“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” (1 Cor. 3:6-7)
Without the watering process God cannot maximize the increase.
The watering is the refreshing, revelatory, and life-giving teaching of the Word. New converts need the milk of the Word in order to grow spiritually.
Paul watered daily in Ephesus in the school of Tyrannus until that entire region of Asia heard the word of God.
“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:8-10)
A few months ago in prayer the Lord dealt with me concerning the watering process in the nations He’s assigned us. We do a lot of evangelism and revival-type meetings bringing together teams and streams of ministers, but He asked me to water more than I had been. He told me that it would be a 180 degree turn for me, but it would maximize His increase in the nations we are working in. It seems like the devil has fought this more than I anticipated. This is the reason the Lord has me focused on establishing strategic Bible training centers as we did in our former missionary days. Many churches have poor teaching and doctrine, and frankly, some are dead and without the life-giving Spirit. But the caution is not to move from one ditch to the other. We need to maintain an emphasis on evangelistic work and the power of God. Notice the following verses that follow the watering Paul did in that Asian region.
God began to work miracles through Paul and when Jewish exorcists, including the seven sons of a Jewish chief priest, attempted to do the same, a demon embarrassed them by stripping them naked.
This became known throughout all of Ephesus. Take note of these results:
“17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and FEAR FELL ON THEM ALL, AND THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS WAS MAGNIFIED. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 SO THE WORD OF THE LORD GREW MIGHTILY AND PREVAILED.” ( Acts 19:17-20)
There was a move in Ephesus of great repentance. Hallelujah!! Glory to Jesus!!!
The apostle Paul was a master builder and he understood the building process better than anyone. He placed the teaching/watering ministry before miracles and healings.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third TEACHERS, after that miracles, then gifts of healings… (1 Cor. 12:27-28)
Yes, miracles and healings are more exciting, but without the watering process we will limit the increase. We need one another.
In Acts 8 Philip is conducting a great evangelistic campaign in Samaria with great miracles and notable, undeniable healings. But then the apostles, Peter and John, came down from Jerusalem to help the new converts receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-17).
We need the Word and the Spirit for the move of God to mushroom in the earth. We need the power of God and the anointed teaching of the Word. As many miracles and healings as Jesus performed, the teaching ministry was a priority for Him (Matt. 4:23). We need all the ministries working together in a divine order.
I could say much more but it will be included in another book soon. Get my last 5-book bundle and your understanding of the eternal Church and the move of God will increase greatly. (Link to order is below)
I hope this blog has enlightened you and ministered understanding to you.