Overview
Paul talks of our being “only servants” (3:5) and “not anything” (v.7), with God alone bringing the growth. Yet he suggests that at the same time we are very much something, because our work influences the eternal destinies of those we minister to. How do these truths intersect? His answer is that our work will be tested on the final day, and the test of each person’s work turns out to be the test of the final product – the fruit of our work. So don’t waste your time! People’s eternal realities and destinies are at stake, as God – through our work – produces fruit that lasts into eternity.