Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-15.

Introduction⤒🔗

One common view of the minister that was especially prevalent over a century ago was that of the “Domini,” the Dutch word for preacher. His black attire was well suited to his solemn demeanor; he was the official representative of the church; and at times, perhaps, was almost equated with deity.

Another view of the minister is that of the “Meddler” or the “Social Agitator.” In the south they have a saying that defines the preacher’s application of his sermon as “meddling;” they say, “The preacher has left off preaching and has gone to meddling!” In evangelical churches the “meddling” is usually done from the pulpit or perhaps in-home visitations; in more liberal churches the “meddling” may take the form of organized public protest against the social sins of the nation.

Yet another view of the minister might be that of the “Celebrity.” Here is the T.V. or radio preacher who has a nationwide following; he may have a charismatic personality, he may be something of an entertainer, he may be a bit of a psychologist, or even the builder of a personal religious empire. Closely related to the “Celebrity” is the more cynical view of the minister as the “Huckster.” He is viewed as little more than a Bible-thumping charlatan, making his living by peddling religion to gullible souls.

All of these are extreme caricatures of the minister, but they do serve to point out an all too common practice. Namely, the fact that we often tend to focus too much on ministers themselves, either exalting them or disparaging them; rather than viewing them as being ministers of Christ, with the focus being on Christ, not on the minister.

That is what the Corinthian Christians were doing: focusing on the ministers rather than focusing upon Christ the Lord. Thus, the Apostle Paul had to remind them of the minister’s true identity and calling: the minister is called to be a minister of Christ. Because he is a minister of Christ, the minister is called to faithfully work for Christ and present Christ to you. As we examine this present passage of Scripture, let us consider Three Things You Should Know about Ministers.

The Minister is Called to be a Servant of Christ←⤒🔗

The Corinthians were caught up in “hero worship;” they liked to glory in men rather than glory in God, the very opposite of what they should have been doing: “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD” (1 Cor. 1:31). In particular, they liked to identify themselves with their favorite preacher, exalting him and criticizing all others, note 1 Corinthians 1:12, “each one of you is saying, I belong to Paul; or, I belong to Apollos; or, I belong to Cephas.”

In the context of this spiritual problem that was all too prevalent in the Corinthian church, Paul asks the question, “After all, what is Apollos? And what is Paul?” (vs. 5) His answer may have come as a shock to the hero-worshiping Corinthians, but he defines himself and the other preachers and leaders of the church as “ministers.” The Greek word, διακονοs, translated, “ministers,” is the same word from which is derived the term, “deacon;” the word used to describe those who served and engaged in very menial acts of service, like Christ Himself.

When our Lord stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet He was engaging in an act of service that was normally performed by the most menial household servant: “Then he poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (Jn. 13:5). In Matthew 20:28 the Lord Jesus defines His ministry in the following terms: “the Son of man did not come to be ministered to, but to minister [διακονεω] and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Each minister is to serve Christ by “doing what the Lord gave him to do” (vs. 5). That is to say, each one is to serve Christ by using the spiritual gifts entrusted to him and serving Christ in the place where the Lord has put him, as Paul explains in verse six. Paul “planted [the seed];” he brought the gospel to Corinth and introduced the Corinthians to the Savior. Apollos “watered it;” he nurtured the Corinthian believers in the Christian faith. “But God made it grow;” apart from the divine working of God, the ministries of Paul and Apollos would have been ineffective and fruitless.

