What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 

-1 Corinthians 3:5-7

Notes:

I have been waiting for weeks now to plant my spring vegetable garden.  Unfortunately, I must continue to wait until the season arrives and the soil temperature is right in order to sow. In the Kingdom of God, the right conditions must be met in order for the word of the Lord to bring forth fruit.

First, the Word must be sown in the right season.  Secondly, the heart of the hearer(s) must be prepared and remain teachable, or else the effort made is futile (see the parable of the sower). Thirdly, we (the body of Christ) must work in unison, and be functional in our calling(s) and giftings in order be the most effective. As in the passage above, Paul planted (evangelism), Apollos watered (discipleship/shepherding) and God gave the increase (grace).  Above all else, we must realize that it is God alone and no man that produces growth.  

Willing to Take the Challenge?

Is there someone in your life that you are trying to reach with the Gospel or that is a christian but has little or no fruit in their lives?  Pray that God would till their hearts so that when you plant the Word, it will land on good ground.  Above all, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His direction for your part in bringing this person into a fruitful and productive life for the Lord.