1 Corinthians 3:8
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that planteth and he that watereth are one - Both Paul and Apollos have received the same doctrine, preach the same doctrine, and labor to promote the glory of God in the salvation of your souls. Why should you be divided with respect to Paul and Apollos, while these apostles are intimately One in spirit, design, and operation? According to his own labor - God does not reward his servants according to the success of their labor, because that depends on himself; but he rewards them according to the quantum of faithful labor which they bestow on his work. In this sense none can say, I have labored in vain, and spent my strength for nought.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one--essentially in their aim they are one, engaged in one and the same ministry; therefore they ought not to be made by you the occasion of forming separate parties. and every man--rather "but every man." Though in their service or ministry, they are essentially "one," yet every minister is separately responsible in "his own" work, and "shall receive his own (emphatically repeated) reward, according to his own labor." The reward is something over and above personal salvation (Co1 3:14-15; Jo2 1:8). He shall be rewarded according to, not his success or the amount of work done, but "according to his own labor." It shall be said to him, "Well done, thou good and (not successful, but) faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Mat 25:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now he that planteth, and he that watereth are one,.... Not in every respect so; they were different as men, they were not the same individual persons, nor in the same office; Paul was an apostle, Apollos only a preacher of the Gospel; nor had they the same measure of gifts, nor did they labour alike, or were of the same usefulness; but they had one and the same commission to preach the Gospel; and the Gospel they preached was the same; and so were their views, aims, and ends, which were the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls; and they had the same love and affection for one another; they were one in their work, judgment, and affection; and which carries in it a strong reason and argument why the members of this church should not contend and divide about them: and every man shall receive his own reward; either from men, that double honour he is worthy of, maintenance and respect; or rather from God, not a reward of debt, for his labours are by no means meritorious of anything at the hands of God, from whom he has all the grace, strength, and abilities he labours with; but of grace, even the reward of the inheritance, because he serves the Lord Christ; which is by bequest, through the death of the testator, and common to all the children of God, and heirs of glory: according to his own labour; and not another's; and not according to the success of it, but according to that itself; not that that is the measure of the reward, for the reward infinitely exceeds it; but is that to which God has graciously annexed the promise of the reward, as an encouragement to it.
1 Corinthians 3:8
God’s Fellow Workers
7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Revival Series 5
By Leonard Ravenhill6.7K52:54RevivalMAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 9:37MAT 20:161CO 3:82CO 5:10REV 14:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of those who have gained wealth and power through dishonest means. He emphasizes that their kingdom will eventually perish, while the kingdom of believers will thrive. The preacher also highlights the importance of focusing on the word of God and not drowning it out with excessive human words. He mentions the need for believers to lay up treasures in heaven through their works, as they will be rewarded accordingly. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the significance of prayer and the importance of seeking a deep relationship with God.
Church Live Re-Visited: Session Four - Part 2
By Ron Bailey1.0K32:39LUK 12:471CO 3:81CO 3:21EPH 4:23COL 3:9HEB 13:17This sermon delves into the process of spiritual renewal and growth as outlined in Colossians and Ephesians, emphasizing the ongoing transformation of believers. It also discusses the importance of trusting and respecting spiritual leaders in the church, highlighting the genuine spiritual authority and responsibility they carry. The sermon touches on the concept of rewards for faithful labor in serving God and the solemn warnings about accountability and perseverance in the Christian journey.
A Return to the True Gospel
By Miki Hardy5561:32:16GospelMAT 13:24JHN 10:111CO 3:82CO 11:2GAL 3:1GAL 3:3In this sermon, the speaker addresses the spiritual emptiness and vacuum in the nation, where Christians are crying out for the truth. They express frustration with the current state of preaching, which focuses on material promises and inventions to keep people happy. The speaker shares a personal testimony of visiting a large church and discussing the message of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of returning to God rather than expecting Him to come to us. They also reference the parable of the wheat and the tares, highlighting the presence of both good and evil in the world and the need for discernment. The sermon concludes with a warning against false servants of God who seek personal gain instead of selflessly serving the Lord and His people.
