“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7, KJV).
Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth. He accused the members of that local congregation of being carnal-minded. Some members were saying they were followers of Paul. Others, of Apollos (see verse 4). I still see that happening in the church today; members rallying behind their favorite preacher.
This is not necessarily wrong. We should be discerning about whom we lend our ears and heart to when it comes to hearing the Word of God.
I realize that statement can be taken the wrong way. For instance, some church attendees are extremely selective as to which portions of the Bible they will give ear to. Accordingly, they gravitate toward the preacher who preaches what they want to hear. I am not condoning this kind of selective listening to the Word of God.
Paul called the church members’ attention to where it needed to be focused—on God. As for himself and Apollos, he said they were co-laborers with God (verse 9).
When the apostle says, “I have planted,” this is reference to the fact that he was the one who laid the foundation for the church at Corinth. “Apollos watered,” meaning he built upon the work that Paul had started there. But the increase that came from their labor, Paul attributed it all to God.
We Do the Labor; God Gives the Increase
The same is true about us today. How blessed we are to be co-laborers with God today in the world and in the church. He may use some of us in ways that bring some of us much success and notoriety in the ministry. For this we should be thankful and even rejoice. But, remember, it’s not about us but about God. He is always the One who gives the increase.
This does not mean that what we do or how we do it is not important. It pleases the Lord when we faithfully do the work He has called us to. He will bless the work of our hands when we are faithful. When He does and people begin heaping the praise upon us, however, let us not get beyond ourselves. No matter how much personal effort we put into what we do, God is the One who causes our labor to succeed.
As we look around us, we can see that we need much more of God at work in today’s crazy world. I believe many believers pray to this end. But we must do more than pray. We must do the planting and watering so God can give the increase. We do this by obeying our Lord’s commandment found in Matthew 28:19-20. There can be no abundant increase without ample planting and watering first.
Of course, God can do things without us, and He sometimes does. But His desire is to work in and through His people. To this end, He has gifted and equipped each of us. So, what have you been equipped and called to do as a co-laborer with God?
Scriptures About Us as Laborers
Though we are saved by grace and not by works, we have been called to be laborers. Here are some additional applicable Bible verses:
1.“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all…” (1 Corinthians 15:10, KJV).
2. “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38, KJV).
3. “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13, KJV).
These are just of few of the verses confirming us as laborers with and for the Lord. But the message is abundantly clear, regarding our calling as laborers. Though we are saved by grace, we will be rewarded according to our works.
So, how committed are you to being a co-laborer with God?
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.