Fruitfulness or Faithfulness?

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-9; 15:58; 1 PETER 3:8-16

Have you ever invited a friend to church, or tried to tell them about your faith, only to have them turn you down? Facing rejection can be discouraging, and it’s one reason we might hesitate to share our faith with others. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul points to an important and encouraging truth, one that’s especially helpful to remember as we share the good news of Jesus.

First, notice how Paul refers to himself—as a servant of God (verse 5). Paul considered it his responsibility to serve God. How did Paul serve God? By planting and watering seeds. Paul uses a farming illustration to describe how God works through different people at different times and in different ways to draw non-Christians to put their trust in Jesus—and then help them grow in their faith as Christians! Remember, God works through planting and watering to make a plant grow, and He works through us sharing the gospel, extending invitations to church, including others in our Bible studies, showing His love in tangible ways, and much more to help people come to know Him—and then to grow!

Second, don’t miss the important point Paul makes in verses 6 and 7. While Paul planted the seed and Apollos watered the seed, notice who grew the seed. It’s God! Sometimes it can be discouraging to share the gospel with someone, or invite them to church or youth group, only to be rejected. We might wonder, Am I doing something wrong? Should I stop making myself so vulnerable by trying to share my faith?

So much of the time, these discouraging thoughts are a direct result of confusing responsibilities. We’re not responsible for whether or not someone chooses to put their trust in Jesus—we’re only responsible for sharing the gospel and loving people well, no matter how they respond to our invitations. It’s the Holy Spirit who uses our labor to work in the hearts of unbelievers. So be encouraged, knowing you are being a faithful worker just by sharing the good news of God’s love, and trust that God is the one who gives the growth! • Jonathon Fuller

• How could it be encouraging to remember God is always pursuing people in love, and He is ultimately the only one who can give the growth, helping people receive and walk in the gospel?

• Who is one person you would like to share the good news of Jesus with? Consider taking a moment to pray for them, asking God to help you notice opportunities to share His love and truth, and also asking Him to bring healing to any places you’ve experienced rejection in the past.

I [Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (CSB)