EGW Writings1 Corinthians 3

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Angels Will Impress Mind

2TT 488.4

Every opportunity of working as Christ worked should be carefully improved. The physician should talk of the works of healing wrought by Christ, of His tenderness and love. He should believe that Jesus is his companion, close by his side. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Never should the physician neglect to direct the minds of his patients to Christ, the Chief Physician. If he has the Saviour abiding in his own heart, his thoughts will ever be directed to the Healer of soul and body. He will lead the minds of sufferers to Him who can restore, who when on earth restored the sick to health and healed the soul as well as the body, saying: “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Mark 2:5.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Enduring Hardness

2TT 550.5

Christ laid aside His glory and came to this earth to suffer for sinners. If we meet with hardships in our work, let us look to Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Then we shall not fail nor be discouraged. We shall endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Remember what He says of all true believers: “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Lessons from the Church at Ephesus

3TT 57.2

But what are the members of the church doing that they should be designated “laborers together with God”? 1 Corinthians 3:9. Where do we see travail of soul? Where do we see the members of the church absorbed in religious themes, self-surrendered to the will of God? Where do we see Christians feeling their responsibility to make the church prosperous, a wide-awake, light-giving people? Where are those who do not stint or measure their loving labor for the Master? Our Redeemer is to see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied; how is it with those who profess to be His followers? Will they be satisfied when they see the fruit of their labors?

True Revival

A Blessing Turned Into a Curse

TR 82.2

Divine intelligences cooperate with human agencies as they seek to magnify the law and make it honorable. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. It is in the converted soul that the world sees a living testimony. Then shall the Lord of heaven have room to work? Shall He find a place in the hearts of those who claim to believe the truth? Shall His pure, disinterested benevolence meet with a response from the human agent? Shall the world see a display of the glory of Christ in the characters of those who profess to be His disciples? Shall Christ be favored and glorified in seeing His own sympathy and love pouring forth in streams of goodness and truth from His human agents? In implanting His gospel in the heart, He is pouring out the resources of heaven for the blessing of the world. “We are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

From the Heart

God Needs Our Talents, March 16

FH 87.1

We are God’s fellow workers. 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Testimony for the Church — No. 10

Communications to Eld. M. Hull

T10 40.2

“I saw that ministers who labored in word and doctrine have a great work before them, and a heavy responsibility rests upon them. I saw that when they labor they do not come close enough to hearts. Their work is too general, and often too scattered. Their labor must be concentrated to the very ones they are laboring for. When they are preaching in the desk, their work is only commenced. They must then live out their preaching, ever guard themselves, that they bring not a reproach upon the cause of God. They should illustrate by example the life of Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:9. ‘For we are laborers together with God.’ 2 Corinthians 6:1. ‘We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.’ The minister’s work is not done when he leaves the desk. He should not then throw off the burden and occupy his mind with reading or writing unless it is actually necessary; but should follow up his public labors by private efforts—laboring personally for souls whenever an opportunity presents—conversing around the fireside, beseeching and entreating souls in Christ’s stead to be reconciled to God. Our work here is soon to close, ‘and every man will receive his own reward according to his own labor.’

Homeward Bound

Live Your Prayers, May 17

HB 158.4

Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and cooperate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that “we are labourers together with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9.) Speak and act in harmony with your prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.

God’s Amazing Grace

Stewards of Influence, February 26

AG 65.4

“Ye are God’s husbandry” (1 Corinthians 3:9). As one takes pleasure in the cultivation of a garden, so God takes pleasure in His believing sons and daughters. A garden demands constant labor. The weeds must be removed; new plants must be set out; branches that are making too rapid development must be pruned back. So the Lord works for His garden, so He tends His plants. He cannot take pleasure in any development that does not reveal the graces of the character of Christ. The blood of Christ has made men and women God’s precious charge. Then how careful should we be not to manifest too much freedom in pulling up the plants that God has placed in His garden! Some plants are so feeble that they have hardly any life, and for these the Lord has a special care.

With God at Dawn

We Labor with God, October 7

WGD 282.1

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 10, 1880

3LtMs, Ms 10, 1880, par. 6

Influence is power, but it is often lost through miscalculation. The worker for Christ must never forget that he is only a part of the whole. He is only a thread in the web which connects the parts together. One act out of harmony with the material which composes the whole will destroy the needed perfection. “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 49, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 49, 1886, par. 7

Even so, the mighty cleaver of truth has taken out a people from the quarry of the world and is fitting this people, who profess to be the children of God, for a place in His heavenly temple. We want the cleaver of truth to do its work for us. We are taken from the quarry of the world. The material must not be a dead substance, but living souls, and these souls must be brought out of the quarry of the world, where the hand of God can fit them for the temple in heaven. We are here as probationers, and we must pass under the hand of God. All rough edges and rough surfaces must be removed, and we must be stones fitted for the building. We are brought into church capacity with defects of character, but we must not retain them. We must be fitted and squared for the building. We must be “laborers together with God,” for we are “God’s husbandry,” we are “God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] In view of this we must see that our temple is not defiled with sin. We should be lively stones, not dead ones, but live ones that will reflect the image of Christ. We must be worshipers in spirit and in truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 6a, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 6a, 1886, par. 27

There the crown of immortal glory is placed upon the head of the overcomer. Then how earnest should be our work here, that we may win souls to Jesus Christ. We cannot afford to devote our God-given powers to our own pleasure for one moment. We must devote our lives to our Master. You must expect to carry on this battle with self-denial and self-sacrifice. The Word of God says through His apostles, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 70, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 70, 1886, par. 12