God's Questions Iii (Provision) - Part 1
By John Follette4161:43:05ProvisionMAT 7:21MAT 25:21LUK 10:42LUK 19:17LUK 19:20JHN 6:51CO 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a deep understanding and connection with the word of God. He criticizes those who try to appear knowledgeable without truly understanding the teachings. The preacher then refers to a story from the Bible where Jesus tests Philip by asking him when they will buy bread to feed a large crowd. The preacher highlights that Jesus was not interested in material things or gratitude, but rather in seeing the reflection of his son in people's spirits through the discipline of service. He concludes by discussing the concept of being plowed by God in order to yield a harvest, using the analogy of different types of plows and their impact on our lives.
7 Types of Eternal Rewards
By Mike Bickle1959:39Heart ResponsesEternal RewardsMAT 6:20MAT 25:211CO 3:81CO 15:412CO 9:7JAS 1:121PE 1:7REV 2:10REV 3:5REV 3:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of eternal rewards in his sermon '7 Types of Eternal Rewards,' explaining that our choices and actions in this life directly impact the rewards we will receive in the age to come. He highlights that Jesus spoke extensively about these rewards, which include various forms of glory, authority, and praise from God, and that they are based on our heart responses rather than our abilities. Bickle encourages believers to consider their daily decisions and acts of righteousness, as these will be recognized and rewarded by God, ultimately leading to a deeper communion with Him. He reassures that every small act of service and humility matters and will be remembered, urging listeners to live with an eternal perspective.
The Judgment Seat of Christ: Going for the Gold
By Mike Bickle1752:18Eternal RewardsLiving For Christ1CO 3:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of living a life that prepares us for the judgment seat of Christ, where our deeds will be evaluated for eternal rewards. He explains that while salvation is a free gift, believers are called to build their lives with gold, silver, and precious stones through acts of obedience and love. Bickle warns against living passively, as many will suffer loss of rewards due to unwise choices, despite being saved. He encourages the audience to pursue a life of intentionality and commitment to God, assuring them that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded in eternity. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in focus towards loving God wholeheartedly as the greatest calling.
Visible Churches Warned
By J.C. Ryle0Faith and WorksOvercoming ComplacencyNUM 24:131SA 2:3MAT 25:37LUK 6:441CO 3:8EPH 6:13TIT 1:16JAS 1:22REV 3:22REV 14:13J.C. Ryle warns visible churches about the importance of genuine faith and the dangers of complacency in religious practices. He emphasizes that the letters to the seven churches in Revelation focus on doctrine, personal faith, and the necessity of overcoming sin rather than church governance or rituals. Ryle urges believers to recognize that true Christianity is a personal relationship with Christ, marked by repentance and active faith, rather than mere membership in a church. He highlights that Jesus knows our works and will reward the faithful while warning against hypocrisy and complacency. The sermon calls for a deeper commitment to spiritual growth and a life that reflects true Christian values.
The Reward of the Faithful
By D.L. Moody0Faithfulness in ServiceEvangelismMAT 9:371CO 3:8D.L. Moody emphasizes the rewards of faithful service in God's vineyard, sharing his personal experiences of joy and fulfillment in leading souls to Christ. He encourages all, especially ministers, Sunday school teachers, and parents, to actively participate in the harvest of souls, highlighting the eternal treasures that await those who labor for the Lord. Moody illustrates the transformative power of personal engagement in evangelism, recounting stories of individuals who were saved through the efforts of dedicated workers. He calls for a united effort in prayer and action, urging everyone to recognize the value of even the smallest contributions in the kingdom of God. Ultimately, he inspires his audience to take up the mantle of service, assuring them that their labor will not go unrewarded.
Are We Asleep in the Light?
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAT 25:1ROM 13:111CO 3:8EPH 5:14PHP 2:131TH 5:5HEB 11:6JAS 5:162JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the importance of diligently seeking God and being alert and sober in these times of spiritual decline. He emphasizes the need to awaken from spiritual sleep, confess faults to one another for healing, and be filled with God's Spirit to avoid missing out on God's highest intentions. The sermon warns against spiritual slumber, the danger of being satisfied with earthly goods but not with God, and the necessity of being honest about our struggles and sins to experience true freedom and restoration.
John 1:15
By St. John Chrysostom01CO 3:8John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of laboring faithfully in God's work, assuring that even if the results are not visible, the Lord will reward according to our efforts. He highlights the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus, gradually revealing His greatness to the people. Chrysostom urges believers to live out their faith through good works, sacrificial giving, and genuine mercy, as these offerings are more pleasing to God than mere rituals or sacrifices.
