READ: 1 Corinthians 3 (Focus vs. 5-9)
MEMORY VERSE
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6
BACKGROUND*
After years of discipling Caleb by himself, Mark was dismayed to find out that a church leader had assigned another mentor to the young man. The leader remarked, “Finally, Caleb has a mentor.”
What did they think I was doing all these years? Mark wondered. Though he hadn’t expected any reward or recognition, he couldn’t help feeling hurt. Years later, however, Caleb told Mark that he’d entered Caleb’s life just when he most needed spiritual guidance.
On hearing these encouraging words, Mark came to this realization: God gives believers in Jesus specific gifts to serve Him differently—without comparing with others—and He oversees the timing.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Paul stresses the value of members of the body of Christ, the church, having different gifts, roles, and assignments. And in chapter 3, he reminds us of the one who’s the ultimate source of the results: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (v. 6).
Each of us may be given a unique season and opportunity to do God’s work. Unlike people, God doesn’t compare our work, for He loves us as individuals.
May we keep our eyes and hearts focused on doing our best in the season that God has given us—relying completely on His strength and empowerment—and not worry about what others achieve in their own way and time.
Leslie Koh
INSIGHT
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul offers a way of seeing ministry that avoids two dangers: overemphasizing and aligning with individual leaders or, on the opposite side, not recognizing the value of the service of others.
Paul describes the community of believers in Jesus as a field (vv. 6-9) and a building under construction (vv. 9-14). In both metaphors, leaders are merely humble laborers called by God to specific tasks (vv. 5-8). Only He gets the credit; only God “[makes] it grow” (v. 6).
Although the focus in 1 Corinthians 3 is on specific leaders with designated authority roles in the community rather than on individual believers, the language of “each” being rewarded (v. 8) anticipates chapter 12, where Paul explains that God gifts “each one” in Christ’s body through the Spirit (v. 7).
Believers are called to respond to what God is doing in and around them—using their gifts to honor Him and bless others.
Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What opportunities has God given you to use the gifts He’s provided for you? How can you best use these in this time and season?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Unlike people, God doesn’t compare our work, for He loves us as individuals. May we keep our eyes and hearts focused on doing our best in the season that God has given us—relying completely on His strength and empowerment…”
PR’s TAKE
“Believers are called to respond to what God is doing in and around them—using their gifts to honor Him and bless others.” Today’s Insight
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1Corinthians 15:58)
“God calls you to use all your gifts, talents and influence to serve others. Fight the lie that her talents are better than yours.” Proverbs 31 Ministries
PRAYER
“Gift-giving God, please help me to focus on the work You’ve given me to do.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“GOD WE GIVE YOU ALL OUR GIFTS” Unfolding Light
God, we give you all our gifts,
For they have come by grace from you. Take them, bless them, use them
For the work that you intend to do.
We are grateful for your blessings, Grace you give a million ways.
May our gratitude resound through all our lives with joyous praise.
All that you entrust to us is meant for all the world to share;
We are stewards of your grace to scatter wide your loving care.
All our gifts are yours, not ours, and meant for us to humbly bear
To the world, in trust that in our grateful giving you are there.
Take our treasure, all our earnings,
All our silver and our gold;
Take in grace the things we cling to,
Those possessions that we hold.
In our giving may we find release from fear and trust in Thee,
Love for all, not just ourselves, for all the whole community.
Take our prayers, our loving presence;
Let compassion be our creed;
Help us be there for each other and for those in greater need.
Take our many, varied, gifts,
Our works and service, God, employ;
Let our lives bear witness to your grace,
With thanks and boundless joy.