How will you who are blessed with so great light, such high and sacred privileges, render an account to God of why you have been so remiss in fulfilling life’s grand work? God lays the responsibility upon you of educating and training all your powers to do His work with an efficiency that shall earn for you the “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Wherein does this faithfulness consist?—in your withdrawing your interests, your time, your influence from the work of God, and from seeking to send the truth to every city and village in your state, and devoting all your powers to earthly, selfish purposes? No, the blessing will be pronounced upon those who unite with Christ in doing His work. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 37, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 37, 1887, par. 1

1 Corinthians 3:9. “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Every one of us has a work to do in our own salvation, which is to meet every requirement of God. God does not do anything independent of the agency of him for whom the work is to be done. His grace is sufficient to work in and with them that are His, in the fulfilment of every promise, while the one for whom this grace is supplied is to obey every command.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 4, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 4, 1888, par. 25

We want, as we enter houses, to approach the inmates in a spirit that will show them that we do not mean them harm. This is the example that Christ laid down, and we are to do as He did. “We are laborers together with Christ.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] My heart yearns for you today; I know there is a work for you to do. I know that there are persons here who are not converted and that, when they are, there will be a light in their countenances that we do not see now. You must put away from you the cheap, low talk, get hold of Jesus Christ, search the Scriptures until they dwell in your memory and until you get your conversation away from the cheap gossip and tattling and talking about those who expect to meet their Lord in a little while.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 49, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 49, 1887, par. 16

There is no such thing as following Christ unless you deny your inclination daily and will to obey God. It is not your feelings, your emotions that make you a child of God, but the doing of God’s will. A life of usefulness is before you, if your will becomes God’s will. Then you may stand in your God-given manhood an example of good works. You will then help to preserve rules instead of helping to break them down. You will help to maintain order in the office, in the mission, instead of despising order and inciting to irregularities of life by your own course of action. I tell you in the fear of God, I know what you may be, if your will is placed on the side of God. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You may be doing your work for time and eternity in such a manner that it will stand the test of the judgment. Will you try, Henri, will you now change square about? You are the object of Christ’s love and intercession. Will you now surrender to God and help those who are placed by the Lord as sentinels in the mission at Basel? Will you help them instead of causing them grief and discouragement? I believe you will. May God help you is my prayer.

God’s Amazing Grace

For Each Day’s Need, April 19

AG 117.5

Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening of earth’s harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day’s duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be “laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).58The Acts of the Apostles, 55, 56.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 21a, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 21a, 1888, par. 15

The Lord has presented before me that men in responsible positions are standing directly in the way of the workings of God upon His people because they think that the work must be done and the blessing must come in a certain way they have marked out, and they will not recognize that which comes in any other way. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Copy the ways of the Lord Jesus. He was a perfect character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 80, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 80, 1889, par. 2

Last Sabbath I spoke to a full house upon the necessity [of] walking in the ways of the Lord, and arousing the soul to most earnest endeavor to save souls. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 1, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 41

Now we want that faith. But will man be saved in indolence? Can he be saved in doing nothing? Never, never! He must be a co-laborer with Jesus Christ. He cannot save himself. “Ye are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. And how is it? All heaven is laboring to elevate the human race from the degradation of sin. All heaven is open to the inhabitants of earth. The angels of God are sent to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. “It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 4, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 51

God wants to put His Spirit upon you; but He cannot do this while you are so full of self. When self dies, you will feel the quickening influence of the Spirit of God. God’s people are enjoined to seek for unity, that they may be framed together into an holy temple for the Lord. <“Ye are God’s building, ye are God’s husbandry.”> [1 Corinthians 3:9.] This is no time for alienation and discord, for the indulgence of a selfish, perverse spirit. Will you take yourselves in hand, or will you be ready to regard your stubborn, unyielding disposition as an evidence of faithful integrity? God forbid that you should be blinded, as were the Pharisees, and place good for evil and evil for good. You will never have any greater evidence than you have had as to where the Spirit of God is working. The Lord never proposes to remove all occasion for <men to> doubt. He will give sufficient evidence to bring the candid mind to a right decision, but if you are determined to have your own way, if you are like Saul, unwilling to change your course because of pride and stubbornness of heart, because of ignorance of your own condition of spiritual destitution, you will not recognize the light. <You will say with Saul, “I have performed the commandment of the Lord.”> [1 Samuel 15:13.]

6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 71

When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with vital, heavenly energy, it will cut its way through the thickest barriers, dispel darkness, refute error, gain conquests, and triumph over every obstacle. I speak that [which] I do know. I testify of that which I have seen. Those who would triumph in the truth will have to act a part in the sight of the universe which will bring to them the reward of “Well done.” [Matthew 25:21.] They will be known as “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 18, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 18, 1890, par. 2

Ye are a spectacle unto the world, to angels and to men. Your mission is the same as that which was pronounced by Jesus as His mission at the beginning of His ministry. He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bound, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Luke 4:18, 19.] “Ye are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to carry forward the work placed in our hands by the Master. “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” [Luke 6:31.] “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shalt thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” [Isaiah 58:10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 10, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 10, 1890, par. 23

Now is the golden opportunity to seek the Lord yourself, and the golden opportunity for you to work in harmony with God’s delegated servants for the salvation of perishing souls. Now, while mercy’s sweet voice is inviting, “And let him that is athirst come and partake of the waters of life freely,” is your chance to say, “come.” [Revelation 22:17.] It is your chance to yoke up with Jesus Christ. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 4, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 4, 1890, par. 4

