When kings act like beggars (1.Cor 3:21-23)

So then let no one boast in men For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God. (1.Cor 3:21-23)

At the core of the conflicts and divisions in Corinth, was their possessiveness of preachers. Paul is my preacher one would say. Another would claim Apollos. Another Cephas. It is in our nature to fend for our possessions. We don't want anyone messing with our stuff. That worked when you weren’t part of God’s church, but now it doesn’t anymore. Because now, everything is ours.

What would you say to a king if you found him in a dirty back alley fighting with someone over a half-eaten sandwich from a trash can? You’d say “Come to your senses! You own everything. Why do you fight over nothing?” That is in essence what Paul is saying to the Corinthians.

Why would you fight over Apollos, or Paul, when every preacher of righteousness who ever lived belongs to you? Including the one you’re fighting against!

The entire world world, though it is in the grip of the Devil, belongs to you. Your aim is to recue it, and not destroy it. Because if you do, you destroy what is yours.

Life and death belongs to you. It is no longer death to die. “Death where is your victory? Death where is your sting?” (1Cor 15:55). “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25-26) Death has become your servant, who carries your soul into the presence of Christ?

Things present and things to come belongs to you.The riches and glories of Heaven are awaiting you. We are seated with him in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). Is not the bride of Christ provided for? So why are you fighting over crumbs?