God Gives The Increase (The Meaning Of One Plants, One Waters)
We all strive for growth in some form or another, whether it be personal, professional, relational, or spiritual.
And when it comes to our spiritual journey, there is no greater growth than the one that comes from God.
One may plant and another water, but God gives the increase.
He is the ultimate Source of growth, the divine Gardener who tends to the garden of our lives.
He is the One who not only watches over the seeds of faith that we sow but He also nurtures them, providing the perfect conditions for growth.
But here's the catch - growth requires our active participation.
We will explore the various ways in which God gives the increase, uncovering the power of His Spirit, and discovering how we can actively participate in this beautiful process.
We will delve into the principles, stories, and wisdom that illuminate the truth that, in every aspect of life, God is the ultimate Giver of increase.
What does God gives the increase mean?
God gives the increase means that it is through His divine power and intervention that increase, growth, and progress occur.
It is not by our own efforts or abilities that we experience spiritual, emotional, or physical growth, but by the grace and favor of God.
This phrase reminds us that we are completely dependent on God for any success, blessings, or advancements in our lives.
It humbles us and reminds us to give all the glory and credit to God, recognizing that He is the one who enables us to flourish and thrive.
It is a reminder that we are not in control, but God is, and it is His power that brings about increase in every aspect of our lives.
Understanding 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
1 Corinthians is that it is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth.
The context behind the letter is that the Corinthians were divided and facing various issues within their church community.
Paul addresses these divisions and provides guidance on how to live as followers of Christ.
He emphasizes the importance of unity, warns against worldly wisdom, and encourages the Corinthians to focus on the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Paul reminds them that they are temples of the Holy Spirit and encourages them to build their foundation on Jesus Christ.
He also addresses the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, urging the Corinthians to leave behind their worldly ways and strive for the wisdom and power that comes from God.
The letter serves as a reminder to the Corinthians, and to believers today, of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the need for unity and spiritual growth in the body of Christ.
The focus scriptures in this letter are 1 Corinthians 3:6-7.
Within these verses we can see two main points.
1. God above everything
The apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of our relationship with God.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 he says, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
This verse emphasizes that our efforts alone are insufficient in producing spiritual growth or bringing others to faith.
It is the power and work of God alone that ultimately brings about increase.
We are merely instruments in His hands, carrying out His will and purpose.
God is to be above everything else in our lives.
Paul's words serve as a reminder for us to humble ourselves and recognize that our role in God's Kingdom is to be faithful and obedient.
He is to hold first place in our hearts.
From that posture, we are called to sow seeds of faith and share the love of Christ, but it is God who brings about the increase.
We must not boast in our own efforts or accomplishments, but rather give all glory and honor to God.
2. God brings the growth
God is the ultimate Giver of growth.
It is not by our own might or power that anything in this world can grow, but it is through the divine power of God.
We must acknowledge and give thanks to Him for His ability to bring about growth in every aspect of our lives.
Just as a seed cannot grow without water and sunlight, we cannot grow in our faith without the nourishment and guidance of God.
It is His Holy Spirit that works within us, cultivating our hearts and minds to become more like Christ.
In these verses, Paul reminds us that both he who plants and he who waters are nothing, but it is God who gives the increase.
We may plant seeds of truth or water them with our words and actions, but it is God who brings about the growth, increase, and transformation.
One plants another waters
One plants, another waters, but it is God who causes the growth and brings about life change.
This principle applies to every aspect of our lives as Christians.
We may sow seeds through our actions and words, but it is only through the power of the Spirit that those seeds will bear fruit.
We must not take credit for the growth or transformation that we see in others.
It is not our own efforts or abilities that bring about change, but the work of the Spirit in their hearts.
We are merely vessels used by God to carry out His purposes.
We must understand that our role is not to force or manipulate others into change, but to faithfully plant and water the seeds of truth.
We must be patient and trust that the Holy Spirit will do His work in His timing.
Our responsibility is to remain obedient and faithful to our calling.
In planting and watering, we must also be aware of our influence on others.
Our words and actions have the power to either hinder or facilitate the work of the Spirit.
We must be mindful of the example we set and the impact we have on those around us.
We must recognize that God is the One who empowers us in our planting and watering.
Without His guidance and strength, our efforts are in vain.
We must rely on Him for wisdom, discernment, and boldness as we seek to fulfill our purpose in sowing and tending to the spiritual growth of others.
As we partner with Him in this work, we can have confidence that He will bring about transformation and increase in the lives of those we touch.
Does God reward giving?
God rewards giving with blessings and abundance.
He is a generous God, and when we give with a joyful and sincere heart, He pours out His blessings upon us in ways that we cannot even fathom.
