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Note —

I. SOME OF THOSE CASES IN WHICH PARTY SPIRIT IS BLAMABLE.

1. The case of those who look on their connection with particular parties as serving of itself to insure their salvation. No party distinction can assure any man of God's favour, or heaven. It is not Church membership, but union with Christ that warrants the hope of salvation. "Neither circumcision availeth anything," &c.

2. The case of those who confine their attachment to particular ministers, and think more highly of them than they ought to think. Not that hearers are wrong in feeling for their own ministers more esteem than for others (1 Thessalonians 5:12), nor in esteeming those most through whom they receive most benefit. But blamable they are when even to these they confine their attachment, and when they do not sincerely esteem all whose preaching and practice prove that they are the servants of Christ.

II. THAT MINISTERS CAN ONLY BE USEFUL AND SUCCESSFUL SO FAR AS GOD BLESSES THE MEANS THEY EMPLOY.

1. Paul here speaks of means being used. In allusion to husbandry he speaks both of planting and of watering as preceding the increase; and, indeed, without both, the hope of an increase would not be authorised. Now, does this not teach that unless we be diligent in using the means we cannot expect to be instruments of good?

2. But means, although of God's appointment and furnishing, can only by Himself be rendered effectual.

(1) In the nature of things it cannot be otherwise. If, in reference to the body, God only can open the eyes of the blind, unstop the ears of the deaf, loose the tongues of the dumb, how can it be supposed that any less power than the power of God is sufficient to effect such changes as these with respect to the soul? With counsels the most friendly, warnings the most solemn, arguments the most persuasive, we may labour to reclaim men. But although we had the zeal and learning of Paul, and besides the eloquence of Apollos, yet sinners will remain in the gall of bitterness, unless, as accompanied with the blessing of God, the efforts we make be crowned with success. And it is no less evident that of God only is also the progressive improvement of the saints. If the life of the body be dependent on God, how can any but God preserve and nourish the life of the soul?

(2) I may also appeal in evidence of this to your own observation. It cannot but be obvious —

(a) That the means and instruments most likely to be useful often fail, while good is often done by means and instruments which are known to be far less promising.(b) That persons most likely to be profited by ministers, not unfrequently remain unedified; while those who are less likely to be profited by them often make much improvement.(c) That effects, too wonderful to be the effects of mere human power, are often produced by the ministry of the gospel.

(3) Nor is it more confirmed by observation than it is by experience, that Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but it is God alone who giveth the increase.

(4) Turning to this blessed book, how plainly do we find this doctrine uniformly taught by the sacred writers! It is said of Lydia that "her heart the Lord opened in attending to the things which were spoken by Paul." It is said of the converts in the house of Cornelius, "Then hath God also unto the Genthes granted repentance unto life." It is said of the Ephesians, "You hath He quickened, you who were dead in trespasses and sins." "No man," says the Saviour, "can come unto Me, except the Father who hath sent Me draw him." And the regenerate are "born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

III. IMPROVEMENT. Is it so that the success of ministerial labours is wholly of God? — then —

1. Ministers should look upon themselves as only instrumental in the doing of good. Melancthon, when he was converted, thought he should be able to make people soon see what he saw, and feel what he felt; but the want of success soon led him to say that he found old Adam too powerful for young Melancthon.

2. That God should be viewed by the hearers of the gospel as He who alone can effectually profit them.

3. Ministers and hearers ought to pray to God for His effectual blessing.

(A. Tefler, A. M.)

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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?