Paul expressed his disappointment with the Corinthians’ lack of spiritual growth and rebuked them for their divisive favoritism (I Corinthians 3:2-4). He went on to explain that this unwarranted elevation of personalities struck at the very core of the gospel ministry. He challenged his readers, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (I Corinthians 3:5-6).
The advance of the gospel goes forward by the power of God – not men. It was imperative that the Corinthians understood this. Their sense of self was eclipsing their ability to see the ministry as God intended it to be. God uses men to make the gospel known, but it is the gospel that saves men’s souls and changes their lives. Paul testified to them “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (I Corinthians 3:7). It was a pointed reminder of Christ’s own words, “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).
God gives his children the privilege in sharing in this eternal work. While that is a great privilege in and of itself, He also rewards us for doing so! Listen to Paul’s instruction and encouragement to the Corinthians. “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (I Corinthians 3:8-9).
First, he challenges their vision by reminding them there is only one work. There are those that “planteth” and those that “watereth”, but there is only one work. Second, he encourages them that no matter the role they fill, they are rewarded for their labor. No one can take that from them. Their reward is according to their work and theirs alone – not the labor of someone else. Being harnessed together in a single work of eternal value with the promise of personal reward is a great incentive to both unselfishness and faithfulness.
This is the work of the gospel. The global ministry of God’s word unto the building of his church requires countless laborers of every skill and talent. Each one has been endowed by the Lord himself to serve in a way to impact eternity and know a reward reserved exclusively for him. Every member of his body, the church, is equipped of the Lord and enabled to serve in a calling unique to him. Each one has a part to play and God is faithful to reward each. What are you doing for the gospel’s sake? Have you gotten a glimpse of this higher calling and, more importantly, is it tethered to all your labors in every venue of life?
From the Chaplain 