Those who give freely and generously will experience the joy of seeing their gifts increased, multiplied, and their needs abundantly met.
God's Word assures us that when we give, it will be given back to us, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
Our giving is not in vain, for God sees every act of generosity and rewards it in ways that go beyond our expectations.
He blesses us with spiritual, material, relational, financial, and so many other ways.
It is important to note that God's rewards are not always immediate.
Sometimes, He blesses us in ways that are intangible yet deeply impactful.
He may grant us wisdom, peace, and a greater understanding of His love and grace.
He may also bless us with opportunities to bless others and make a difference in their lives.
When we give, we align ourselves with God's heart and His kingdom principles.
We become conduits of His love and provision, and He delights in using us to bring blessings to others.
Our giving not only benefits those in need but also brings glory to God and testifies to His goodness and faithfulness.
What does the Bible say about increasing and decreasing?
Increasing and decreasing are truths that the Bible speaks about in various contexts.
In regards to increasing, the Bible teaches that God is the one who brings about growth and abundance in our lives.
It is through His power and provision that we experience increase in every area.
Psalm 115:14 declares, "May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children."
Proverbs 3:9-10 also instructs us to honor the Lord with our wealth and possessions, and as a result, our barns will be filled with plenty.
On the other hand, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of decrease in our lives.
Decreasing refers to humbling ourselves before God, acknowledging our own limitations, and surrendering our pride.
James 4:10 exhorts us to humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will lift us up.
Proverbs 11:2 reminds us that pride comes before destruction, but humility comes before honor.
In both increase and decrease, the underlying principle is that we are to rely on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It is through God's work within us that we can experience growth and abundance, as well as humility and surrender.
What Psalm is about expanding?
Psalm 67 is a powerful testament to the concept of expanding.
In this psalm, the psalmist calls upon God to bless his people and cause His face to shine upon them.
The psalmist acknowledges that when God's ways are known on earth and His salvation is made evident among all nations, then there will be an increase of praise and worship.
The psalmist recognizes that it is through the abundance of God's blessings and His fruitful provisions that the earth will yield its increase.
This psalm serves as a reminder that when we acknowledge and honor God's presence and blessings, there will be an undeniable expansion of His goodness and grace in our lives.
Can we ask God for more?
We can and should ask God for more, for He is a generous and loving Father who desires to bless His children abundantly.
The Holy Spirit is the source of all spiritual gifts and blessings, and it is through Him that we can receive more of God's goodness, grace, and power.
When we ask God for more, we are acknowledging our dependence on Him and our desire to grow in our relationship with Him.
God delights in answering our prayers and pouring out His blessings upon us.
Who asked God to increase his life span?
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, asked God to increase his life span in the Bible.
In 2 Kings 20:1-6, Hezekiah became sick and was told by the prophet Isaiah that he would not recover.
However, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, asking for mercy.
God heard Hezekiah's prayer and saw his tears, so He sent Isaiah back to tell Hezekiah that He would add fifteen years to his life.
In response to God's answer, Hezekiah praised the Lord and expressed his gratitude.
This account showcases the power of prayer and God's willingness to hear and answer the cries of His people.
Should we ask God to increase our faith?
Asking God to increase our faith is not only a reasonable request but also a necessary one.
Our faith is the foundation of our relationship with God and the key to experiencing His power and blessings in our lives.
Without faith, it is impossible to please God or receive His promises.
By asking God to increase our faith, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and recognize that He is the source of all spiritual growth and transformation.
It is through the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that our faith is increased and our hearts are opened to receive more of God's grace and goodness.
What does the Bible mean by increasing our life?
Increasing our life, as the Bible teaches, goes beyond mere numerical growth or accumulation of material possessions.
It speaks to a spiritual expansion, a deepening of our relationship with God and the manifestation of His character in our lives.
It is not about striving for worldly success or seeking self-gratification, but rather about a continual growth in faith, love, wisdom, and holiness.
It is a surrendering of our own desires and ambitions, allowing God to work in and through us, bringing about His purposes and glory.
It is a transformation of our hearts, minds, and actions, as we align ourselves with God's will and allow His Spirit to lead and guide us.
In this way, increasing our lives becomes a testimony of God's grace and power, as we become vessels through which His love and truth can flow to impact the world around us.
God Gives The Increase Bible Scripture Verses (KJV)
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:31-32 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Matthew 7:11 - If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Job 38:41 - Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
Psalms 34:10 - The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Genesis 9:3 - Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Matthew 6:31 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Luke 12:24 - Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
Romans 5:1-21 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
James 4:1-2 - From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
James 5:15 - And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
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