Paul wants it to be clearly understood by the church that it is not the minister who is significant; it is God alone who is significant. It is the Lord who employs ministers in His service and who alone can make their work effective and fruitful, and He does so for His own glory. As Paul previously testified, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: righteousness and sanctification and redemption; ³¹in order that it may be just as it has been written, ‘He who boasts, let him boast in the LORD’” (1 Cor. 1:30-31). When Paul speaks of “righteousness,” he is referring to the righteousness of Christ offered unto God on behalf of His people and offered on the cross in the place of His people, thereby procuring their justification, (i.e. their legal acceptance with God on the basis of payment having been made for their sins). When he speaks of “sanctification,” Paul is speaking of the believer’s deliverance from his old sinful nature by virtue of his union with Christ in His death and resurrection life. These two things, righteousness, (or, justification), and sanctification, result in “redemption.” Herein is the wisdom of God manifested, in that He has provided a way in which both His justice might be satisfied and the one who believes on Jesus may be received into His holy present. Thus, God, and God alone, is worthy of the glory.

Paul goes on to say that, far from there being a rivalry between ministers, there is a basic unity: “the one who plants and the one who waters are one [in purpose]” (vs. 8). Regardless of their unique gifts or spheres of service, all true ministers of Christ have a fundamental unity of purpose: serving Christ by ministering His Word and His grace to His people, and proclaiming the gospel to the world. As Paul expresses this truth in verse nine, “we are God’s fellow workers,” laboring in God’s field and in the construction of God’s building, the church: it is all of God and through God and for God.

First and foremost, we must realize and appreciate the fact that the minister is called to be “a minister” (“a servant”) of Christ. We should ask such questions as these: Is my minister presenting Christ to me? Is he putting Christ first and seeking to honor Christ in all that he does? Note the testimony of Paul presented in Galatians 1:10; “If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

The Minister is Called to Build Upon the Foundation of Christ←⤒🔗

Picking up on his illustration of the church as God’s building, Paul describes himself as “a master builder” who laid the foundation (vs. 10). He is referring to his divine calling to be an apostle and, in that capacity, together with the rest of the apostles, to preach the gospel as the church’s only foundation, note Matthew 16:15-18,

But what about you? [Jesus] asked. Who do you say I am? ¹⁶Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. ¹⁷Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

The “rock” to which the Lord Jesus refers is Peter’s confession, as well as the ministry of Peter and the rest of the apostles in proclaiming that confession to the world. Thus, as seen in the lives of the apostles themselves, the foundation is not only the facts of the gospel, but is also the living personal relationship with Christ as He is offered to us in the gospel.

Paul declares that we as believers are “members of God’s household, ²⁰built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:19-20). Paul exhorts young Timothy, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13). In compliance with the Apostle Paul’s instructions, Timothy is not merely to maintain purity of doctrine, that doctrine is to lead to and be accompanied by “faith and love in Christ Jesus.” The church’s foundation is not only the truth about Christ, but Christ Himself, the One who is to be received as He is presented in the apostolic preaching of the gospel (and the whole counsel of God), with the result being a true saving relationship with Christ.

Paul, together with the other apostles, were used by Christ to lay the foundation; all true ministers of Christ are called to build upon that foundation. Each succeeding minister must carefully consider how he is building on that foundation, as Paul warns: “let each man be careful how he builds upon it” (vs. 10b). Each minister must make sure that his ministry, his construction, is in line with the foundation. No one has the ability, nor the authority, to lay any foundation beside the foundation of Jesus Christ, note Galatians 1:8-9,

...even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be anathema! ⁹As we have already said, so now I say again, If anyone is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be anathema!

Note: “Anathema” is a word of condemnation.

This is the warning the Apostle Paul issues to those who would in any way depart from the gospel of Christ. In the words of the hymn writer, “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Is your minister consistently proclaiming the gospel: the good news that Jesus saves from the penalty of sin and from the power of sin?

The content of the gospel preached by the apostles is clearly specified by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1­-4,

Now, brothers, I remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you also received, on which also you stand, ²and by which you are saved—if you hold firm to the word that we preached to you, otherwise you have believed in vain. ³I delivered to you as of first importance that which I also received, [namely], that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; ⁴and that he was buried; and that he has been raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

Is your minister's construction “up to code”? Is he consistently preaching the gospel as it is defined by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4? Is he building with quality materials? “Gold, silver, precious gems” (vs. 12a) is referring to sound doctrine that is true to the Word of God, a faithful exposition of the Word, and a consistent application of the Word to the lives of God’s people. Note Paul’s counsel to Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Is there quality workmanship in your minister’s ministry?

