𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗝𝗢𝗕… 𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞

IT’S NOT OUR JOB… IT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK

(Understanding Our Role in Gospel Ministry — Rightly Divided)
1 Corinthians 3:6
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

INTRODUCTION

Many believers burn out because they try to do what only God can do.
We are not called to convert, convict, convince, or save anyone.

Rightly divided Scripture shows a clear distinction:
Our responsibility: Proclaim the message.
God’s responsibility: Produce the result.

When we confuse these roles, we create pressure, pride, or discouragement.

Today, we will clearly see 9 DISPENSATIONAL TRUTHS about our role vs. the Holy Spirit’s work.

DECLARED MESSAGE
2 Corinthians 5:20
Main Truth: God commands us to declare, not to decide outcomes.

A. Proclaimed Word – We are ambassadors, not judges
Romans 10:14
B. Plain Message – The gospel is announced, not negotiated
1 Corinthians 15:1–4
C. Presented Christ – We preach Christ crucified
1 Corinthians 1:23
Dispensational Insight:
In the Church Age, proclamation replaces coercion.

DEPENDENT MINISTRY
1 Corinthians 3:6–7
Main Truth: Only God gives spiritual increase.

A. Sowing Role – We plant the seed
Luke 8:11
B. Supporting Role – Others may water
1 Corinthians 3:6
C. Sovereign Result – God alone produces life
John 6:63
Dispensational Insight:
Grace ministry depends on divine operation, not human pressure.

DIVINE CONVICTION
John 16:8
Main Truth: Conviction is the Holy Spirit’s work.

A. Sin Exposed – The Spirit reveals unbelief
John 16:9
B. Truth Enlightened – The Spirit teaches truth
1 Corinthians 2:12
C. Hearts Examined – God searches inwardly
Hebrews 4:12
Dispensational Insight:
We present truth; the Spirit pierces hearts.

DELIVERED GOSPEL
Romans 1:16
Main Truth: The gospel itself carries God’s power.

A. Power in the Message – Not in the messenger
1 Thessalonians 1:5
B. Finished Work Focus – Christ’s cross is sufficient
Colossians 2:14
C. Faith Response – Belief, not behavior, saves
Ephesians 2:8–9
Dispensational Insight:
Salvation rests on Christ’s work, not human persuasion.

DISCERNED HEARERS
1 Corinthians 2:14
Main Truth: Spiritual truth requires spiritual reception.

A. Natural Resistance – The flesh rejects truth
Romans 8:7
B. Spiritual Revelation – Understanding comes from God
Ephesians 1:17
C. Personal Responsibility – Each must believe personally
Acts 16:31
Dispensational Insight:
We cannot force illumination—only God opens eyes.

DISCIPLINED WITNESS
2 Timothy 2:24–25
Main Truth: Our manner matters, but results belong to God.

A. Gentle Spirit – No manipulation or intimidation
Galatians 6:1
B. Patient Teaching – Truth over time
Colossians 1:28
C. Hopeful Trust – God grants repentance
2 Timothy 2:25
Dispensational Insight:
Grace teaching reflects grace behavior.

DEFINED COMMISSION
2 Corinthians 5:18–19
Main Truth: We are entrusted with a message, not outcomes.

A. Ministry of Reconciliation – We announce peace
Romans 5:1
B. Message of Grace – God not imputing sins
2 Corinthians 5:19
C. Mandate to Speak – Silence is disobedience
Acts 20:24
Dispensational Insight:
Our calling is faithfulness, not fruit-counting.

DISTINGUISHED SALVATION
Titus 3:5
Main Truth: Salvation is entirely God’s work.

A. Not by Works – No human effort saves
Romans 4:5
B. By Grace Alone – God’s unmerited favor
Ephesians 2:8
C. Through the Spirit – Regeneration is divine
John 3:6
Dispensational Insight:
Grace excludes boasting and pressure tactics.

DILIGENT FAITHFULNESS
1 Corinthians 4:2
Main Truth: God requires faithfulness, not forced results.

A. Faithful Speaking – Speak truth clearly
Colossians 4:3
B. Faithful Living – Let life support lips
Philippians 2:15
C. Faithful Trusting – Leave results with God
Proverbs 3:5–6
Dispensational Insight:
Success in ministry is obedience, not numbers.

CONCLUSION

When we try to do God’s job, we rob Him of glory and ourselves of peace.
When we tell the truth and trust the Spirit, ministry becomes joyful and free.

We speak. God saves.
We declare. God convicts.
We plant. God gives the increase.

CALL TO ACTION

Share the gospel boldly
Teach the truth clearly
Trust the Spirit fully
Stop carrying burdens God never assigned you

“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:7

FINAL THOUGHTS

Faithfulness beats force
Truth works without pressure
The Holy Spirit has never failed His job
Your job is simply to tell the message
Rest in God’s power—He saves perfectly.