A Lent devotional on how different gifts in the church work together for growth. Using 1 Corinthians 3:6 and an orchestra metaphor, the speaker shows how diverse believers contribute unique talents under God's direction, and warns against competition that divides the body of Christ.
Good morning. We are going through our Lent devotional for the year theme of Multiply. So we are on day 2 of Multiply Your Contributions. The word is going to be coming from 1 Corinthians 3:6. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. If you have seen a band or orchestra perform, you may have noticed bands are made up of Many parts are played in the string, brass, woodwind, and percussion sections. Each part contributes to the section as each section contributes to the overall sound. The overall sound is under the direction of the conductor, who blends the different sounds to convey the beauty of the musical selection. This idea of parts coming together to produce an increase is found in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It reads: From In whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. And that's Ephesians 4:16. Note the phrases every joint supplies and every part does its share. This idea also presents itself in today's text. Paul addresses the divisions and factions present in the church at Corinth. He reminds the church that carnal thinking produces factions and competition where there should be unity. Paul points out that even though we have separate roles and functions, we are all under the direction of God. In other words, we are in the same band playing the same song. We are on the same team. Like the musicians in the orchestra, God has gifted and prepared us to play a specific part in his master piece. Paul believes, I did my part in planting, Apollos did his part in watering, but the increase can only come What an awesome privilege to be invited by God to participate in his plans and purposes. Let's celebrate our distinct and unique functions. Let's praise God as he multiplies our efforts to increase. Let's go into prayer. Praise you, Lord, that you have chosen us to be in your plans and purposes. Help us to use our gifts and talents for your glory. We don't want to compete with our brothers and sisters, but we all want to complete and appropriately represent the Amen.
