Unconverted Christians A study of 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

1 Corinthians 3:1-4 1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?

Luke 22:31-32 31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, (converted – KJV) strengthen your brethren." This was said after more than 3 years of being one of the apostles of Jesus.

Unconverted Christians Some claim to be Christians – BUT: They do not want religion to interfere with their life or morals They will attend church – but not allow Christ to influence their lifestyle They want the reward, but not the work They want heaven, but not the commitment

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. Unconverted Christians are not spiritual people The world is their moral standard They were baptized – but remain living “in the flesh?

1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able Unconverted Christians attend church for years but do not grasp meatier subjects. They still need milk, not solid food Hebrews 5:13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

1 Corinthians 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able Teach them about morals – feelings are hurt Teach about faithfulness – become more sporadic in attendance Teach about deeper matters – they cannot understand

1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? Unconverted Christians hinder the work of the local congregation Envy / jealousy Strife / contention Divisions

1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? Unconverted Christians are confused about the nature of Christianity. Refer to themselves as “Church of Christers” They see “Christians” in all denominations

How can we help unconverted Christians? 1. Recognize in reality there are more unconverted Christians than we want to admit.

How can we help unconverted Christians? 1. Recognize in reality there are more unconverted Christians that we want to admit. 2. Distinguish between those who are never converted and those who are just spiritually immature.

How can we help unconverted Christians? 1. Recognize in reality there are more unconverted Christians that we want to admit. 2. Distinguish between those who are never converted and those who are just spiritually immature. 3. Take weak Christians ‘under your wing.’

How can we help unconverted Christians? 1. Recognize in reality there are more unconverted Christians that we want to admit. 2. Distinguish between those who are never converted and those who are just spiritually immature. 3. Take weak Christians ‘under your wing.’ 4. Change how the church recognizes members.

How can we help unconverted Christians? 1. Recognize in reality there are more unconverted Christians that we want to admit. 2. Distinguish between those who are never converted and those who are just spiritually immature. 3. Take weak Christians ‘under your wing.’ 4. Change how the church recognizes members. 5. Preach the Word.