That the Best Ministry is Nothing Without God's Power Giving the Increase
A. Burgess. 1 Corinthians 3:4-8 For while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?… I. Let us consider — WHAT THE APOSTLE DOTH NOT MEAN IN SAYING THE MINISTRY IS NOTHING. First, he doth not mean as if the officers of the Church were not, in their way and place, necessary; for then the apostle in the same tongue should contradict himself, for he saith, "We are workers together with God" (2. Corinthians 6:1). Secondly, when the apostle calls the ministry nothing, the meaning is not as if it were not sufficient in its kind to work those things for which it is appointed, otherwise this would reflect upon the wisdom of God. Thirdly, when the apostle saith they are nothing, this is to be understood of the ministers of the gospel and preaching of it as well as the ministers of the law and preaching that. What he positively meaneth or inferreth are, first, that it is not in the power or choice of the minister to make it effectual. Secondly, the apostle by this intends that both the ministers and the people should keep themselves in their due bounds. Lastly, in making the ministry nothing and God all, the apostle would have both minister and people in their ministry to have our hearts and eyes up to heaven. But how may we address ourselves to hear and to the ministry so that God may make them something to us? To be made something is when the Word doth greatly wound thy heart or comfort thee. First, make it a real and conscientious matter to pray unto God to give increase. As to the woman our Saviour said, "According to thy faith so be it unto thee," So according to thy prepared prayer, saith God, this sermon and this duty shall be blessed upon you. Secondly, exercise strong and divine acts of faith; this will make the ministry something to thee. The Word profited not, because it was not mingled with faith (Hebrews 4:2). Thirdly, "lay aside all superfluity of naughtiness" (James 1:21). Labour to find the ministry something, some great thing, some terrible thing, some comfortable thing to thee. (A. Burgess.) Parallel Verses KJV: For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? WEB: For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly?