God Increases

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

—1 Corinthians 3:6 

 

The Apostle Paul founded the church in Corinth and served as its first pastor until Apollos, a respected and educated man from Alexandria, Egypt, was appointed as his successor. Shortly after Paul's departure, Apollos became the senior pastor of the Corinthian church. Apollos was renowned for his eloquent preaching.

The Corinthian believers began to compare Apollos's preaching style with Paul's. Some long-standing members held Paul in high regard and struggled to appreciate the new pastor's approach. Others admired Apollos and claimed that his preaching exceeded Paul's. The Gospel they both preached was the same; the difference lay in how they delivered it.

Upon learning of the divisions in the Corinthian church regarding his and Apollos' differing ministry styles, Paul wrote to them, stating, "I have planted, Apollos watered…" (1 Corinthians 3:6). 

In this verse, the term "planted" comes from the Greek word "phuteuo," which denotes the act of planting. By using this term, Paul described his role in Corinth as a planter. His purpose was to pierce the city's darkness with the light of the Gospel. Corinth was undoubtedly among Paul's most significant challenges in ministry.

Like a garden left untended and overgrown with weeds, demonic forces overran Corinth. To sow the Gospel in the hearts of the people and establish the church in such a challenging, sinister place, Paul needed to demonstrate God's miraculous power, which opened the door to the Gospel. He worked tirelessly to uproot the weeds of the demonic influence of the worship of Greek gods and goddesses. Paul dedicated himself to this work for a year and a half. When he eventually departed from Corinth to pursue his mission in another city, the Corinthian church was planted, deeply rooted, and bearing fruit.

Paul was fully aware of where his responsibility as a planter ended and another equally important responsibility began. This understanding is why he continued in 1 Corinthians 3:6, saying, "I have planted, Apollos watered…." The word "watered" comes from the Greek term "potidzo." It can also be translated as "to irrigate" or "to absorb," which conveys the idea of being soaked with water in the context of this verse. 

Paul told the Corinthians: "Apollos soaked you with the Gospel!" He acknowledged what an incredible job Apollos did in the Corinthian church. Paul had pulled the weeds, kept out the vermin, planted the seed, and started the new growth of the young church. Apollos then nurtured it, watering it regularly with God's Word and contributing equally to its growth. The roles of both pastors were vital. Each played a significant part in the spiritual development of the church.

In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul clarified that he had planted and Apollos had watered, but God gave the increase in the church. This verse teaches us about our dependence on God for growth, regardless of our attentive planting and watering. While we can fulfill our responsibilities, it is solely God who provides the guidance, means, and power for growth. Without Him, all our efforts would be in vain. Therefore, as we serve to the best of our ability in whatever role He has assigned us, we must remember that we are not accountable for the growth and success of our work. It is God who gives the increase.

You should acknowledge and thank the people who have played a significant role in your life. But never make the mistake the Corinthians did—get so fixated on personalities that you forget that God is the One who really makes the seed grow!

As you fulfill your God-given role in someone else's life, do your best with what He has entrusted to you. Cultivate the soil, plant the seed, and provide the nourishment necessary for spiritual growth. God calls you to assist Him by doing your part. You are wholly dependent on Him for increase. 

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Lord Jesus, I am grateful for the people who have significantly influenced my spiritual growth. Many have supported, corrected, helped, and taught me throughout the years. Reflecting on the countless investments others have made in my life fills me with amazement and gratitude for Your love. Holy Spirit, please guide me in expressing my appreciation to those You have sent to nurture me. Most importantly, I thank You for providing what no one else could offer. While others have contributed greatly to my life, You are the true source of any growth and success I have experienced in the past and am experiencing now. Without Your presence, none of this would be possible today, so I want to sincerely thank You with all my heart for investing Yourself in me. Without You, I can do nothing. With You, all things are possible. Lord, help me to rely only on you. I want nothing in me that keeps me from all of you. Help me, Lord. Keep increasing in me.

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