No farmer can grow corn. He can plant corn; he can till corn: but only God can grow corn. In the same way, no man may "grow" a Christian. He can plant the seed of the word; he can cultivate that seed; but only God can cause it to grow and produce fruit. The means by which God "gives the increase" is called the New Birth or the Holy Spirit's calling. What Paul has written concerning this reveals several points about this aspect of a sinner's salvation: 1) That the efforts of men, no matter how zealous, are not responsible for the salvation of God's elect. None labored more zealously or more closely followed God's definition of the gospel than did Paul. Yet Paul never produced life in anyone! It is a sign of great arrogance when preachers recite the results of their ministries as though it were their accomplishment. 2) The spiritual awakening of sinners is the work of God, for "God gave the increase." God, in whom is all power and authority, is able to give life to whosoever He wills. Furthermore, we know He is willing to give life, for He indeed "gives the increase." 3)The work of regeneration is a work of God's grace alone, for "God gave the increase." God does not regenerate people because He is under obligation to men in any way. Neither the faithful preacher nor any who hear him can ever bring God into the position of debtor. Neither can ever obligate God to do anything. Rather, out of God's heart of free, sovereign grace, He makes His word powerful in the hearts of His people, and thus, by grace and grace alone, calls them from darkness into the glorious light of His Son. Therefore, when we go to church, let us not think for a moment that our being there or the preacher's studious labors require that God make His word profitable to us. Rather, let each of us go to church with this prayer, "Lord, make your gospel the power of God unto salvation to me!"