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By Roger A. Scully
slave nor free, there is neither male nor female” (Gal 3:28). This is not to suggest that Christians do not have
different roles, but it is to say that all are partakers of the same salvation, and all roles are designed to serve one
cause, a cause which is greater than any one person. Again in 1 Corinthians 12 we read how that the church, the
one body of Christ (Col 1:18), is made up of many members, and though the members have different roles and
functions, all members are necessary, and all members work together to further the cause of Christ, knowing that
even the uncomely members are essential. Despite these teachings of our Holy God, many brethren view
Christianity as if it were some sort of competition. Often in Bible classes there will be those who think they have to be
smarter than the others, hence will be argumentative, and even try to defend asinine thoughts. Others won’t
participate for fear of having the “wrong answer,” or “sounding dumb,” not wanting others to think any less of them.
But, do we not learn by asking questions, and are we not taught to think by sometimes having the wrong answer?
Most certainly; hence among Christians there should only be an eagerness to help one another learn and become
stronger, not a concern of who knows more or who knows less.
Not only does this competition among Christians exist in some local congregations, but as the title of this writing
suggests, there is a major problem among preachers who, in their own minds, are in competition with other gospel
preachers. And, though many may deny this as a reality, the fact remains, and many who would deny being guilty of
such are the same who cause the problem.
First, let us address the fact that this problem among preachers is often initiated by members of the church who
are not preachers. This is the matter to which Paul calls attention in 1 Corinthians 1-4. Apparently some were
comparing Paul’s ability to that of Apollos. In the first chapter Paul explains the emphasis is to be placed on the
message being proclaimed, not so much on the person proclaiming it. He wrote, “For Christ sent me not to baptize
but to preach the gospel” (1:17). This is not to minimize the importance of baptism, but to make the point that the job
of the preacher is to proclaim God’s message; it is the responsibility of the hearer to be baptized (cf. Mrk 16:15, 16).
Dropping to verse 21 Paul continued, “it pleased God by the foolishness of the message preached to save them
that believe.” The KJV translates the term kerugma as simply “preaching,” but the word places emphasis on what is
being proclaimed, not on the act of proclamation; hence the NKJV correctly translates the term: “the message
preached.” Paul’s point being that God chose for man to communicate with man for the salvation of man, and the
means whereby this is done is through preaching; but not just any preaching, the preaching of the proper message.
In Acts 20:27 it is called preaching “the whole counsel of God,” and in 2 Timothy 4:2 it is called “preach[ing] the
word;” which we know to be the same as preaching “Christ” and preaching “things concerning the kingdom” (Ac 8:4,
5, 12).
In 1 Corinthians 2 Paul continues by explaining that the message, which is to be proclaimed, has the same
source, the Holy Spirit of God. Verse 9 explains that man did not, within himself, think it up, but that it came through
the revelation of God’s Spirit (vs.11, 12). Hence, wrote Paul, “we have received…the Spirit which is of God; that we
might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak…” (vs.12, 13). Now, in chapter
1 attention is called to the message proclaimed, which is that about which man should be concerned, and in chapter
2 attention is called to the source of the message, which is the Holy Spirit. Since the message is that about which
man should be concerned, and the message has as its source the Holy Spirit, then all true preachers should be
preaching the same message, and attention should not be focused on him who preaches it (unless of course he is
hypocrital).
Coming, then, into chapter 3 Paul writes concerning the work of preachers. He wrote, “I have planted, Apollos
watered; but God gave the increase” (v.6). That which Paul planted was the seed, which is the word of God (Lk 8:
11), and Apollos watered by continuing the teaching started by Paul—teaching the same message Paul taught,
“Jesus Christ and him crucified” (2:2). God is He who has actually given the increase, because it is He who has
given the seed and the means whereby the seed is to be watered (cf. 2 Tim 3:16, 17). So, then, when one is
converted it is because of God’s gospel (cf. Rom 1:16). For this cause Paul continued by writing, “So then neither is
he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (v.7). There is nothing special
about Paul, as he who planted, or Apollos, as he who watered, because God receives the glory, not man. Verse 8 is
where Paul really makes the point for us, “now he that planteth and he that watereth are one…for we are laborers
together…” (v.9). If both preachers are preaching the same message, from the same source, trying to accomplish
the same goal, why is one being held in higher regard than the other? In the case of the Corinthians it seems to
have been because Apollos had more eloquence than Paul (Ac 18:24; 2 Cor 10:10). In our present day, is it not the
same?
Secondly, some men love the praise of others. For this cause they, as preachers, become jealous when one has
received more compliments, or is invited to hold more meetings, etc. This selfish pride causes them to look with
contempt on their fellow workers, and even say things which are not always truthful. I, personally, have been
accused, behind my back of course, as being “high-minded,” “prideful,” or one who “thinks he is something special.”
Dear reader, I have never thought myself to be any better than any other. In fact, I recognize that there are many
others who speak better, write better and teach better than I, and for this I am quite thankful, for we need capable
men in the church (cf. 2 Tim 2:2). I have never thought myself to be anything special. In fact, I often feel sorry for
those sitting in the pew because they have to endure my attempt to preach.
Because preachers often seek “big names,” and notoriety desiring to be known as “smart” and “accomplished,”
the work of the church is hindered and childish grudges are held. Why do preachers often act like little children,
trying to out-do one another? In the words of James, “my brethren, these things ought not be so.” I am thankful for
the ability God has given me, and at the same time I recognize that He has given many others even greater ability,
for which I am most thankful. I simply try to do my best, and try to improve where I am lacking, and the improvements
I make are often things I learn from those who have greater ability than I. Christianity is not a competition, it is a work
in which we are all involved, working together to glorify God. How much stronger would the church be if preachers
would learn to work together and not against each other?
