1 Corinthians 3-4, Psalm 142
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NLT)
“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”
In 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, Paul writes to the church in Corinth that while planting and watering the seeds of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is the Lord who makes them grow. Paul reiterates that everything is the work of the Lord, and it doesn't matter who does the planting or watering of the seeds, as they are servants of Father-God. The Lord is the One who brings about spiritual growth in believers.
One Bible commentary I read noted that Paul uses the metaphor of a farmer planting a seed. The farmer plants a seed and waters it, but the farmer does not make the seed grow. The seed grows through the miracle of life. Paul founded the Corinthian church, and he laid the foundation for the church. Apollos then strengthened the Corinthian church through teaching. But only Father-God could give believers spiritual life and produce lasting fruit in them. The Lord is ultimately responsible for the growth of a believer's faith.
These verses remind me that while I can admire the pastors and evangelists I listen to, they are just planting and watering the seeds of faith inside me. But the Lord is the One responsible for growing my faith. I know that when I listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, my obedience also helps to grow my faith in the Lord.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who sends many people to plant and water the seeds of faith inside of us—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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