One of the valuable lessons we are to learn from the first three chapters of
First Corinthians is simply this: Those who are active in the local church are
co-workers, not competitors. Paul, Apollos and others who taught God’s Word in
Corinth were “servants through whom they believed, as the Lord assigned to each
one.” These men were servants under assignment from
the Lord; co-workers, not competitors. {Read 1 Cor. 3}
When you look out over a working farm, there are many people engaged in a
variety of functions; some planting, some watering, etc. But they are all
dependent on God, who put the power in the seed, the soil and the water. Thus,
at harvest time, no worker is to be singled out for celebration. “He who
glories, let him glory in the Lord,” (1 Cor. 2:31).
The next time you drive by a construction project, notice people engaged in
different kinds of work. They are co-workers, not competitors. And when the
project is complete and the building is functional, it is God’s building (1 Cor.
3:9).
These opening chapters in First Corinthians supply for us today, good, healthy
perspective about men who are to work faithfully, build with the right materials
and give the glory to God. Preachers, teachers and others who function in the
local church are co-workers, not competitors. “…let each one take care how he
builds…”The Scriptures tell Christians to give thanks “to the Father, who has qualified
us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from
the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”
(Col. 1:12,13). It is a privilege to be a citizen of the Kingdom of Christ. He
gave Himself for us so that we might be qualified. He wants us to remember that
and be thankful.
By Warren E. Berkley
The Front Page
From Expository Files 20.5; May 2013
