Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

In some kind of extreme anti-aging event, the Corinthians have stayed spiritual infants. This analogy brings some significant implications: First, infants do not know how to take care of themselves or even how to grow food or make money to buy food. They rely on their mother’s milk. A good mother will eat healthy food to provide healthy nutrients for her infant. In the same way Paul nursed along the faith of the Corinthians while he was with them. And now, a few years later, he finds that they still have a faith that must have others feed it and take care of it. They have not matured to being able to feed themselves, discern right from wrong, learn how to be selfless and serve others, and seek after God and his Kingdom first.

Second, infants cry and toddlers get angry at the most simple things. Paul mentions that the Corinthians quarrel about things that are not important. This dims the light of the gospel. See what he says here in Philippians: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
(‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭16‬)

Third, they are jealous of each other. This jealousy could be over money, leadership position, popularity, or given praise by others. Jealousy creates a heart of bitterness in the church towards our brothers and sisters. It has no place in a believer’s walk.

Finally, he calls them worldly. Their goals are worldly goals, their minds are focused on worldly success marker’s, and their actions come with selfish motives to make their lives easier or better.

This is clearly a rebuke by Paul of the Corinthians. And it was a hard pill to swallow for them, I am sure. But it was also lovingly given. Paul cares about them.

How would I take a loving rebuke, rooted in the truth of God’s Word?

Lord, thank you for this passage in which Paul calls out the Corinthians for their lack of faith and maturity in their walk with you. Help me to be someone who can listen to and take corrective action when rebuked. It is wise to listen to correction and determine if it’s godly first; and if it is, to thank the person who offered it. Condition my heart, O Lord, to be receptive to your discipline and to those that you choose to deliver your messages aimed at use steering me in the right direction.