Be careful how you build, for it is for time and for eternity. Counsel together, have your seasons of prayer together; make no move independently or in opposition to one another. Christ is our living head, and we are members of His body, and all dependent upon the head. It is not our Lord’s plan that any member of His body shall suffer for want of proper exercise, for if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. If one member is <enlightened and> honored <of God,> all rejoice. Every member derives his life and working power from the same source, “even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” [Ephesians 4:15, 16.] “And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.” [1 Corinthians 12:21, 22.] “For ye are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Each worker is to use his God-given ability to the utmost for the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom on the earth. We each have an individuality in manner and bearing, and this is as it should be; but this need not prevent our working together in perfect harmony.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 36, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 25

“Ye are God’s husbandry.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. The heart is to be worked, subdued, ploughed, harrowed, seeded to bring forth its harvest to God in doing works. “Ye are God’s building.” You cannot build yourself. There is a Power outside of yourself that must do the building of the church, putting brick upon brick, always cooperating with the faculties and powers given of God to man. The Redeemer must find a home in His building. God works and man works. There needs to be a continual taking in of the gifts of God, in order that there may be as free a giving out of these gifts. It is a continual receiving and then restoring. The Lord has provided that the soul shall receive nourishment from Him, to be given out again in the working out of His purposes. In order that there be an outflowing, there must be an income of divinity to humanity. “I will dwell in them, and walk in them.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 6b, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 6b, 1890, par. 2

A way has been opened through Jesus Christ by which wisdom and grace and power may be obtained. He is an example in all things. The very first lesson for those who embrace the message of truth to learn, is to be in union with Christ and to have the power of His grace in the soul, melting away all dross of character, bringing into subjection even the thoughts. This must be done through the subduing of the heart, that Christ may impress and write His law upon it. This is the work to be accomplished for every soul. Then all who love the truth will reveal its sanctifying, refining, ennobling power upon the character, in the spirit, in the words, and in the actions. Each will be a channel of light through which Christ will communicate. This is what the apostle meant when he said, “Ye are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Workers With God, April 28

AG 126.1

For we are labourers together with God. 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 41, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 24

When we have done all in our power, with humble, contrite hearts, to scatter the dense darkness of error and doubt and unbelief, irrespective whether it is for our personal advantage or not, then it may be said of us, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] For of ourselves we can do nothing. Then we may rest in God’s assurance—be one with Christ in God. We cannot in truth evidence that we love our brother unless we love him as Christ loved us. We must, as children of God, arm ourselves and give the evidence we love our brother and our neighbor as ourselves. When we let our works bear evidence that we love our brother as Christ has loved us, and exercise toward him the meekness and gentleness of Christ, we will not be jealous—as was Cain—but we will bring the best offering, the symbol of the Lamb slain. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7. What language is this! How full and far-reaching! “God is love.” v. 8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 27, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, par. 3

They are to strive earnestly for the gift of eternal life, a gift that includes everything good and ennobling—honor, love, eternal riches. In order to gain this heavenly treasure, there is something for every one to do. The Lord says to those who are seeking for eternal life, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Christ was a worker. It was His work to help and bless others. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] A tree is known by its fruit. Men do not gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles. Christ says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” [John 15:5.] The branches of the vine bear fruit of the same kind as the fruit borne by the parent stock.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 15, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 15, 1890, par. 10

How little can men do in the work of saving souls, and yet how much through Christ, if they are imbued with His spirit! The human teacher cannot read the hearts of his hearers, but Jesus dispenses the grace that every soul needs. He understands the capabilities of man, his weakness and his strength. The Lord is working on the human heart, and a minister can be, to the souls who are listening to his words, a savor of death unto death, turning them away from Christ; or, if he is consecrated, devotional, distrustful of self, but looking unto Jesus, he may be a savor of life unto life to souls already under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, in whose hearts the Lord is preparing the way for the messages which He has given to the human agent. Thus the heart of the unbeliever is touched, and it responds to the message of truth. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The convictions implanted in the heart and the enlightenment of the understanding by the entrance of the Word, work in perfect harmony. The truth brought before the mind, has power to arouse the dormant energies of the soul. The Spirit of God working in the heart cooperates with the working of God through His human instrumentalities. When ministers realize the necessity of thorough reformation in themselves, when they feel that they must reach a higher standard, their influence upon the churches will be uplifting and refining.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 7, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 7, 1892, par. 9

I am pained to the heart when I see those who claim to be Christians carry so little burden for souls. Oh, what can I say to those who are so idle, careless, and indifferent in regard to the work for the Master. Jesus has bought us with His own blood. Whatever may be our ability or calling, God has committed to us our individual responsibilities, and to every man He has given his work. This work cannot be transferred to another. Individual effort is to be exercised to seek and to save the lost. As he is God’s workman, he is required to become more and more efficient by practice, and better qualified to work the works of God, and educated and trained in the science of spiritual husbandry. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

7LtMs, Ms 7, 1892, par. 14

The workers—God’s husbandry—when pressed sore by the enemy will feel their need and will look to the Author and Finisher of their faith and obtain from God wisdom and power and grace that they may fill their positions of trust. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] In this work there will be new and living experiences. The soul in its helplessness will be driven by the great necessity to cast all its care and burden upon Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 28, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 28, 1892, par. 19

The Lord Jesus has given man an example in His own life. For the selfish heart of sin, He gives the new heart of love. He changes the heart, and produces an entire revolution in the soul. He brings light out of darkness, love out of enmity, and holiness out of impurity, that those who believe in Christ may represent Christ’s life and character to the world. Says the apostle, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 2c, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 2c, 1892, par. 20

