GOD CAUSES INCREASE "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God GAVE THE INCREASE. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that GIVETH THE INCREASE. " (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) You Must Have the Seed Nothing in God's kingdom grows without His Word. It, and it alone, is the catalyst for spiritual growth and increase. Men are "born again" by the Word of God (1 Pet 1:23). Faith comes by hearing the Word (Rom 10:17). The church is sanctified by the Word (Eph 5:26). Men are made "clean through the word" (John 15:3). -- Tomorrow:
"The seed is the word of God." (Luke 8:11)
The "seed" is what is planted. It is what is watered. And, it is what God increases. God does not increase improper seed, even if it is both planted and watered. If God's seed is not planted, God's increase cannot be realized. If His seed is not watered, His increase will not take place. On the other hand, if it is His seed, and it is planted and watered, He WILL cause it to increase!
The seed that is to be planted must be "wholly a right seed," or "a completely faithful seed" NASB (Jer 2:21). Godly results require godly means! Spiritual fruit can only come from spiritual seed!
The seed of the Kingdom is not a strategy. It is not an expert system developed by finite men. Kingdom fruit does not grow on trees of human methods and techniques. The seed of the Kingdom is not the result of a systematic approach. Historical and etymological data may be interesting, but it can cause neither Kingdom advance nor edifying expression.
Only something with inherent life can grow! How wonderful the words of the Lord Jesus, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life" (John 6:63, NASB).
The Lord Jesus defined the "seed" that God increases. "The seed is the word of God" (Luke 8:11). This is what Paul "planted," and it is what Apollos "watered."
Further, the "Word of God" is primarily an affirmation. It is the declaration of the Person and purpose of God, particularly as it is revealed in Christ Jesus the Lord. This is called "the record" God has "given of His Son." More specifically, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son" (1 john 5:10-11). This is nothing less than the Gospel of Christ -- glad tidings of good things (Rom 10:15).
The seed of the Kingdom is not humanly devised stories. It is not religious fiction. Pungent illustrations are not the seed God causes to increase, nor are humorous anecdotes. All of these may rank high in man's estimation, but they have no ranking whatsoever with God. Because they have originated with man, they will die with him also. Their fruit cannot transfer into glory.
Where there is a deficiency in the Word, there is a deficiency in Kingdom results. The Word of God always accomplishes what it is sent to do (Isa 55:11). It is the business of God's people to plant and water the seed of the Kingdom. Nothing of eternal value--absolutely nothing--grows without this Seed.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for the incorruptible seed of Your word!