1 CORINTHIANS 3:5–8
… neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gave the increase
(1 Cor. 3:7).
The purpose of the ministry and the vocation of ministers is to bring the people to “the obedience of faith” (Rom. 1:5). The ministry is designed by God to be an instrument in the salvation of souls. Note that it is an instrument only. The ministry and the men who preach and teach the Word of God are not ends in themselves, but they are servants, means of grace, given to the church by God for its advancement and edification. “The people, therefore, are bound to regard the ministry as a divine institution, and to value its service,” Hodge wrote. “But preachers are not to be regarded as party leaders, or as lords over God’s heritage.”
Paul had to remind the Corinthian church that they are unified in Christ, not separated into diverse units headed by various ministers. He also had to remind them that while ministers may serve in varied capacities, God is the one who makes the work effectual unto salvation, and thus He is to be honored. Paul illustrates this point by saying, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” “As in nature, planting and watering are not the efficient causes of vegetation,” Hodge wrote. “So in the church ministerial acts are not the efficient causes of grace. In both cases all the efficiency is of God. And as in nature, planting and watering by human instrumentality, are not the necessary conditions of vegetation, so neither are ministerial acts the necessary conditions of faith. On the other hand, however, as the work of the husbandman is the ordinary and appointed means of securing a harvest, so the work of the ministry is the ordinary means of conversion.”
Paul’s conclusion is that in comparison to God, ministers are nothing. They are simply instruments in the hands of God. He alone is to be looked up to as the source of truth, strength, or success. This should humble ministers as they are reminded that the source of their success is not in their own abilities or gifts, but in the power of God. Likewise, it should rebuke any Christian who tends to follow after the instrument, dazzled by his wit and talent, rather than looking to the hand of God who bestows grace by His power and brings converts into His kingdom not on the basis of a minister’s talents, but because of His sovereign will and good pleasure.
CORAM DEO
Numbers 23–24
Mark 8:22–38
Write a brief note to your pastor thanking him for faithfully fulfilling the role God has designed for him as he ministers to your church. Encourage him to trust God to bring in the increase and to give Him the glory as he serves even when times might be difficult. If you cannot write to a minister, write a note to someone you know in ministry.
For further study: Ps. 62 • Acts 18:24–28 • 2 Cor. 3:1–6; 6:1–10
thursday
february