Furthermore, does your minister exemplify a sound biblical lifestyle, which commends the Word of God and the gospel of Christ to the world and is a model for the people of God? Note Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, given in 1 Timothy 4:12, “set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Note, too, Paul’s own testimony: “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, by Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God” (2 Cor. 2:17).

Your minister is called to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Is he consistently presenting Jesus Christ and Him crucified? Is he calling men to come to faith in Christ as the only Savior, and is he calling upon believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as disciples of Christ?

The Minister is Called to Use Quality Building Materials for Christ←⤒🔗

A true minister of Christ must build upon the sure foundation using only the finest quality building materials: “gold, silver, precious gems.” That is to say, there must be sound biblical teaching, unmixed with the alloys of human philosophy or human psychology; with the objective being the accomplishment of the will of God to the glory of God. This, as opposed to any human agenda or man-centered goals; such as building the church in numbers, but doing so at the expense of gospel preaching and biblical teaching.

A true minister of Christ must guard against the use of shoddy building materials, the “wood, hay, stubble” referred to in verse 12b. What is being spoken of here is teaching that is less than biblical, teaching that caters to the whims of the hearers rather than challenging them to pursue the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Note 2 Timothy 4:2-5,

³...the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵But you, be self-controlled in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

The apostle assures us, “each man’s work will be revealed.” One may think that he can get by with using inferior materials; another may feel his choice of quality materials has gone unappreciated. But not so, for “the [Judgment] Day will make it evident.” The Day of Christ’s return will be the day of revelation; it will prove to be not only the day when He will judge the world, but also the day when He will judge each minister’s labors.

On the Day of Christ “the fire will test the quality of each man’s work” (vs. 13). The fire of Christ’s holy presence will test and reveal the quality and durability of each man’s work. The work composed of “gold, silver, precious gems” will withstand the flames and come forth with purified brilliance. The work composed of “wood, hay, stubble” will be consumed, leaving nothing but charred rubble laying upon the sure foundation.

Whoever’s work endures the flames of Christ’s inspection shall receive a reward, as our Lord himself indicated in His parable of the Faithful Servant: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your lord’” (Matt. 25:21).

Whoever’s shoddy work is consumed shall suffer loss; his life’s work shall go up in smoke, all that is superficial, compromising, and false. But he himself, as a true believer in Christ, shall be saved, “but only as one escaping through the flames.” By way of illustration, it will be like a man clothed in a fireproof asbestos suit carrying a pile of worthless, combustible rubble through the flames. The rubble will be consumed by the fire, while he himself is spared by virtue of being clothed by the asbestos suit; although protected, he will acutely feel the heat of the flames. The man whose ministry has consisted of shoddy workmanship, using inferior materials, will barely survive the ordeal. A ministry of shoddy workmanship betrays a heart that is less than right with God; a heart that is more concerned with worldly success or undisturbed comfort than with the glory of Christ.

This is why the Apostle Paul testifies concerning his own ministry: “we make it our aim...to be well pleasing to him, ¹⁰for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive...according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:9-10).

Your minister is called to use quality building materials in his labors for Christ. Pray for your minister, that he will seek to handle the Word of God with care and diligence, following the instructions the Apostle Paul gave to Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

Conclusion←⤒🔗

This is your minister’s calling: to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ; to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ and Him crucified; and to use quality building materials in doing so.

In the light of this high calling, what minister would not echo the words of the Apostle Paul when he cried out, “Who is capable for such a task?” (2 Cor. 2:16b) May each minister of Christ also echo with confidence these further words of the Apostle Paul: “our capability comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). Like the Apostle Paul, may each minister of Christ solicit the prayers of God’s people for his ministry, even as Paul pleaded with the Thessalonians, “Brothers, pray for us” (1 Thess. 5:25).

