On a Pedestal... (1 Corinthians 3:6, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

1 Corinthians 3:6

 

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

 

 

Paul planted the seed of the gospel in people's hearts. He was a missionary pioneer; he brought the message of salvation. Apollos's role was to water - to help the believers grow stronger in the faith. Paul founded the church in Corinth, and Apollos built on that foundation. Tragically, the believers in Corinth had split into factions, pledging loyalty to different teachers (see 1 Corinthians 11-13 below). Our leaders should be certainly respected, but we should never place them on pedestals that create barriers between people or set them up as a substitute for Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. ¹² What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

¹³ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

 

 

 

Joe