We want to know if you will love your neighbor as yourself? Will you make any personal sacrifice that these saving truths may go to destitute regions, where the people are perishing for the bread of life? Are you disciples of Christ? Are you living as seeing Him who is invisible? Are you abiding in Christ, and becoming fitted for any work that the Master calls you to do? “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You are not to wear a yoke of your own manufacture. Christ says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” [Matthew 11:29.] Are you willing to walk in humility, to lift and carry the cross, and follow the Master? Are you willing to deny self daily for Christ’s sake? Will you co-operate with Jesus? If you appreciate the truth, wherein do you earnestly labor that it may be carried to others?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 24, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 24, 1892, par. 28

From the attitude which some assume toward others we should imagine that they thought it a desirable thing to have little confidence and love for others. But when confidence is lacking, it is manifested by suspicion, by criticism, by catching up things that are unworthy of notice, and making capital of whatever seems to them objectionable. In this way Satan is glorified and Christ is put to shame, dishonored in the person of His saints. I have had this matter presented to me in a variety of forms, until I can realize how cruel it is. All who love Jesus in sincerity and truth should be heartily recognized and welcomed as those who are “laborers together with God,” “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” [1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 4:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 13a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 13a, 1891, par. 47

Could you behold the character of your words and your spirit as they have been presented to me—the spirit so bitter, the words so sharp and cutting—you would be filled with astonishment at yourselves, and you would not wonder that Christ is ashamed to call you brethren. Those who labor with most unselfish zeal to help others in the development of Christian character are most surely working out their own salvation. Self-denial and painstaking effort in behalf of others is not always easy or agreeable, but it is always productive of good fruits. “Ye are laborers together with God”; you enter into partnership with Him in a high and heavenly enterprise. [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 5, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 3

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning.” [Verse 8.] Well, this is what we wanted to know, Where we can find the light? It will break forth as the morning! What is it that will give us the light? By getting out from ourselves and seeing what good we can do for others that are around us. We may feel that it is too great a task upon us, but in doing good to others it reacts back upon us, and if we comfort others with the comfort wherewith we are comforted, the blessing will come back to us. And how? “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

7LtMs, Ms 5, 1891, par. 5

We are not here in this world to glorify and amuse ourselves; we are not here to be butterflies, but we are bought of Christ and every power of the mind and intellect, yes, every power of the being has been purchased by the Son of God to be employed by the Master. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [Verse 9.] Do you want any higher business? Do you want any greater honor? Do you want any better pay? Ah, say they, I don’t see as I am getting any pay for it. That is what they are saying here in Malachi.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Consecration to the Work

GW92 38.1

If these teachers would work with the spirit of the Master, very different results would follow. With meekness and long-suffering, gentleness and love, yet with decided earnestness, they would seek to direct those erring souls to a crucified and risen Saviour. When this is done, we shall see God moving upon the hearts of men. The great apostle says, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] What a work for poor mortals! We are provided with spiritual weapons to fight the “good fight of faith;” but some seem to have drawn from the armory of heaven only its thunder-bolts. How long must these defects exist?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 52, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 52, 1891, par. 28

Every work is of value as God puts His estimate upon it, and not after human finite measurement. The work in every branch, every department, is valued by the piety, and purity of principle, the sanctified ability brought into the work of God. If that work is done with a self-sufficiency, if pride, if self-esteem is woven into the work, it possesses but little real merit with God. If all his work for the Master is done in the Spirit of Christ in meekness, in lowliness of mind, with an eye single to the glory of God, with willing integrity, then there is value, durability and perfection in the work, for it bears the divine credentials. And shall man have any part of the glory? Shall man be exalted? Shall man be honored? Said the apostle Paul, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 34, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 34, 1891, par. 22

These are the words I have heard spoken to you by heavenly intelligences: “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The angels have no commission to perform in planning or executing the work which has been committed to man; but as soon as man is willing to enter upon his work, they are ready to help him and to co-operate with him. But they cannot be man’s substitute. There is no degree of light or conviction or grace that can convert the soul, only as the human agent rouses up not only to resolve but to co-operate with the divine agencies.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 26, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 26, 1891, par. 5

The Lord Jesus means that you shall be blessed in imparting to His needy, suffering ones. He has made men His co-partners. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Has not Christ, by both precept and example, plainly taught us what we should do? We are to work, imbued with His Spirit as we look to the cross, ready if He bids us, to leave all for His sake. He who lives to please himself is not a Christian. He has not been created anew in Christ Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 55, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 55, 1891, par. 17

God has a special work for everyone to do, as He had for Saul. It is the wisdom and glory of everyone’s life to do the very work given Him by God and then it can be said of Him “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 43, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 43, 1892, par. 16

Say to the youth, “If you have not given your heart to Jesus, make Him the offering ere the year 1892 shall close. What has Jesus done for you? He has given His precious life for you. If God had not loved you He would have retained Jesus in heaven. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Do not allow the enemy to crowd this out of your mind. It is the most important theme for your meditation. What have I done to show that I appreciate this great love? What have I given to Jesus? The gift that will be a precious and fragrant offering to Him will be yourself. You that have not made your decision to be sons and daughters of God, I beg of you to do this without any delay. Place your will on the side of God’s will. He delights in mercy. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” [Micah 7:18.] Have you decided to become a part of the heritage of the Lord? “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Come to Jesus, just as you are, weak and sinful, ignorant and unworthy and He will receive you. He says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 24, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 63

