Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9: Have someone read the text aloud slowly to the House Church. Have a quiet moment for a minute after reading the passage so people can take time to reflect.

Main Idea: A disciple pursues unity by recognizing that God gives us different roles, while remembering that we share one purpose and that God alone produces the growth.

Summary: The Apostle Paul addresses the division within the Corinthian church. 

• The believers began to identify themselves around different leaders

  • Some were saying they were followers of Paul

  • Some were saying they were followers of Apollos

• Their division revealed spiritual immaturity because they had lost sight of the fact that Christian leaders are servants (Gr. diakonos) of one Lord. 

• Paul reminds the church that Paul planted and Apollos is the one who watered the seed but it is only God makes the seed grow.

• God has given each person different roles and assignments within the body of Christ.

• Unity does not mean that everyone does the same thing. It means that we recognize that despite our differences, we all belong to one body and serve one Lord. 

• Our responsibility is to be faithful, not to produce results. 

• Some of us are planting the seed, some are watering it, yet it is God who is ultimately responsible for the growth.

• When we understand and remember this truth, we no longer need to compare our role or ministry to someone else. 

• We’re reminded that we are as Paul mentioned, co-workers in God’s service. 

• We’re faithfully serving wherever God has placed us and trusting Him with the results.

• Let us therefore recognize our roles and remember our purpose.

Discussion Question
What role has God currently entrusted to you within the body of Christ, and what would it look like for you to faithfully serve in that role while trusting God with the results?