Still Drinking Milk or Already Eating Solid Food – Co-workers in Christ

The first section of the sermon presents the main theme of spiritual maturity through Paul's words about himself and Apollos. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. The first characteristic of those who have eaten solid food is that they trust and obey God even if they do not yet fully understand the work God has assigned them. They begin with what they can do and take the first step in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide the next steps, just as the path of the righteous shines like the light of dawn, getting brighter and brighter until full daylight.

The second section develops the doctrine about diversity and accepting differences among church members. The pastor illustrates with specific examples that no single company can produce all products, no single nation can provide all services. Similarly, the church needs many people with different works, each with their own gifts. Paul's words about the body of Christ with many members, each having different functions arranged according to God's will, emphasize that the eye cannot say to the hand "I do not need you," nor can the head say to the feet "I do not need you," and moreover, those members which seem to be weaker are necessary. The church consists of multiple generations and age groups, each with different life experiences and needs, and ways of worship or Bible translations may be suitable for one generation but not another.

The third section applies the message to building the church with humility, joy, harmony, without rivalry or jealousy. The mature believer knows that growth comes from God, not from the results of their own work. The pastor emphasizes that when unbelievers see church members working joyfully, kindly, united, with genuine love among believers, with forbearance and humility, these very things will attract those who do not yet know God. This is the key to church growth. The mature believer accepts the responsibility God gives them like a couple with a small child who accepts comforting their child, taking turns encouraging and helping each other with willing and joyful hearts.

The fourth and fifth sections explore the meaning of each responsibility and corresponding reward. Paul explains through the parable of the talents that God distributes wealth according to each person, and will give more and reward proportionally those who invest and profit. The planter and the waterer are equal, and each will receive a reward according to the work they have done. The pastor emphasizes that the foundation is Christ, and each person must carefully build on that foundation with precious materials (gold, silver, precious stones)—correct understanding of Scripture according to the illumination of the Holy Spirit—or with perishable materials (wood, hay, straw)—misapplication of Scripture according to worldly wisdom. Fire will reveal how valuable each person's work is. The pastor concludes with advice to live according to the values of God's kingdom—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness—rather than according to worldly values such as money, fame, position, and power. Finally, the pastor reminds that God gives each person a choice between two paths, two foundations, two decisions, and hopes that all will choose the right path leading to eternal life.