Why the Church Still Matters: Learning to Love What Jesus Loves | 1 Corinthians 3
Many people today say, “I love Jesus, but I don’t need the church.” Some have been disappointed or hurt by Christians. Others view the church as an unnecessary institution and believe they can follow Jesus just as well on their own.
The church certainly has imperfections because it is made up of imperfect people. Yet Scripture does not allow us to separate Jesus from His church. To follow Christ faithfully, we must learn to value what He values, and Jesus deeply values His church.
The church certainly has imperfections because it is made up of imperfect people. Yet Scripture does not allow us to separate Jesus from His church. To follow Christ faithfully, we must learn to value what He values, and Jesus deeply values His church.
The Church Is More Than a Building
Paul told the believers in Corinth:
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” -1 Corinthians 3:16
We often apply this verse to individual believers. Scripture does teach that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 6:19. However, in 1 Corinthians 3, Paul is speaking to believers collectively. Together, believers are the temple of God.
Under the old covenant, God’s presence was associated with the tabernacle and later the temple. Under the new covenant, God dwells within His people. The church is not primarily a physical building, a religious organization, or a weekly service. The church is the people of God, gathered around Jesus Christ and indwelt by His Holy Spirit.
That means gathering with other believers is not merely another activity on our schedule. Something sacred happens when God’s people worship, study His Word, pray, serve, and encourage one another.
Under the old covenant, God’s presence was associated with the tabernacle and later the temple. Under the new covenant, God dwells within His people. The church is not primarily a physical building, a religious organization, or a weekly service. The church is the people of God, gathered around Jesus Christ and indwelt by His Holy Spirit.
That means gathering with other believers is not merely another activity on our schedule. Something sacred happens when God’s people worship, study His Word, pray, serve, and encourage one another.
The Church Belongs to Jesus
The church does not belong to a pastor, denomination, leadership team, or congregation. It belongs to Jesus. He purchased it with His own blood.
This is why Paul gives such a serious warning:
This is why Paul gives such a serious warning:
“If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” -1 Corinthians 3:17
God takes seriously anything that damages His church. False teaching, sexual immorality, gossip, pride, division, and the mistreatment of His people are not minor concerns. They tear down something Christ died to redeem.
This warning applies especially to those who lead and teach. Ministry must never become a means of promoting ourselves, gathering personal followers, or elevating one personality above Christ. Jesus alone is the foundation of the church. Everything built upon that foundation must agree with His Word and reflect His character.
This warning applies especially to those who lead and teach. Ministry must never become a means of promoting ourselves, gathering personal followers, or elevating one personality above Christ. Jesus alone is the foundation of the church. Everything built upon that foundation must agree with His Word and reflect His character.
Christians Were Never Meant to Follow Jesus Alone
Biblical discipleship is not an isolated journey. We need other believers to encourage us, correct us, pray for us, serve beside us, and help us grow.
The New Testament repeatedly commands Christians to serve “one another.” We are to love one another, bear one another’s burdens, forgive one another, encourage one another, and stir one another up toward love and good works. Those commands cannot be faithfully practiced in isolation.
The church is not merely a place we attend. It is a family to which we belong and a body in which every believer has a part.
The New Testament repeatedly commands Christians to serve “one another.” We are to love one another, bear one another’s burdens, forgive one another, encourage one another, and stir one another up toward love and good works. Those commands cannot be faithfully practiced in isolation.
The church is not merely a place we attend. It is a family to which we belong and a body in which every believer has a part.
Loving Jesus Means Loving His Church
Loving the church does not mean ignoring sin, excusing harmful leadership, or pretending that problems do not exist. Scripture provides ways to confront sin, practice church discipline, protect people, and hold leaders accountable.
But our goal should always be restoration, faithfulness, and the glory of Christ - not gossip, personal revenge, or unnecessary division. We should become people who build up the church rather than tear it down.
The church may sometimes look weak, divided, or imperfect. Nevertheless, Jesus still loves His bride. He purchased her, dwells within her, and continues to sanctify her.
If we are disciples of Jesus, we should ask ourselves: Do I love what Jesus loves? Am I committed to His people? Am I using my gifts to strengthen His church? Do my words promote unity, truth, and reconciliation?
We cannot claim to take Jesus seriously while treating His church casually. The church still matters because it matters to Him. Therefore, let us love what Jesus loves, protect what He purchased, and use our lives to build up what belongs to Him.
But our goal should always be restoration, faithfulness, and the glory of Christ - not gossip, personal revenge, or unnecessary division. We should become people who build up the church rather than tear it down.
The church may sometimes look weak, divided, or imperfect. Nevertheless, Jesus still loves His bride. He purchased her, dwells within her, and continues to sanctify her.
If we are disciples of Jesus, we should ask ourselves: Do I love what Jesus loves? Am I committed to His people? Am I using my gifts to strengthen His church? Do my words promote unity, truth, and reconciliation?
We cannot claim to take Jesus seriously while treating His church casually. The church still matters because it matters to Him. Therefore, let us love what Jesus loves, protect what He purchased, and use our lives to build up what belongs to Him.
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