1 Corinthians 3:5-7, God Giveth the Increase

1 Corinthians 3:5-7 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.

The Christian can be a witness only with God energizing, leading and blessing. Except God will supply His people with life, they cannot prosper. Jesus explains this by the illustration of the Vine to His disciples in John 15:4-7 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

The Apostle Paul says to the believers in Corinth that except God will bless his labour and that of Apollos, their labour will be in vain. God is the One that helps the believer bear fruit. On their own, they are lifeless! As such, the Christian life is one of cleaving, abiding in the presence of God for usefulness. Moses exhorts Joshua in Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  

We should take the time to pray and meditate upon the Word of God that we may receive strength for life. In time, God will bring spiritual fruit to be seen in our lives. May God bless the quiet time of His people. Amen.