1Corinthians 3:21-23 comments: all things are ours

3:21 ¶  Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22  Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23  And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

It is not unusual for human beings to want to follow a charismatic leader or to focus on an individual with leadership qualities. In politics it has often been the proverbial ‘man on horseback’ as a powerful force in history. But, Christians are called not to glory in men. We should follow no one but Christ and all of our mentors and spiritual leaders are just facilitators guiding us in doctrine and practice, doing their part to build our faith. They should not seek glory for themselves even if they put off a fake spirituality, a phony humbleness, and a pretense of only wanting to serve God. You can read their true intentions by how unaccountable they think they should be for their actions, how dismissive they are of the concerns, the time, and the efforts of others, and how they view the church as their personal possession and ministry rather than as the church of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah 9:23 ¶  Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Senior management in corporations and in governmental bodies is often composed of narcissistic sociopaths who, as the old joke goes, ‘if they ever change their religion, it will be because they no longer think they are God.’ These things are of the world and have no place in the Christian church that seeks to serve Christ.

All things belong to those who love God through Christ. Perhaps you will not see that come to fruition in this current world system but the time is coming.

Romans 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

The earth will not be turned to God by a violent revolution led by men or even your peaceful efforts to win souls for Christ but by Christ Himself at His coming.

Revelation 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Our life forever with God is of far more importance to Him than our acquisition of success and material possessions, of education, wealth, and prominence in this world. All things does not mean you will have that palace you always dreamed of on the lake or that place of importance in the world as it is. All things that God holds as having a value are ours through Christ. Our warfare, as we will be told later, is a spiritual warfare and our struggle is within us in obeying God and rejecting sin against Him in our lives.

2Corinthians 10:1 ¶  Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2  But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6  And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Paul has laid out a great argument against celebrity worship in the church and against following men as the Corinthians foremost doctrinal and spiritual error. Finally, he makes it clear that the future belongs to those who love God.