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) Fruit That Remains Describing the type of increase initiated by Deity, Jesus told His disciples, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain . . . " (John 15:16). I realize this is a battle ground for the self-appointed scholars of the religious world. With distracting and weak arguments, we are told these words were intended only for the Apostles. Of course, they do not bother reminding us that the "great commission" was spoken only to "the eleven" (Matt 28:17ff). Withering Fruit There is a fruit that "withers," dying away under the conflicts brought on by the world. Speaking of false prophets, Jude writes, "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots" (Jude 12). Such did not have "the increase of God," even though persuasive. The "fruit" included in "the increase of God" is calculated to "remain." Those Questionable Statistics One of the most depressing things in the religious world is statistics. It is nothing to hear of congregations that have had more "additions" than attend their meetings. Others freely acknowledge the loss of 30% 50% of all they supposedly "convert." The trouble with these statistics is that people begin to equate them with the Word of God. The number of disciples "grew and multiplied" in early times--and they remained. An "increase" that eventually decreases is no "increase" at all! It is only a delusion. -- Tomorrow:
There is an intriguing phrase in Scripture that bears upon our subject. "And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with THE INCREASE OF GOD" (Col 2:19). The NASB translates the last phrase, "grows with a growth which is from God." The NIV reads, "grows as God causes it to grow." This is the ONLY growth, or increase, honored in heaven.
Although this particular text speaks of those excluded from this increase, it does reveal the manner in which the increase is accomplished. The unproductive member is depicted as having "lost connection with the Head" (NIV), a condition some do not believe is even possible. The growth, therefore, of which we speak requires "holding fast to the Head" (NASB), a phrase that speaks of abiding in Him (John 15:4), living by faith (Heb 10:39), walking in the light (1 John 1:7), or having fellowship with Him (1 Cor 1:9).
This is an increase that is the result of a relationship with Christ, not a routine. It comes through discipleship, not a particular discipline. God produces this increase, called "the increase of God," by means of the spiritual interconnections of the individual members, who are being nourished by Christ: i.e., "being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments" (NASB).
Their weak arguments notwithstanding, Jesus revealed the manner of the Kingdom to His disciples. There is no valid productivity or growth apart from a living relationship with Jesus Christ. We do well to take it into our hearts. Jesus is not only proclaimed the "Author and Finisher" of OUR faith, it is confirmed in our relationship with Him that is sustained by faith.
The "increase of God" prepares individuals for eternity. It is intended to enable the believer to make the transition from time to eternity without trauma. Such increase involves "Participating in the Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4), being "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29), and having the "word of Christ dwell" in us "richly" (Col 3:16). These are things that tend to "remain" -- that is their nature.
PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You through Jesus Christ for providing for an increase that remains, and that brings honor to You.