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) Growth Toward God The work of the Lord Jesus involves "bringing many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10). His vicarious atonement and current ministry are designed to "bring us to God" (1 Pet 3:18). Believers can progress in their relationship to the Father through the Son. They can draw near to God expecting to "receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:16). The door of heaven has been opened to them, and they can fellowship with and receive freely from, the Father Himself. After all, it is through Jesus that we "come to the Father" (John 14:6). Growth Among Men Spiritual growth often includes a corresponding increase in acceptance among men. Mind you, this is not always the case, but it still can occur. Those who seek to please men have sinned, because they have ignored the power and will of God. Thus it is written, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10). And again, it is written, " . . . not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Eph 6:6). -- Tomorrow:
Remember, we have become "dead to the Law through the body of Christ, that we might be married to another," bringing forth "fruit to God" (Rom 7:4-5). In salvation, we are primarily "alive unto God" (Rom 6:11).
Personal growth and increase toward God include such things as the appropriation of wisdom (James 1:5), answered prayer (1 John 5:15), and working together with Him (1 Cor 3:9). Through Jesus, we have become "reconciled to God" (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-20). That association is not static, but pulsating with life and growth.
Increase in spiritual life, or growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18), does involve effort on our part. We must add spiritual virtues to our lives in the energy of our faith (2 Pet 1:5-9). The "whole armor of God" must be appropriated and put on by faith (Eph 6:10-17). Our fleshly members are to be "mortified," as we refuse to give expression to the unregenerate part of our beings (Col 3:5ff).
It is possible to approach this facet of spiritual life from Mount Sinai, as though enforcing a legal code. Wherever this approach is taken, the increase of God is not realized. Even though our effort is imperative, it is still "God that gives the increase." Every child of God can confess with righteous Samuel, "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (1 Sam 7:12). None of us, no matter how disciplined and diligent, has managed to grow on our own! The efforts of God's ministers planted the Seed in our hearts. It was watered by other servants, whose paths crossed ours by Divine providence. Nevertheless, it was God who brought the increase, causing us to expand in sensitivity to and understanding of the "good and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
This is the point that Paul made to the Corinthians, who made the mistake of glorying in men, thinking the increase came from them. "So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God" (1 Cor 3:21-23). Let every soul glorify God for spiritual growth!
There are examples in Scripture of those who increased in favor with men. Such occurrences were always wrought by God, and in accordance with His will for the individuals. Who can forget the pronouncement of God to Jacob--how marvelous it was. "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." (Gen 32:28). Jacob had not conquered God and men--that was not the point. He had "prevailed" by obtaining what he had sought--a blessing. That increase came from God, it was not imposed upon God!
The account of Joseph also provides an example of this type of increase. When he was unjustly placed in prison, it is said of him, "But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer" (Gen 39:21, NASB). In his inspired review of God's dealings with the Jews, Stephen mentioned the grace shown to Joseph. "And yet God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household" (Acts 7:9-10, NASB).
A similar thing happened to Moses and the Israelites while they were in Egypt. "And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Furthermore, the man Moses himself was greatly esteemed in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people" (Ex 11:3). When Israel was delivered from Egypt, the same thing occurred. " . . . and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians" (Ex 12:36).
The early church also experienced this type of benefit. As their number grew, they were relieved for a season of the opposition of the people. " . . . praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). You can rest assured the early disciples did not seek the favor of "all the people"-- they were given it by an omnipotent God!
You must be aware of the many strategies that are being marketed to promote friendliness with men. Some of the latest terminology includes "seeker friendly," a term describing a concerted effort to appeal to people who may have an interest in the Lord. The nobility of such a desire is obvious. No believer should conduct themselves as the Pharisees who "shut off the Kingdom of God from men" (Matt 23:13). Neither should men engage in focused efforts to please men, which immediately terminates their service to God (Gal 1:10).
God can cause us to "increase" in our influence with men. As we engage in the work of the Lord, personally advancing in the faith, God will extend the borders of our influence. He will not do it without our effort, but the success will be owing to Him, not us!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for Your grace to have influence in both heaven and earth, with You and with men.