The Parable of the Vineyard Workers Matthew 20:1-16
By David Servant0MAT 19:29MAT 20:161CO 3:8David Servant preaches on the parable of the vineyard workers, emphasizing that God rewards us based on the opportunities He gives us, not just the amount of work we do. He highlights the importance of being faithful with the opportunities, big or small, that God presents to us, as He is perfectly fair in His rewards. The lesson is that our faithfulness in utilizing the opportunities God provides determines our reward in His kingdom, not just the quantity of our work.
The Seeds We Are Scattering
By J.R. Miller0Consequences of ActionsInfluencePRO 11:18ECC 11:6MAT 7:2LUK 6:381CO 3:82CO 9:6GAL 6:7HEB 9:27JAS 3:18REV 22:11J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of the seeds we scatter in the lives of others, particularly through the nurturing influence of a mother and the collective contributions of family and society. He illustrates how every action, word, and thought serves as a seed that can grow into either good or evil, shaping character and destiny. The sermon warns that both positive and negative influences leave lasting impressions, and we must be mindful of the seeds we sow, as they will ultimately return to us in some form. Miller encourages listeners to focus on scattering seeds of love, truth, and goodness, while recognizing the inevitable consequences of our actions. He concludes with the reminder that our lives are interconnected, and we will reap what we sow, both in this life and the next.
An Anxious Inquiry and a Gracious Response
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 107:12ROM 5:5ROM 8:251CO 3:81CO 13:131CO 15:581TH 1:31TH 5:8REV 2:2The preacher delves into the concept of 'kopos' in the Bible, which refers to labor involving toil, fatigue, suffering, weariness, and sorrow. This labor speaks of intense effort united with trouble, emphasizing the weariness that follows straining one's powers to the utmost. The sermon explores various Bible verses that illustrate different nuances of 'kopos,' highlighting the importance of labor prompted by love, the toil involved in spiritual benefits, and the endurance under trials inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that planteth and he that watereth are one - Both Paul and Apollos have received the same doctrine, preach the same doctrine, and labor to promote the glory of God in the salvation of your souls. Why should you be divided with respect to Paul and Apollos, while these apostles are intimately One in spirit, design, and operation? According to his own labor - God does not reward his servants according to the success of their labor, because that depends on himself; but he rewards them according to the quantum of faithful labor which they bestow on his work. In this sense none can say, I have labored in vain, and spent my strength for nought.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one--essentially in their aim they are one, engaged in one and the same ministry; therefore they ought not to be made by you the occasion of forming separate parties. and every man--rather "but every man." Though in their service or ministry, they are essentially "one," yet every minister is separately responsible in "his own" work, and "shall receive his own (emphatically repeated) reward, according to his own labor." The reward is something over and above personal salvation (Co1 3:14-15; Jo2 1:8). He shall be rewarded according to, not his success or the amount of work done, but "according to his own labor." It shall be said to him, "Well done, thou good and (not successful, but) faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Mat 25:23).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now he that planteth, and he that watereth are one,.... Not in every respect so; they were different as men, they were not the same individual persons, nor in the same office; Paul was an apostle, Apollos only a preacher of the Gospel; nor had they the same measure of gifts, nor did they labour alike, or were of the same usefulness; but they had one and the same commission to preach the Gospel; and the Gospel they preached was the same; and so were their views, aims, and ends, which were the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls; and they had the same love and affection for one another; they were one in their work, judgment, and affection; and which carries in it a strong reason and argument why the members of this church should not contend and divide about them: and every man shall receive his own reward; either from men, that double honour he is worthy of, maintenance and respect; or rather from God, not a reward of debt, for his labours are by no means meritorious of anything at the hands of God, from whom he has all the grace, strength, and abilities he labours with; but of grace, even the reward of the inheritance, because he serves the Lord Christ; which is by bequest, through the death of the testator, and common to all the children of God, and heirs of glory: according to his own labour; and not another's; and not according to the success of it, but according to that itself; not that that is the measure of the reward, for the reward infinitely exceeds it; but is that to which God has graciously annexed the promise of the reward, as an encouragement to it.