I. Introduction
A. Svalbard Global Seed Vault
1. Svalbard (saul-bard) Global Seed Vault Norway houses over 1 million seeds. The purpose of the seed bank is not so much prepping for apocalyptic war as is often depicted in dystopian movies. The seed bank serves as a backup deposit center for existing seed banks.
2. Without seed banks like this, certain crops could become extinct in a matter of years.
3. Several countries each year depend on the seed bank to resupply their own seed banks.
B. Speaking of Seed
1. There has been great concern in recent years about declining numbers in the Lord’s church.
a. It’s hard to find true numbers because of our autonomous congregations, but we’d all agree that there has been both a decline and a resurgence in religion in recent years.
b. The question that comes to my mind is, “Are you sowing the seed of the Kingdom, brother?”
2. While the concern about sowing the seed is valid (we always need more workers in the Kingdom), do we sometimes measure the success of the church only through human standards?
3. Tonight I want us to explore what God’s version of growth looks like.
C. Background on the Text
1. Paul is dealing with division in the Corinthian church.
2. In this section of the letter, Paul reveals that division has arisen when individuals align themselves with teachers rather than with Christ.
3. He uses an image that everyone in the first century would understand—one of agriculture.
4. Tonight, what does God’s increase look like and why does it matter?
II. God’s Increase
A. The
1. The issue in Corinth was spiritual . (1 Corinthians 3:3)
a. This immaturity had caused division among the brethren.
b. Their division over teachers was a manifestation of their struggles with pride and worldly thinking.
2. The type of thinking reveals misplaced loyalty.
a. It shows up in the church today when people begin to align themselves with agendas.
b. It can also show up when we take hard stances on matters of opinion. (v 4)
3. We are called to move from -centered thinking to -centered thinking.
a. Philippians 2:3-11provides a roadmap for moving from me-centered thinking to Christ-centered thinking.
b. Humility
c. Service
d. Obedience
4. To address the issue of why we don’t grow, we have to admit that the issue is more about us, not God.
B. The –God’s Role in Growth (vv. 5–7)
1. We are called to be , not celebrities. (v. 5)
a. God is the One who gives the increase (growth).
b. Paul reminded them that while their efforts were valuable (1 Cor 12), nothing was possible apart from God.
2. We often develop methods for evangelism, leadership, etc., yet forget the most important step—asking God to be involved.
a. No program, sermon, or ministry can substitute for God’s transforming power.
b. James 4:13-17
3. Our culture has especially taught us to become self-sufficient and self-promoting.
4. God’s must always be foremost in our mindset.
5. A Servant’s Mindset
a. Seen in Jesus John 13:14-15
b. Spiritual (vs. 1-4)
c. (v. 7)
d. Focused on unity (v. 8)
C. The (vs. 8-9)–Working Together in God’s Field
1. We are to work in partnership with and to fulfill our role in the Kingdom.
2. Shared Mission
a. , not competition, defines kingdom work.
b. Each will receive a reward according to labor, not fame or following.
c. Illustration: Different instruments in an orchestra — all unique, but one symphony.
3. Shared Identity
a. “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
b. The church belongs to God — not to leaders, not to members.
c. See yourself as part of God’s growing work.
d. Honor every role — planters, waterers, encouragers, givers, teachers.
4. We are a people with a purpose to unite us.
a. 1 Corinthians 12:16-18
b. Ephesians 4:1-6
D. The (vs. 10-15)–Growth That Lasts
1. Paul transitions to the image of building on the foundation of Christ.
2. What we build with — human or divine — determines the durability of our work.
a. We are reminded that whatever resources we use to build on the foundation of Christ will be tested by fire.
b. Only what is built on Christ and for Christ will endure.
3. What does the increase look like?
a. The increase might come in the form of more Christians…
b. The increase might come in the form of more opportunities…
c. The increase might come in the form of more workers…
d. The increase might come in the form of spiritual growth…
4. When we God to fulfill His role and we invest ourselves in our role, we can expect an increase.
III. Conclusion
A. Growth
1. We must never forget that God is the One who supplies growth for His church.
2. He has supplied the seed, and we have the responsibility to plant it in our lives and the lives of those we come across.
3. Let’s resist the temptation to measure growth only from a worldly perspective. Numbers are not everything. Souls are everything to God.
B. Invitation