How should 1 Corinthians 3:6 influence our perspective on church leadership roles? Key Verse "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." 1 Corinthians 3:6 God Gives the Growth - Leadership gifts are real, but growth belongs to God alone (1 Colossians 3:7; Acts 2:47). - Keeps ministry God-centered, eliminating hero-worship. - John 15:5 echoes: “apart from Me you can do nothing.” Servants, Not Superstars - Paul and Apollos are simply “servants through whom you believed” (1 Colossians 3:5). - Jesus’ pattern: greatness equals servanthood (Mark 10:43-45). - Leaders wash feet before they take platforms (John 13:14-15). Varied Tasks, One Mission - Planting and watering differ yet complement. - Ephesians 4:11-12 lists distinct roles aimed at one outcome: building up the body. - Unity thrives when leaders celebrate each assignment instead of competing. Humility Cultivated by Perspective - Only God produces life; “neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything” (1 Colossians 3:7). - 2 Corinthians 4:7: treasures in jars of clay keep pride in check. - 1 Peter 5:5-6 links humility to God’s timely exaltation. Accountability and Faithfulness - 1 Corinthians 3:8: “each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” - Leaders answer for faithfulness, not for results God alone supplies. - Luke 12:42-44 underscores diligent stewardship. Practical Takeaways for Today’s Church • Gauge success by obedience and spiritual fruit, not celebrity. • Celebrate planters, waterers, and every ministry stream. • Keep prayer central; growth is God’s work (Colossians 4:2-4). • Direct attention past personalities to Christ, the true head (Colossians 1:18). • Guard unity by refusing comparisons; “he who plants and he who waters are one” (1 Colossians 3:8). Encouragement for Every Believer - Faithfulness in your assigned role is enough; God handles the increase. - Serve confidently—His Spirit, not human effort, secures growth (Zechariah 4:6). |
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