1 Corinthians 3:8-9  “God’s Laborers Serve in God’s Field”

By Bob DeWaay

Paul continues his correction of the errors in Corinth by showing that in regard to serving as God’s servants, Apollos and Paul are fellow workers who belong to God. They serve Him and God alone will judge the value and quality of their work. The “wages” refers to future reward. Verse 9 sets up the next analogy which is “God’s building.” This sermon emphasizes that since all who serve the Lord must not seek the approval of men in the fallen world system, but God who called them. To that end, much of this message is about future reward, the contrast between those who know God through Christ and the many false religions of the world, and the need to be reconciled to God. Only those who know Christ and trust Him alone are reconciled to God. The world is not evolving into paradise on earth but is heading toward judgment.