1 Corinthians 3:5-9

God Makes the Seed Grow

Paul is explaining in this text that he may have planted the seed of faith in the followers, and Apollos watered that seed, but it was God who made it grow.  Paul points out that he and Apollos were merely using the gifts God gave them to serve others.

The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:8-9)

The reason for this statement was to point to God as the one to be worshiped and the one to whom all thanksgiving and praise belongs. Some in Corinth were beginning to give undo homage to Paul and Apollos, they were splitting into factions and pledging their loyalty to a man instead of God.  This practice was splitting the Church in Corinth.

I learned this lesson the hard way.  Many years ago, as a new Christian, I felt a real connection to the pastor at my church.  He was young and dynamic and very personable.  My husband and I developed a real friendship with him and his family.  When he announced one Sunday that he was accepting a call at another church, we were devastated; but some learned that this had to happen.  It was God’s will as many of us in the congregation were attending church for the wrong reasons.

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Read the selected text, 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, here.  Listen to the audio recording here.