In The Bible Today: 1 Corinthians 3

The Bible is a timeless text of perennial wisdom. It tells us not only of God and mankind, but it also guides us on our path as spiritual beings in human bodies.

Though the Bible sometimes seems inapproachable and complex, these studies are designed to make the Bible accessible to everyone and applicable to everyday life.

This study uses the SOAP technique: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. As you read through and study the bible, and a verse sticks out to you, write it down. Then write down your personal observations regarding the scripture, along with historical notations and any other pertinent information. After you make a thorough observation of the scripture, meditate on how you might apply the lesson learned to your own life. How can you use this particular verse to improve your life or make your spiritual journey better? Finally, write out a prayer to God, as you think about the scripture.

This technique will help you find more meaning from your study of scripture, and will help deepen your walk along a spiritual path.

Namaste Friends.

I Corinthians 3: 5-9: "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." King James Version

1 Corinthians 3:5-9; "What after all, is Appollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned each to his task.6. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his labor. 9. For we are Gods fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building." New International Version

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 "What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Just servants through whom you believed [in Christ], even as the Lord appointed to each his task. 6. I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth. 7. So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers [His servants working together]; you are God’s cultivated field [His garden, His vineyard], God’s building. Amplified Bible

Observation: Paul and Apollos both worked for the early church, and both had quite different tasks. For Paul, the work involved planting the seeds. He started churches in various cities, and then moved to the next place to plant again. Paul rarely stayed in one place long enough to enjoy the fruit of his labor. Instead, he went from town to town, spreading the gospel, starting churches and teaching new believers. Once they began their journey, Paul resumed his own calling to plant churches. While his job, planting, was fulfilling, he never enjoyed the full fruits of his own labor. Paul rarely returned to the churches he planted to further the growth of the believers he converted.

Apollos' job involved watering - nurturing the newly planted churches with teaching and encouragement. Apollos followed in Paul's footsteps, encouraging new believers, teaching them about Jesus, and helping them grow in their new found faith. Apollos trained the newly planted churches in the ways they should go, and he nurtured the faith of the foundling church members, taking their zeal and excitement and creating a long lasting devotion.

Both Paul and Apollos performed important tasks, and neither was more important than the other. They each provided a necessary component for a successful church. Each job was necessary and important, but neither man was more important than God, who causes things to grow, and who brings everyone to himself.

In much the same way, God uses each of us for his work here. No one is more important than any other, and we are all are essential for getting things done. We have different jobs or callings in the church, and in our lives. No job is better or worse, they are just different. We can embrace our differences, celebrate our strengths and work together to strengthen our fellow believers, or we can use our differences to divide and destroy what God has created.

Because one is called to teach, and one to serve, and one to heal does not make one greater than another. The greatest is God, and his will will be done, regardless of the workers. It is God who sets the oak tree in the acorn, and God who reaches the hearts of men. When he calls, and we answer, we receive the great blessing of being used for something bigger than ourselves.

Application: Today I will listen for the small, still voice of God. I will keep my eyes and heart open for any holy encounter he puts before me. I will view every person as a messenger from God, and I will seek to serve, whatever the request.

If it is a request for love from one of my children, I will gladly offer it. If it is a kind word or encouragement to a friend, I will not hesitate. Forgiveness for my perceived enemies? Ok Lord, your will be done. Does a stranger stand in need, in my path? Lord, please soften my heart to hear your voice, to see your face in the face of those who come before me and into my life today.

Today, let me not harden my heart, but let me remain soft, open and receptive to your calling and you divine appointments.

Today I commit to doing the work You call me to, whatever that looks like. The form doesn't matter. To serve God, to do your will in my life, that is what matters. When God speaks, ever so softly, I will not harden my heart. I will do the work before me.

God calls us to many places, both familiar and strange, in order to serve his needs. We are all angels, in God's service, spirit beings trapped in earthly bodies. One of the way God speaks to us is through people. He uses people to fulfill his work on earth.

When we are open to hearing and obeying the direction that God places in our hearts, then we are fully able to serve him. Be still and know that God will speak and direct, if you are willing to listen.

Prayer: Soften my heart and quiet my mind today Father, that I may hear your voice. My spirit is willing, so I ask that you use me to fulfill your purpose.

Prayer: Soften my heart and quiet my mind today Father, that I may hear your voice. My spirit is willing, so I ask that you use me to fulfill your purpose.

Please allow me to remain soft and open, no matter what comes my way today. Lord, help me remember that all things come from you, and serve your purpose. Whatever task I am called to today, let my hands be willing and my heart be strong and open to serve you in whatever way I am asked.

None of us is more important than any other. Please let me remember my proper place in the order of things, and let me serve where you have called me. Please keep my heart humble and open, and allow me to see others as equally important in their endeavors.