The Wise Master Builder (Part 4)I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
How could the Apostle Paul make such a bold statement as “God causes the growth?” You may be thinking to yourself, “why not! Of course God causes the growth.” We may agree in our heads and say with our mouths that the Father develops a person spiritually, but our actions and our values may communicate something completely different. Often times we act as though a person’s spiritual growth is completely dependent on the act of human will. It shows up in our lack of prayer, unwillingness to let the Holy Spirit lead, over dependence on our methods, and various other indicators. Paul put his ultimate trust, confidence, and faith in the power of God to transform people. Now that is not to say that he didn’t believe we play a role in a person’s spiritual growth, but it is clear that he saw God as the great discipler. (Ezk 36.26, Jn 6.44, Phil 1.6, 2.13)
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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved
© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved
