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) The Corinthian Case The Corinthians had been asked to contribute to needy saints. They had not responded in a godly manner, even postponing their contribution. Paul now exhorts them to gather their resources, reminding them that the poorer brethren of Macedonia, namely those of Achaia, had been prepared for some time with their offering (2 Cor 9:1-2). They had even given "beyond their ability" (2 Cor 8:3). -- Tomorrow:
I would not hesitate to say that most people identified as "Christians" have never thought of such things as "all grace," something from God "abounding" toward them, or "all sufficiency in everything." These are phrases of which the world knows nothing. Unfortunately, this terminology is not common among many professed Christians.
Here is an increase independent of human methodology. How refreshing to read of it! It is something God MAKES happen. Men cannot cause it to take place. It is a blessing from God, and can only be accounted by his wonderful grace.
Paul was speaking of financial resources--of having enough of them to actually excel in giving to "every good work." The very thought is revolutionary! Think of the general approach to church budgets, mission giving, outreach, etc. You will rarely hear anyone associate religious finances with the grace of God, to say nothing of God causing financial resources to "abound." In our time, there are financial experts who have been loosed upon the church. They are represented as having expertise in the matter of raising funds, and bringing an abundance of resources into the local congregation. Our text suggests there really is no need for such people.
This is the affirmation of the Holy Spirit! "And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work" (NRSV). The New Living Translation reads, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."
Fortifying his point, Paul reminds the Corinthians, "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully" (2 Cor 9:6). How can someone sow, or give, bountifully if they are not rich? What if the money is not in the bank, so to speak? The answer is found in the text referenced at the beginning of this section. "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (NIV).
That is an increase God alone can give! It is not an increase to enhance the financial worth of the receiver, but one to enhance the giving ability of the receiver! O, that our churches had the faith to receive this promise! The impact of such a reception upon society would be staggering.
It seems to me that fervent prayers for such a reception are one of the needs of the hour! Fund raising is a serious part of nearly every major Christian work. Some religious institutions have entire departments devoted to raising funds. Well known Christian conventions have numerous work shops that offer "proven" ways to raise needed financial resources.
In a way, all of this is a gigantic contradiction. What would happen if the affirmation of our text was taken seriously? Now, there is something to ponder!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, teach and strengthen Your people to trust Your promises.