Bible knowledge, practiced, is true godliness, and is profitable to all men. It brings every one into new relations with God. It turns man’s mind from the earth heavenward and makes the repentant sinner a new creature in Christ Jesus. The transforming grace of God leads men to take upon themselves the yoke of Christ and to become “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Thus through grace man becomes one with the Father and gives to the world unmistakable evidence of what the truth can do in sanctifying the receiver. Enlightened by daily partaking of the Word, man becomes a spectacle to the unfallen worlds, to angels, and to his fellow men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16e, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 11

I feel most deeply over the little burden many carry for the missionary work in foreign fields, and in home missionary work where there are thousands to be [reached], where the standard of truth has never been raised, where the proclamation of truth has not been heard in America. There are thousands who might enter the harvest field who are now religiously idle and, as the result, go crippling their way to heaven, expressing their doubts whether they are Christians. These need a vital union with Jesus Christ, then it can be said of them, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 23c, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 23c, 1892, par. 14

Carefully should every dollar be considered, that it shall not be expended to please fancy, to administer to pride in expensive buildings, but to administer where there is a necessity, working in lines where God is working to establish His kingdom in the earth in harmony with the prayer given by Christ, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10.] Let the works harmonize with the prayer, for men are the human agents through whom the divine agents are working. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord’s work calls for laborers everywhere. As God bountifully gives, we should deliberately, prayerfully resolve that we will honor God with our substance and with the firstfruits of our increase.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Education for the Missionary Work

GW92 282.1

“We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 10, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 10, 1892, par. 11

Every one who has a knowledge of the truth has a work to do to come into sympathy with Christ. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The salvation of the soul is above every other interest; how much higher than every other enterprise is measured by the cross of Calvary. Christ’s servants will work the works of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 9, 1891, par. 7

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandmen, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The disinterested love manifested in the life of Christ was the means of drawing many to Him. All who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ will look upon those who in self-denial and self-sacrifice are doing His work, as did Christ when the information was brought to Him, “Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.” He had a lesson to give right at this point, a lesson which was to have a telling influence through the ages. “And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” [Mark 3:32-35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 26, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 26, 1891, par. 9

If you walk humbly with God, you may unite with the students not of our faith, agreeing with them as far as possible by dwelling upon points wherein you harmonize. Make no effort to create an issue. Let them do that part of the work themselves. Let them see that you are not egotistical, pharisaical, thinking no one loves God but yourselves, <but> draw them to Christ, thus drawing them to the truth. All heaven is engaged in this work. Angels wait for the co-operation of men in <drawing> souls to Christ. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 77, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 35

We have the Word of God, and this alone can we trust unwaveringly. Let brethren see God together. Let them fall upon the Rock and be broken. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We must understand the obligations imposed upon us by this co-operation, or we shall never stand approved in the judgment. Laborers together with God means fellow laborers with those of our own fallen race, but co-operating with divine agencies. It is the work of salvation to accomplish this union of the human with the divine.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 105, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 105, 1893, par. 1

The Lord has given you capabilities which are not being used to His name’s glory. He cannot give prosperity to any member of the human family who is not willing to accept Him by faith. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] What kind of a husbandry, what kind of a building, are you?

8LtMs, Lt 105, 1893, par. 29

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] He provides us with all the facilities, all the spiritual weapons necessary for the pulling down of Satan’s strongholds. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Let the tones of your voice express the love of God. Lead, but never drive. Approach the most obstinate in a spirit of kindness and affection. Dip your words into the oil of grace, and let them flow forth from your lips in love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 82, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 82, 1893, par. 4

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God: lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [Verse 15.] The world’s Redeemer full of grace and truth stands saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] “Ye are the salt of the earth.” “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:13, 14.] All the virtue in the salt is derived from Christ. All the light that shines forth from the human agent must first be received from the Source of all light. Ye are to let your light (not be hid under a bushel) but shine to the world. Thus man fallen is elevated, ennobled, and brought up to the high level of working in Christ’s lines. “Ye are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 98, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 98, 1893, par. 2

And to all who have received Christ, the Holy Spirit says, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Every provision has been made that His possession, purchased at such infinite cost to heaven, should grow into a holy temple unto the Lord, complete in Him. “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” [Ephesians 4:11-13.] Every facility has been provided that man may have a perfect character, that he should come off more than conqueror through the merits of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 17, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 17, 1893, par. 19

Satan introduces his attributes in so unsuspecting a manner that many are entangled in his net before they are aware of any danger. Is the Lord soon coming? Are perils threatening every soul? Then I entreat you to consider it your only safety to keep yourselves in the channel of light. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Our appointed task is to walk in the light, that every jot of influence that God has given us in intellect, in pleasant manners, in life and activity, cannot be consumed in selfish gratification. Do not lay on the foundation hay, wood, and stubble which will be consumed with the fires of the last day, but lay on the foundation gold and silver and precious stones. These are imperishable. These will live through eternal ages.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 20, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 20, 1893, par. 13

May the Lord pour upon us the spirit of true labor, to seek and to save that which is lost. Let us seek power from God. Let us work with determined effort. We are to work in Christ’s lines. In the recovering of lost, perishing souls, it is not man that effects the work of saving souls, it is God who labors with him. God works and man works. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We must work in different ways and devise different methods, and let God work in us to the revealing of truth and Himself as the sin pardoning Saviour. Again I urge [that] the sanctified qualification of every soul be brought into working order. Let your light shine, let truth triumph. We must awake. We must pray. We must never rest until we are imbued with the Spirit of God. Christ must be formed within, “the hope of glory.” [Colossians 1:27.] It is time to awake out of sleep and have our lamps trimmed and burning. May God give us wisdom to work intelligently.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Education for Missionary Work

GW 73.1

“We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 47, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 47, 1893, par. 9

There were witnesses upon the pleasure-grounds, heavenly intelligences that made the records in the book of God of transactions that many will not care to meet in the day when every work shall be manifest. Not only were heavenly messengers present, but the synagogue of Satan were on the ground to exult that his ingenious methods had in a great measure thwarted the purpose for which God gave the Holy Spirit. God desired to carry the youth forward and upward that they might understand by experience the words of the inspired apostle, “Ye are laborers together with God, ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Of how many who exhibited their qualifications in the games could this be said?

