Profundities From the Apostle Paul

It has been a while since I have written on the topic above. Below is today's verse and entry.


1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

The Apostle Paul would not be a part of a "statistical or personality competition" among the members at the Corinthian church. He wanted the Corinthians to know that, even though there were personality favorites among some of the people there, he and Apollos were really not "any thing" but only servants who "planted" and "watered." He concludes, "but God giveth the increase." The pastor/minister's responsibility is to be planting and/or watering or possibly even plowing the new field. Paul expressed the feelings of the heart of a team member and not individual desire for accolades.

Carnal Christians and/or churches tend to gravitate towards certain personalities. Sadly, it is still prevalent in churches today. The Corinthian letters are still very much needed in some of the American culture today where pastors and ministers are evaluated by their personality and performance instead of ability to minister and their faithfulness in service.

The Apostle Paul was constantly being spotlighted by those that would judge his ministry. However he counters these self-appointed judges by writing, "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self" 1Corinthians 4:3. Clearly, the Apostle Paul is speaking about "not judging his own ministry." Of course, he was continuously "examining his relationship with Christ." And he pressed forward to become more like Him. He says, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. . ." Philippians 3:10

Could you imagine some in Israel saying, "Well my favorite prophet is Jeremiah." Humorous thought, huh?

Let us consider that each one that God places in His vineyard has a specific part to fulfill and no one of them is more vital than the other, regardless of "statistics," "personalities," or "performance."

Dear God help us to work together as a team. After all, "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it. . ." Psalms 127:1

TEAM. Together Each Accomplishes More.

What do you think? Any input?