Organic Farming in Spiritual Fields - 1 Corinthians 3

Then and Now:
Farmers look for optimum conditions of sunshine, atmospheric elements such as CO2, soil nutrients, and water to grow the very best crops. They study the farming techniques of others and learn all they can. Spiritual farmers or teachers do the same thing. They study the teachings of Paul to find ways to insure spiritual life in the hearts of believers. What did Paul do? In chapter two he gave the Corinthians a vision of what it meant to be Christian, to have the Holy Spirit within them, to talk with the Lord, to know his wisdom, and to use it and not be judged by others, but be accountable to the Lord.

In chapter three Paul lets the Corinthians know they are a long ways away from that image. He starts showering them with the water and sunshine of four metaphors. Interestingly one is based on farming. Spiritual growth depends upon the desire of the believer. Paul wants to convince the Corinthians that growth is needed, not that growth is impossible. He wants the Corinthians to understand the process because later, they too, will become teachers of the Word. The metaphors carefully lead their thoughts to submission and acceptance of a sometimes painful process. Reminders of what Christ already did are encouragers to reach the one goal which is worth everything - living forever in the presence of the Lord.