8LtMs, Lt 47, 1893, par. 26

In the instruction and training of the young, let the divine pattern be kept prominent—the life of Christ in childhood and youth. Let those who are engrossed in self-pleasing remember the toilsome life of the Son of God. He was a diligent worker. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The instructors should keep it before their students that their life is to be a life of practical usefulness, as was the life of our Saviour. He condescended to come to our world to live the life of humanity, that He might give children and youth an example showing how they should live, the character they should form. He was of poor parentage, and He had no money to spend on foolish, selfish embellishments for display. He lived in a peasants’ home, and aided His parents in bearing the burdens of their common, daily toil. From the temple at Jerusalem where He had reminded them of His sonship to the Eternal, “he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” [Luke 2:51, 52.] Who was this? The Majesty of heaven. The Son of the Infinite God condescended to take humanity upon Himself, that He might give a perfect pattern of humanity for infancy, childhood, and youth. Then let every parent study the example of Christ and treat his children with great carefulness, lest he shall fail of forming their characters according to the Pattern. Let the teachers in our schools inculcate such ideas that the youth will ever have before them a correct example. God will help them in this work of molding and fashioning the human character after the similitude of the divine.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 14a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 14a, 1893, par. 26

Slanderous speeches, which is in truth cannibalism, will not be spoken by those who are feeding on that which is the Bread of Life, the Word of the Living God, and delighting themselves on the marrow and fatness of God’s exceeding great and precious promises. Through Jesus Christ the soul is in communion with the heavenly angels and can have no desire to indulge in foolish chit-chat conversation, to sit at the table with slanderers, (cannibals). Jesus Christ would have His children “laborers together with Him” [1 Corinthians 3:9], prayerful, kind, benevolent, and full of activity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 27, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 27, 1893, par. 18

That liquor seller will have to answer for all the sins of the drunkard, and the drunkard will have to give an account of his deeds. Their only hope is to lay their souls upon the crucified and risen Saviour, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] What does Christ say? Ye “are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ came to bring back to man moral power. Here we see human passions are destroying human beings. Here are our youth being tempted. The minds of many are being taken up with gambling and horse racing. May God help us to arouse.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 48, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 35

“We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] My brother, you cannot possess more acute sensibilities than had our Saviour; but how does your life compare with His? In what sense have you been in sympathy with Christ in His work? O, you need to know Jesus! What patience He has manifested toward us! Year after year He has borne with our weakness and ignorance and defects, borne with our ingratitude, our waywardness, our wanderings, our hardness of heart, our neglect of His Holy Words; notwithstanding all this, His hand is stretched out to us in mercy still. And He bids us, “Love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 86a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 86a, 1893, par. 23

Each worker in every branch of work in the Lord’s vineyard must have a head and a heart sanctified through the truth, to enable him to see not merely the part of the work which is under his supervision, but its relation to the great whole. When the workers are consecrated to God, they will reveal the love of God for their brethren who work under the unseen, divine Master worker. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] No worker, high or low, must discourage his fellow workers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 2, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 20

It is court week with us, and He is pleading our cases with the Father. Wonderful work of God! Hebrews 2:16. His human arm encircles humanity, and with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the infinite God. He came to earth that was separated by sin from the continent of heaven. There is a ladder, with God above it, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon it. They are ministering agents for God. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Religion never degrades the receiver. 1 Corinthians 15:51. 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 62, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 62, 1893, par. 11

He is the true Shepherd, ever ready to leave the flock gathered into the fold, and to go out into the wilderness to seek for the lost sheep; and He calls for His living human agents to co-operate with the divine. We want every talent, every ability and God-given power to be exercised in this great work. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Our work is to uplift, to try to save the souls that are ready to perish. Eternal life is worth everything to us.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Power for Service

GW 511.2

Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening of earth’s harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day’s duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]—The Acts of the Apostles, 56.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 23a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 23a, 1893, par. 19

The sermons preached make good impressions, and awaken in many hearts a real desire to be Christians; if the impressions were followed up by personal labor, there would be seen many temples for the indwelling of the truth and the Spirit of God. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] But because the work that is fairly entered upon is regarded as finished, many poor souls are only aroused, the work of personal labor is not done for them, and the impression wears away.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 8a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 8a, 1893, par. 12

Each one is to concentrate his energies on the portion of the wall he is required to build, that no labor may be lost, that there may be no jostling of the workers, no crossing one another’s path on the part of the workers, and that the laborers together with God shall put forth consecrated tact to do their utmost without waste of means or energies, each individual rejoicing in the success of his fellow workers, with a full sense that they are co-operating to the advancement of the cause of truth under the generalship of Jesus Christ. “For we are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building,” each strengthening the hands of the other. [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 7, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 7, 1893, par. 8

The laborers together with God must put forth consecrated tact and do their utmost that there shall be no waste of energy or means. Each individual is to rejoice in the success of his brother laborer, and realize that he himself is co-operating with heavenly agencies for the advancement of the cause of truth which is under the generalship of Jesus Christ. “For ye are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 113, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 113, 1893, par. 33

