(Mis)Communication

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 hesitate to share our faith with others. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul points to an important and encouraging truth we should 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 spiritual seeds (verse 6). Paul’s farming illustration describes how God uses different people at different times and in different ways to help people get saved and grow in their faith. Just like it takes planting and watering for a plant to grow, it takes sharing the gospel, invitations to church, Bible studies, and much more for a person to get saved 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 vulnerable by seeking to share my faith?

Most of the time, these discouraging thoughts are a direct result of confusing responsibilities. We are not responsible for whether or not someone chooses to put their trust in Jesus; we are only responsible for sharing the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit who uses our labor to work in the hearts of unbelievers. Be encouraged knowing you are being a faithful worker just by sharing the gospel, and trust that God is the One who gives the growth! • Jonathon Fuller

• Why is it encouraging to know God is the One who gives the growth when it comes to sharing the gospel?

• Who is one person you would like to share the good news of Jesus with?

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

Read Verses:

Proverbs 18:13; Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29