As harvest is coming to a close, we are reminded that Scripture often uses farming analogies to make spiritual applications. One of these instances is in 1 Corinthians 3. The Apostle Paul is addressing another of the various problems that existed in this struggling church. This one deals with men who were fighting with each other over which spiritual leader they prefer. This is particularly painful for Paul, since his purpose was never to attract people to himself, but to Christ and these men totally missed the point.
Paul had planted this church and stayed for a year and a half to help it get established and grounded. He then appointed Apollos as their overseer or Pastor to take the work forward. As a result of the people of this church getting their eyes off Jesus onto their own selfishness, they were taking sides over which spiritual leader they would follow.
Paul’s response to this foolishness is in 1 Corinthians 3:5-8, What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe–as the Lord has assigned to each his task.6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.
In his simplest terms, Paul is reminding us that the work of the Kingdom is not about what we do but focuses on what God does. The farming analogy helps to clarify his rebuttal. It is necessary for the farmer to plant the seed. It is also necessary to ensure water is provided. A first century field was small enough, this could be done by hand if rain did not come. These two processes are important, but they do not guarantee the seed will grow. This only happens through the miracle of God’s intervention. No farmer could ever take credit for the sprouting of the seed nor its ability to push up through the soil and produce a crop.
In the same way, we are vital to the growth of the Kingdom of God. We have been tasked with planting the spiritual seed of the Gospel and watering it with prayer and loving discipleship. However, we can save no one. The miracle of rebirth is the work of God alone.
There are two important takeaways from this truth. The first, Paul makes very clear. Arguing over who’s method of reaching people for Jesus is best is foolish and misses the point. God can use the efforts of whomever is committed to his purpose and bring about salvation in the life of an individual. The challenge for you and I is to stay faithful in planting and watering.
The second point is closely related but has a very comforting application. When we are faithful in planting and watering the seed of the Gospel, WE CAN’T FAIL! What I mean is this. Over the years I have been a Christ follower, I have shared the message of salvation hundreds of times. Sometimes in group settings and others in one-on-one conversations. Many of the people with whom I shared, did not become new creations. Satan has taken some of those situations and shouted into my ear, “You blew it! You have failed!” And unfortunately, there have been times I have listened and allowed him to discourage me. But the truth is, their choice to reject the message of salvation is between they and God. I am not a player in that transaction.
The encouragement we can take away as men striving to be fully devoted followers of Christ is this. When I obediently fulfill the role God asks of me in building his Kingdom, I must hand the results over to our Lord. This means my success is measured by our Lord in my level of obedience to what he has asked me to do. When I plant and water according to his plan, he is pleased.