1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (NET) What is Apollos, really? Or what is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, and each of us in the ministry the Lord gave us. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow. So neither the one who plants counts for anything, nor the one who waters, but God who causes the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters work as one, but each will receive his reward according to his work. We are coworkers belonging to God. You are God’s field, God’s building.
If I understand the context of this scripture correctly, many of the Corinthians were squabbling over who were followers of Paul or who were followers of Apollos; and furthermore, which held more status (cf. vs. 3-4)? Immediately, Paul corrects them and directs their focus upon God. Paul may have planted seeds (e.g., introduced someone to the Gospel) and Apollos may have watered those seeds (e.g., taught, explained, nurtured); but as Paul explains none of that takes priority for it is God who causes growth. It is God, who planned and provided for Salvation through his Son. It is God, who in his gracious mercy, forgives each one. It is God who causes us to grow in his love as we abide in Him. It’s not about us; it’s about God.
1 Corinthians 3:9b-11 (NET) You are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master-builder I laid a foundation, but someone else builds on it. And each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ.
To further explain his point, Paul then transitions from agriculture to construction. He wanted Christians to understand that the planting and watering...the building and constructing...means nothing unless it is upon the true foundation—Jesus Christ. And this is the same message for us today. It’s not about us; it’s about Christ.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
You gave Paul and Apollos work to do for you, and they were faithful. Now we are the ones with work to do for you. Whether you have given us the job of preaching, teaching, nurturing, helping, encouraging...no matter what job you have given us...guide us to be your faithful workers. May we always remember that it’s not about us; for You are the One who causes growth and there can be no other foundation than Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scriptures quotations marked NET are taken from the New English Translation Bible® http://netbible.com copyright © 1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
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