I feel an interest for your soul. Better, for your soul’s sake, cast your idols out of your soul, sever the chains that bind you to secret societies, and surrender wholly to God. Your future, eternal interest demands this. Consider your associates. God is drawing you. You hear the message from the messengers God sends to you, but in the position in which you now stand, you are so much absorbed you do not practice the truth, and its solemn appeals fade from your mind because it is not mixed with faith as you hear the truth. There is only one course for you to pursue—to humble your proud heart before God and become as a little child. Then He can lead you and use you in His cause and can say to you, “Ye are a laborer together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 12, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 18

We want Christ and His obedience and we want to drink in of the Spirit of God. I want to be like Him. I want to practice His virtues and be a doer of the Word. And what did He say on the Mount? “Think not”—on their startled ears fell the words, their very thoughts unrolled before them—“think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill.” He came to fulfill every specification of the law. “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” [Matthew 5:17, 18.] I want you to take this. It is the Word of God. You will hear from the word of men that the law is abolished and that it is not binding upon men. And they act just so. But you cannot afford to work against God. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] I would rather be a laborer with God than to be laboring counter to Him. I see in Him matchless charms.

9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 26

God grant that we may seek the perishing and bring them back to the fold of God. We want to see sinners converted and we want to seek to expel sin from the world. God will deliver us, and we may represent the character of Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the whole world. Let us, everyone, learn of Jesus. Take His yoke. Love Him because He first loved you, and we shall have a most precious victory by and by. He will open the gates of the City of God and bid us come in. He will welcome us and give us a heavenly benediction. To [all] [who] have tested their obedience that they will obey the law of God, He says, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:21.] What is that joy? The joy of seeing sinners converted. They will be brought to Jesus Christ, and this is His joy. We have been partakers with Jesus Christ. “Laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] And thus we see that we can indeed be partakers of His glory which shall be given to every faithful child of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 60, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 60, 1894, par. 8

God calls upon every one to do his best. When the Lord sees both ministers and people standing as faithful workmen, each at his post of duty, co-operating with heavenly intelligences, then and then only He will say of them, “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ has said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” [Luke 9:23, 24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 18, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 18, 1894, par. 8

We hear some people say, “If I can get my children saved.” It is all for my own. Well, I want my children to be saved. I want them to be workers together with God. I want their names to be written in the books of heaven. “Ye are laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9], and I do labor and pray and most earnestly do I keep my children before God, but in doing so I feel just as great an interest for other children. Their souls are just as precious in God’s sight as my children’s are. He paid the same price for my soul that He paid for other souls. And therefore we are to work in every line, in our words and actions and with our influence, to bring souls to the side of Christ. And then what will we do? We will show forth the praise of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 17, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 17, 1894, par. 18

Be not deceived in fancying it a blessing to have a bosom friend. In the name of Jesus I testify it is a snare. Turn your attention to Him who is first and last and best in everything. It is not safe to depart from the Word of God in anything. Search the Scriptures; we have there a standard by which to estimate character, even the divine similitude. By this perfect model let conversation and character be fashioned. I urge upon you as missionaries who have come to this far off land, practice the truth, carry out its lofty principles in your life. Ever remember, “Ye are laborers together with God,” moral representatives of Christ. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let your life be hid with Christ in God. 1 Peter 1:1-3; 1 John 1:4-10; Revelation 3:1-5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 8b, 1894 [Copy 2]

9LtMs, Ms 8b, 1894, par. 44

Farmers need far more intelligence in their work. In most cases it is their own fault if they do not see the land yielding its harvest. They should be constantly learning how to secure a variety of treasures from the earth. The people should learn as far as possible to depend upon the products that they can obtain from the soil. In every phase of this kind of labor they can be educating the mind to work for the saving of souls for whom Christ has died. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let the teachers in our schools take their students with them into the gardens and fields, and teach them how to work the soil in the very best manner. It would be well if ministers who labor in word and doctrine could enter the fields and spend some portion of the day in physical exercise with the students. They could do as Christ did in giving lessons from nature to illustrate Bible truth. Both teachers and students would have much more healthful experience in spiritual things, and much stronger minds and purer hearts to interpret eternal mysteries, than they can have while studying books so constantly, and working the brain without taxing the muscles. God has given men and women reasoning powers, and He would have them employ their reason in regard to the use of their physical machinery. The question may be asked, How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plow, and driveth oxen? By seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hid treasures. “For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.” “This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” [Isaiah 28:26, 29.]

In Heavenly Places

Building for Eternity, January 25

HP 31.3

Day by day we are building characters, and we are building for eternity. God desires us in our lives to give the people of the world an example of what they should be and of what they can be through obedience to the gospel of Christ. Let us place ourselves in God’s hands, to be dealt with as He sees best.... “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). If we build in cooperation with Him, the structure that we rear will day by day grow more beautiful and more symmetrical under the hand of the Master Builder, and through all eternity it will endure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 88, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 88, 1894, par. 11

The apostle says of those who profess to serve Jesus, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] All our ability, all our talents are to be brought into working order in union with divine agencies, or we shall never be overcomers, and inherit eternal life. Self must die. Every practice, every habit, that has a harmful tendency, however innocent it may be regarded by the world, must be battled with until overcome, that the human agent may perfect a character after the divine Pattern. The apostle says, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings; that ye may be blameless and harmless (you must be blameless in order to be harmless), the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” [Philippians 2:12-16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 102, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 102, 1894, par. 4

