How can we apply the principle of God giving growth in our ministries? Rooted in the Text “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:7) Seeing the Big Picture • Paul and Apollos carried out real, tangible work—planting and watering. • Yet all genuine increase came from the Lord’s hand. • The verse shifts our eyes from human effort to divine agency. Recognizing God’s Sovereignty in Ministry • Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” • John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Acts 2:47: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Takeaway: visible results are never detached from God’s invisible activity. Prioritizing Faithfulness over Outcomes • Our assignment: plant and water diligently. • God’s role: produce the harvest in His timing and scale. • Galatians 6:9 counsels perseverance, not panic over numbers. • Practical shift: evaluate ministry by obedience to God’s call, not by comparing statistics. Cultivating Dependence through Prayer • Colossians 4:2 reminds us to “devote yourselves to prayer.” • Prayer confesses, “We can’t make hearts alive; You can.” • Build prayer into every planning session, outreach, or rehearsal. Serving Humbly Together • 1 Corinthians 3:8 speaks of each receiving “his own reward according to his own labor,” eliminating rivalry. • Celebrate another ministry’s fruit as God’s gift, not a threat. • Encourage cross-team support: share resources, testimonies, time. Guarding the Message—Planting Pure Seed • Luke 8:11: “The seed is the word of God.” • Purity of doctrine matters; compromised seed produces weak plants. • Commit to Scripture-centered teaching, trusting the Word’s inherent power (Isaiah 55:11). Working While Resting in God • Mark 4:26-29 shows seed sprouting “he himself does not know how.” • Pair diligent activity with Sabbath rhythms—regular rest signals confidence that growth is God’s work, not ours. Measuring Success by Spiritual Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23 describes the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace… • Look for transformed lives, deeper worship, expanding compassion, not just attendance spikes. Putting It into Practice 1. Start every team meeting by reading 1 Corinthians 3:7 aloud. 2. Set outcome goals (events, lessons, visits) but submit them in prayer, “Lord, give the increase.” 3. Record answered prayers and unexpected doors God opens—celebrate His fingerprints. 4. Share testimonies monthly: where only God could have turned a seed into growth. 5. Resist boasting: redirect praise to Christ whenever someone compliments the ministry. 6. Review teaching content quarterly to ensure it remains firmly rooted in Scripture. 7. Schedule regular rest days for leaders, modeling trust that God’s work continues even when ours pauses. Final Encouragement Keep planting. Keep watering. God never fails to honor His promise: He—and He alone—gives the growth. |
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