1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV)
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
In his call for the Corinthians not to elevate one evangelist or Bible teacher above all the rest, Paul shows how each man contributed to the faith of the Corinthians. Paul originally preached the gospel in their city. He planted the seed of the gospel in their lives. Apollos, like one watering a seed, continued to share with the people the truth of God.
Which man was more important? Which man really did the ministry in Corinth? The answer is clear; neither man was more important. If a seed is never planted, nothing will grow. However, a planted seed without water will also not grow. Both men contributed. Both were important.
But notice what Paul says about them. Paul says that the one who plants and the one who waters is nothing. Why? God is the one who causes real, spiritual growth. It is God, not men, who brings the increase. It is God who saves souls.
I would like to draw two points of application for myself and for whoever might happen upon this. First, each of us plays a role in the process of evangelism. And, in truth, evangelism is a process. You might share the gospel with someone who appears totally disinterested. That does not mean, however, that you have not planted a seed by the grace of God. Or you might get into an argument with someone about their beliefs that leaves you feeling like you have done more harm than good. However, you do not know that God might not be watering the seed of the faith through your inept attempt. You have a role to play. Do not despair. Take part, even if you do not see a harvest right away.
A second point that I will make is that God, not man, brings the increase. It is God who makes a seed sprout and grow. It is God who saves souls, not me in my cleverness. Thus, I need not fear to share my faith, even with my shaky and halting efforts. God brings the harvest. God breaks through the hardness of men’s hearts. God brings life where we think it impossible. And if God does this work, I need not fear that the work is impossible. I simply must tell the truth, trust God’s providence, and leave the results in his capable hands. I might plant a seed. I might water it. God will truly be the one who does the work. And it will be God who is worthy of all the glory and praise for the results.
Pastor Travis Peterson 