God Who Makes Things Grow
Date: May 24, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (NIV): "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building."
L - Listen for God's Word and Pray: Dear Lord, as I approach Your Word, I open my heart to listen to Your voice. Speak to me through 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 and reveal the wisdom and truth You want me to grasp. Help me understand the significance of being co-workers in Your service and how it applies to my life. May Your Spirit guide me as I seek to grow in faith. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church, addressing issues of division and spiritual immaturity among believers. In these verses, Paul uses the metaphor of planting and watering to illustrate the cooperative nature of ministry and the importance of God's role in causing spiritual growth. He emphasizes that while human ministers may plant seeds of faith or water them through teaching and guidance, it is ultimately God who brings about growth and transformation in the hearts of people. Ministers have their roles, but they are dependent on God's power and grace. Believers are co-workers in God's service, each contributing their unique labor, and will be rewarded accordingly.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Seed" represents the message of the Gospel and the initial planting of faith in people's hearts.
"Water" symbolizes the ongoing nurture, teaching, and discipleship that help believers grow and mature in their faith.
"God makes things grow" highlights the essential role of God in causing spiritual growth and transformation.
"Co-workers" emphasizes the collaborative nature of ministry, with believers participating in God's work and serving His purposes.
S - Summarize and Share:
Paul tells us, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow." How awesome is that?
This verse teaches us about teamwork in ministry. Different people have different roles in spreading the faith. Some sow the seed by sharing the Gospel, while others water it by teaching and guiding. But here's the best part: It's God who makes things grow. It's not about us and our efforts alone.
We are all in this together, working alongside God. We're like a big team, and God's the star player. He sees our labor and rewards us according to our faithfulness. Isn't that encouraging? We can make a difference when we work hand in hand with God.
Imagine being part of God's field and building. He's working through us, using us to bring about growth and change. It's a pretty incredible partnership, right? Our job is to keep sowing seeds of love, kindness, and truth wherever we go. We can water those seeds by living out our faith and being a positive influence.
And guess what? Our efforts matter. They're not in vain. God sees every little thing we do, and He'll make sure we're rewarded. So let's serve faithfully, knowing that through our partnership with God, we can impact lives and bring about transformation.
Remember, it's not about being formal or having all the answers. It's about being real and being willing to work alongside God. Let's embrace our role as co-workers in His service. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Bible Cross References:
Mark 4:26-29 (NIV): "He also said, 'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.'"
Acts 18:24-28 (NIV): "Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah."
1 Corinthians 9:7-12 (NIV): "Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.' Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV): "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."