In our text today from 1 Corinthians chapter 3, we find the church at Corinth struggling with something we still see today—they were giving too much credit to the preachers. They were dividing themselves based on who they followed—Paul, Apollos, Cephas—and Paul wrote to correct that thinking.
In verse 5, he puts it plainly:
“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?” Then in 1 Corinthians 4:1, he says that preachers should be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
So let me ask you this morning—how do you see yourself in the Lord’s work? Because according to Paul, when you share the Word of God, you’re not just “helping out”—you’re a fellow worker with God.
God Provides the Opportunity
Paul says in verse 6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” That’s the pattern. We plant. We water. God gives the growth.
But here’s the truth: God opens doors for those who are prepared. In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul said a great door was opened to him—even though there were many adversaries. I’ve seen that myself—opportunities to share the gospel, even in the middle of resistance. You invite someone to church, and they’ll say, “Well, I golf on Sundays,” or “The game is on.” But if you’re ready and persistent, God will keep opening those doors.
In Revelation 3:8, the Lord told the church in Philadelphia, “I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” They were ready—and God used them.
You Have to Be a Prepared Worker
Paul’s point is clear: different workers have different roles. “I planted, Apollos watered.” But both were ready to serve.
In 2 Timothy 2:20–21, Paul tells Timothy that in a great house, there are vessels of honor and dishonor. But “if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”
So I need to ask: Are you a vessel prepared for the Lord’s use? Or are you content sitting back while others do the work?
God Rewards the Effort, Not Just the Outcome
Back in our text, verse 8 says that “each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” Not success—labor.
It’s not about whether every person you talk to obeys the gospel. It’s about whether you’re doing the work.
In Galatians 6:7, Paul says, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” And I’ve seen it firsthand. You sow a little—you reap a little. You sow generously—you’ll be blessed with a harvest.
Even if someone we bring to Christ falls away later, God still honors the effort. In 1 Corinthians 3:14–15, Paul says if your work endures, you’ll receive a reward. But if it doesn’t, you yourself will still be saved. That’s how gracious our God is.
The Word Is the Power—Not the Messenger
Let’s not forget the power isn’t in the sower—it’s in the seed. That seed is the Word of God.
In Hebrews 4:12, the Word is called “living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.” In Romans 1:16, Paul says the gospel is “the power of God to salvation.”
We’re just the seed-throwers and waterers. And sometimes, yes, even defective ones. Paul talked about preachers who taught Christ from envy or selfish ambition in Philippians 1:15–18. And yet, he rejoiced because Christ was still being preached.
Even Apollos—early in his preaching—was teaching the baptism of John instead of Christ. But Aquila and Priscilla pulled him aside and taught him more accurately. The point is this: God can use imperfect people who are willing to work.
The Soil Matters
But not every seed grows, and that’s not your fault.
In Luke 8:11–15, Jesus told the parable of the sower. The seed (God’s Word) falls on four kinds of ground: the hardened path, rocky soil, thorny ground, and good soil.
Only one out of four produced lasting fruit. So don’t get discouraged when someone falls away. Just keep sowing. Your job is to throw the seed and water it. God will give the increase where He sees fit.
Stop Making Excuses
Too often, I hear things like, “Well, I used to do that, but I’m too old now.” Or “That’s the preacher’s job.”
But if you’re a Christian, you are called to be a fellow worker with God. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. And in Matthew 9:38, He asked His disciples to pray for more workers. Then in the very next chapter, He sent them out.
Are you willing to go?
The Final Question: Will You Be a Fellow Worker with God?
The Lord is still working today. He provides the opportunity. He gives the increase. And one day, He will give the reward. But He’s looking for people who are willing to labor.
So I want to leave you with this: Will you be one of them? Will you be a fellow worker with God?
If you’re not yet a child of God, here’s what you need to do:
- Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17)
- Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (John 8:24)
- Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30)
- Confess Christ before men (Romans 10:9–10)
- Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
- And then remain faithful until death (Revelation 2:10)
And if you’re a Christian who’s stumbled—ask God for forgiveness. He’s still ready to use you. He’s still calling you to the field.