1 Corinthians 3: Who Give The Increase?
Verse of the Day: (V6) “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
1. The Grace Of God (V1-11)
V6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
God through Apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthian church as they sought credits for work done for Him. The church was carnal as they served, witnessed, preached, etc., so that others would recognise and praise their labour of love. However, Paul admonished them that it did not matter who planted the seeds or share the gospel of Christ, or who watered the seeds or disciple the new converts, as ultimately it was God who gave the increase, and saved these precious souls from fiery hell to glorious heaven. Indeed, it is God’s grace that we are saved through faith, and not of our works. We are only the builders and building blocks, but Christ is truly the Master-builder and Foundation. Though we serve God, yet we have nothing to glory, because it is all about God and His amazing grace.
V10 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”
2. The Spirit Of God (V12-16)
V13 “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”
When we receive Jesus as our Lord and saviour, God’s Spirit shall indwell in us, and we become His temple. Henceforth, God’s Spirit shall lead and direct us as we share the gospel, disciple converts, and do God’s work. Finally, our work shall be tested by God’s fire to ascertain whether it is truly done with the Spirit’s leadership, or by our own effort.
V16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
3. The Temple Of God (V17-23)
V17 “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
Since we are the temple of God, we must be holy, as God is holy. It is therefore of utmost importance that we strive to be holy by submitting to the leadership of God’s Spirit, and by fleeing from the sight of sins and evil. Indeed, we belong to Christ, and Christ alone.
V23 “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You give the increase and I am truly Yours.
