Introduction

I. It is always exciting to grow.

II. It is always important to remember who gives the increase.

Discussion

I. GOD IS THE FOCUS OF MATURE CHRISTIANS (1-4).

A. It is carnal to follow men.

1. They were spiritually immature (Col 3:1-2).

2. They were carnal.

a. "My friends, you are acting like the people of this world" (CEV).

3. They were babes in Christ (Heb 5:12-14).

a. Result: (vs. 4, cf. 1:10-13).

II. GOD GIVES THE INCREASE (5-9).

A. Preachers/teachers are:

1. Ministers (servants) (Col 1:25).

2. Assigned men.

a. "As the Lord has assigned to each his task" (NIV).

(1) Paul planted (Ax 18:7-8).

(2) Apollos watered (Ax 18:27-19:1).

3. Nothing apart from Christ (2 Cor 12:11; John 15:5; Luke 17:10).

4. One:

a. One thing - servants.

b. Equal - one in Christ.

c. United - working together for the same cause.

5. God's fellow workers (2 Cor 6:1).

a. "For we are labourers...together...with God!"

B. God is:

1. The one who gives the increase (2 Cor 3:5-6).

2. The one who owns the church (vs. 9).

III. GOD HAS A PLAN (10-15).

A. A wise master builder.

1. Faithfully preach the gospel.

2. He works by grace.

B. A foundation is laid (vs. 11, cf. Isa 28:16).

C. Good building supplies (vs. 12).

1. Chirst-centered Xians.

2. Preacher-centered Xians.

IV. GOD HAS A TEMPLE (16-17).

A. The temple of God is where the Spirit of God dwells.

B. The temple of God is holy.

C. The temple of God is the church of Christ (1 Pet 2:5-9).

D. The temple of God is not to be defiled (destroyed).

1. What would defile or destroy the church?

a. Worldly wisdom.

b. Self-exalted preachers.

c. Preacher-centered members.

V. GOD IS TO RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY (18-23).

A. To glory in men is:

1. To be deceived.

2. To be foolish.

3. To be deprived.

a. All things are ours (vss. 21-22, cf. 1 Tim 6:17; Rom 8:28; Rom 13:7).

B. To glory in God is:

1. To be wise.

2. To be Christ's (vs. 23)

3. To be mature.

Conclusion

I. We can thank God we are growing.

II. We can thank God for allowing us to be His fellow laborers.

III. We can thank God by giving Him the glory.

** If you have any questions or if you would like to become a Christian, please let us know.

Alan C. Cole
26th St. Church of Christ
101-26th Street Huntington, WV 25703
Phone - (304) 522-0717
E-Mail - Cole8@marshall.edu
Homepage - http://mupfc.marshall.edu/~cole8/