Introduction

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul makes this statement, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). In the context, Paul is discussing an issue (one of many) in the body of Christ, at that location, concerning members increasing the status of certain individuals. Mainly, those who baptized them (see 1 Cor. 1:11-15).

They boast to one another as to who baptized them or who taught them the truth; all the while forgetting that it’s God who gives the increase. Like Peter, who refused the worship of Cornelius (Acts 10:25-26), we as Christians, need to make sure that we are not allowing ourselves to be elevated to something more than what we are; mere servants of Christ (Lk. 17:10).

Planting the Seed

What, then, does it mean to plant? In standard terms, it’s about planting a seed in the ground to get a plant to grow. Jesus relates the parable of the sower (Mt. 13:3-9). Jesus later explains, “The sower sows the word.” (Mark 4:14)

When we first talk to people about the gospel, we are planting the seed. How people react to it in described in the explanation of the parable (Mt. 13:19-23).

The purpose of watering is for another Christian to come along where you planted and further support what was spoken about. As you see in scripture, the disciples went around to places in pairs or, even, a small group. They rarely, if at all, travelled alone. That’s why Paul mentions that he planted and Apollos watered (1 Cor. 3:6). They complimented each other by sharing in the labor.

Paul didn’t brag about the amount of people he talked to and neither did Apollos; or any of the disciples. It wasn’t about them; it was about the message of the gospel shared with them.

There are some Christians who go so far as to say that they are the only one who is planting and doing all of the work. However, they have no idea what is actually being done by the others as they are not crowing about it every week.

Where do I Water?

Sometimes, when someone goes out to plant, they may not give specific instructions to other Christians as to where they are to water. Basically, if you water where one hasn’t planted, all you’ll get is muddy ground. There won’t be any growth at all.

Furthermore, the place that was planted will go untouched and the seed of the Word will disappear because there was no water to support it. When you go out to plant, make sure you give specific instructions to your fellow Christians as where they need to water.

It’s up to God, not Us

It can be frustrating for sure when you see little to no growth in a prospect that you’ve been studying with. You can see that they are taking in all of the information you are providing them but don’t see any results.

The one key factor we must remember is that God is the one who gives the increase, not us. Try as we might, we can’t force someone to obey the truth or respond the way we want them to, and we shouldn’t; even though it is very tempting.

I’ve heard some take months if not years before they decide to become a Christian. Again, it’s patience that wins the day (Lk. 21:19). All we can do is to continue to teach; maybe expose them to other Christians who can explain something better or different, or invite them to services for them to see the gospel in action.

Persuasion is a major part of convincing someone but you can’t do it by bullying tactics. As long as they are willing to study, then you keep at it. If they show a bit of disinterest, you back off for a while and then encourage them later on.

Conclusion

We must remember that this is a team effort and when one team member tries to do it all themselves, they enter into the world of Diotrephes and attempt to grab all the glory for themselves.

We are all equals (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). There is no special place for “Super Christians” in Heaven, who try to achieve the most converts out of the local congregation. We need to work together and not against one another but, above all, stick to what the scriptures teach in accomplishing the work. Then, and only then, will God give the increase.