Job Description

Thanks to Lee Brown for filling in last week.

In the previous part of chapter 3 Paul tells us that we need to grow up or we will not be able to receive the solid food God has for us.

He ends the passage talking about a little division occuring over who gets the credit, Paul or Apollos.

To which Paul basically tells them… grow up, you are not acting in the Spirit.

Paul continues to address this issue in today’s passage…

1 Corinthians 3:5–15 CSB

5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s coworkers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

Paul uses 2 analogies for building the church. The first one is agricultural in nature - plants, waters, grows. The second one is architectural in nature - foundation, builds, lasting product.

If our job is to “make disciples” or share the gospel then what would that job description look like?

Have the attitude of a servant.

We are not looking for positions of power.

We are not looking to be served.

Jesus said the greatest in the kingdom would be the least (Lk22.26).

This doesn’t mean there cannot be leaders - someone has to lead or you don’t go anywhere. What it means is that we lead by serving or doing. Still, God has established an order and we shouldn’t ignore that.

Planting of seeds may be required.

You will never get a plant to grow if you never put the seed in the ground.

Planting requires you to get your hands dirty too.

Must nurture the seed by watering and tending.

The seed may be planted perfectly but if it is not taken care of it will die.

You know its not just watering but fertilizing, weeding and protecting from wildlife is also needed.

Still we can do everything right and still not see growth. Growth requires something else…

Take direction from God for marked growth.

Without God there is no growth - it is all about God!

Must be able to work in a team environment.

It takes all of us working together to accomplish what God has called us to do.

Division and quarreling will not only prevent growth but can destroy what has already been built.

All work must begin with Jesus, no exceptions.

The foundation is Jesus.

Methodology can change… the message cannot.

Your work may be reviewed at any time so always give your best.