Wednesday 30 March 2022

What is meant by, “all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21-23)?

“Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Cor. 3:21-23, NKJV).

In this section of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he is pleading with his readers to seek true wisdom (vv. 18-23). Their highly-esteemed human wisdom should yield to the true wisdom of God even though the world regards it as foolishness (cf. 1:18-25). Rather than boasting in men (like Paul, Apollos, Cephas, 1:12), realize that as children and heirs of God, “all things are yours” (vv. 21-23). Prominent teachers like Paul, Apollos, and Cephas are not lords over whom to divide your loyalties or to boast in but are merely your servants (cf. 3:5). 


All are yours: the world, life, death, present or future (cf. Rom. 8:32-39; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; 2 Cor. 6:4-10; Heb. 2:14-15). As God’s children we are joint-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17). Outside of Christ the world, life, death, present and future are worrisome and oppressive, but the Lord enables us to master these potential burdens and be victorious (cf. 15:23-28, 54-57; Rom. 8:35-39). “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, litle flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:31-32). 


You are Christ’s. You belong to Christ instead of human leaders (1 Cor. 1:12-13; 2 Cor. 10:7; Heb. 2:13), and Christ is God’s in the divine hierarchical arrangement that facilitates the scheme of redemption (1 Cor. 11:3; John 14:28).


--Kevin L. Moore


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Image credit: https://www.cmacan.org/outstretched-arms/

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