Discussion Questions←⤒🔗

1. How does the Apostle Paul correct the overly high view the Corinthian Christians had with regard to prominent church leaders (cf. 1 Cor. 3:5a)? Is Paul disparaging his calling; should your pastor have a low view of his calling, should he view himself as little more than a hired servant who must not offend anyone and carry out whatever may be the congregation’s wishes? Or, far from disparaging his calling (cf. 1 Cor. 1:1a), is Paul not following in the footsteps of John the Baptist? Note Jn. 3:30-31. If you are a pastor, are you aware of your high calling, and aware of the Lord you are called to exalt?

​After all, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? [We are] ministers through whom you came to believe; each [doing what] the Lord gave him [to do]. 1 Cor. 3:5

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God... 1 Cor. 1:1

He must increase, but I must decrease. ³¹The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and he speaks of the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. Jn. 3:30-31

2. How does Paul define his role and that of all who have been called to Christian service (cf. 1 Cor. 3:5b)? What is your pastor called to minister unto you? Note Lk. 1:1-2. Do you receive the ministry of the Word of God from him for your own spiritual health and growth in Christ? First and foremost, whose servant is Paul, and every other Christian minister (cf. 1 Cor. 3:5c)? Note Gal. 1:10b. If you are engaged in any Christian ministry, who are you seeking to please? Note 2 Cor. 5:9-10,

After all, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? [We are] ministers through whom you came to believe; each [doing what] the Lord gave him [to do]. 1 Cor. 3:5

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been among us, ²just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us... Lk. 1:1-2

Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal. 1:10

...we make it our aim...to be well pleasing unto him; ¹⁰for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive the things [done] in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.2 Cor. 5:9-10

3. What imagery does Paul now employ to describe his own God-given ministry and that of Apollos? See 1 Cor. 3:6-8. As you are engaged in any Christian ministry, do you recognize your dependence upon God to make your ministry fruitful? Do you pray that your pastor, as well as yourself, would carry out your Christian ministry and your Christian life with a confident dependence upon God? Note 2 Cor. 2:16/2 Cor. 3:5-6,

I planted [the seed], Apollos watered it; but God made it grow. ⁷So then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is of any significance; but the one who causes [the seed] to grow, [namely], God. ⁸Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one [in purpose]; and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 1 Cor. 3:6-8

...who is sufficient for these things? 2 Cor. 2:16b

...but our sufficiency is from God; ⁶who also made us sufficient as ministers of [the] new covenant... 2 Cor. 3:5b-6a

4. What does Paul agricultural imagery tell us about the value of the various Christian ministries in which we and fellow Christians may be engaged (cf. 1 Cor. 3:8)? Is either the one who sows the seed or the one who irrigates the seed non-essential? Though our ministries may vary, what is our common purpose? Note Jn. 17:4. What is our common expectation? Note 1 Cor. 15:58,

Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one [in purpose]; and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 1 Cor. 3:8

Addressing His Father in prayer, the Lord Jesus declares,

I glorified you on the earth by accomplishing the work you gave me to do. Jn. 17:4

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; knowing that your labor for the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

5. Paul now changes the imagery from agriculture to construction: Who is the One foundation upon which the Church is built (cf. 1 Cor. 3:11)? What is significant about the fact Paul mentions Christ Himself, rather than Christian doctrine? Note Acts 16:30-31a. Does this mean that Christian doctrine is unimportant? Note 2 Tim. 1:13. Biblical doctrine defines the person of Christ Jesus, the One in whom we must believe, and the work He has done on our behalf. Are you zealous for sound doctrine? Are you zealous for Christ Himself?

...for no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11

And he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' ³¹So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.' Acts 16:30-31

Hold fast the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me, in faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 1:13