangelical interpretation of the passage divides humanity into natural, carnal, and spiritual men.
• Christian leaders are mere servants whose only allegiance should be to God.
• The foundation of the church is Jesus Christ, and leaders must build on this with materials that endure.
• Factionalists ignore the wealth of the Christian heritage, focusing on individual leaders.
• The church is a functioning body animated by God’s Spirit.
• The church is the only significant institution with eternal significance.
• Christians should live with profound gratitude and love for the church.