The truth is a living principle made to shine in precious clearness to the understanding, and then, O then, it is time to speak words from the living Christ, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ said to the woman of Samaria, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that said to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water ... A well of water springing up into everlasting life.” [John 4:10, 14.] Those who have the out-pouring of the gospel of Christ which comes from the heart imbued by His Holy Spirit will give light and comfort and hope to hearts that are hungering and thirsting for righteousness. It is not excitement we wish to create, but deep, earnest consideration, that those who hear shall do solid work, real, sound, genuine work that will be enduring as eternity. We hunger not for excitement, for the sensational; the less we have of this, the better. The calm, earnest reasoning from the Scriptures is precious and fruitful. Here is the secret of success in preaching a living personal Saviour in so simple and earnest a manner that the people may be able to lay hold by faith of the power of the Word of life. Present not Anna Phillip’s productions, but the truth, substantiated by the authority of the living Word, which is the power of God unto salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 60, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 60, 1894, par. 11

His own image is to be reflected in the polished character of His human agent, and the stone is to be fitted for the heavenly building. Angels of God look upon the human agent that thus reflects the brightness and glory of the character of Christ, and proclaims in the heavenly courts, “ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Here are precious stones growing up into an holy temple in the Lord. [See Ephesians 2:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 62, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 62, 1894, par. 22

Christ is our Example. He was the Majesty of heaven, yet He did more for our fellow men than any of us can possibly do. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let not one needless expenditure be made for the gratification of pride and vanity. Put your mites and your larger sums in the bank of heaven, where they will accumulate. Many who have had precious opportunities to wear the yoke of Christ in this most precious line of work have refused to submit to the yoke. It has not been pleasant to practice unselfishness, and they have neglected to make the cases of the poor and unfortunate their own. They do not heed the injunctions of Christ, and improve every talent that the Lord has given them, cooperating with heavenly intelligences in gathering souls who will serve, honor, and glorify the name of Christ.

9LtMs, Ms 62, 1894, par. 39

“Whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” [James 4:4.] Let this be your theme for both precept and example, for conformity to the world and harmony with Christ cannot be maintained. Worldly maxims and worldly practices sap spirituality from heart and life. Conformity to the world means resemblance to the world in meeting the world’s standard. But how dwelleth the love of God in the soul of him who assimilates to the world? No man can serve the world and Jesus Christ at the same time. There is an irreconcilable antagonism between Christ and the world. Every one who loves Jesus has a solemn work to do for the world, for “ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 1a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 1a, 1894, par. 7

I inquire, will we ever learn the gentleness of Christ? Oh, how much we need to know Jesus, and our heavenly Father, that we may represent Him in character! All blessings are bestowed upon those who have a vital connection with Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace and presence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apart from Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Him and He with us. Wherever His work is to be done He is present—tender, loving, and compassionate. He has prepared for you and me an abiding dwelling place in Himself. He is our refuge. Our experience should broaden and deepen. Jesus has opened up all the divine fullness of His inexpressible love, and He declares to you, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] O what meaning these words have—“Abide in Me,” “take My yoke upon you.” Will we take it? For the promise is, “ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [John 15:4; Matthew 11:29.] There is rest, complete rest in abiding in Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 86, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 86, 1894, par. 26

It is high time that we begin to inquire, “Will my work bear the benediction of God: ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!’” [Matthew 25:21.] What is that? “Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is forever set down at the right hand of God.” [Hebrews 12:2.] We want to be with Christ at the right hand of God. We want that joy that was Christ’s joy of being a blessing to humanity. We must be uplifters; we must not be destroyers. We must not be of that character which will destroy the property for which Christ has given His life. He wants us to be what? Counteractors of His work? Co-laborers with Jesus Christ. “Ye are laborers together with Christ.” [See 1 Corinthians 3:9.] How? when you walk in Christ’s lines. When? when you separate your children from the contaminating and poisonous influence of this corrupt age, when you separate them from society which will talk infidelity, which will talk pleasure. But where is the Christ, where is His light and example?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 49, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 33

You are to fight as in the presence of the universe of heaven. You are to fight the battles of the Lord. Then He tells you that more than human beings compose that army; He tells you that the angels that excel in strength are the warriors there; He tells you, as Captain of the Lord’s host, He is there. They are to do the warring. You are to stand in the army of God, and they will gain for you the victory; they will give power to everyone that is fighting the battles of the Lord to the very gate. The power of God shall be upon every soldier that is true and that will bear hardness as good soldiers. But we cannot meet the evil angels and overcome them. It is the divine power, it is partaking of the divine nature. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] It is He that is building the character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 66, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 66, 1894, par. 6

The Lord will reveal Himself to all who seek Him with the whole heart. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] All who will be learners in the school of Christ will be accepted as workers. There will be the deep movings of the Spirit of God upon human hearts now and onward, as never before in our experience. But our brethren must be guarded now as never before. They need the eyes anointed with heavenly eyesalve, that they may discern all things clearly, and not accept and bring to the front that which will, in its tendencies, switch some poor souls off the track. Test everything before it shall be presented to the flock of God, for when persons see that they have been accepting as a “Thus saith the Lord,” words that were not from God, their faith will be unsettled; and they will be ready to doubt the words that come from God to them; some will no longer be reached by the warnings, invitations, and messages from heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 43a, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 15

He wants us to do what? “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] And that is what we are in the world for—not to eat and to drink and to attend horse races, and to use the holidays in idling and in gratifying self; and if we have a shilling, get on the cars and go somewhere to have a good time. There are souls to be saved. There are youth to be educated by our precept and example. The Lord is coming. The end of all things is at hand, and it is time now as the end of all things is at hand that we commence the work for youth; that we begin to see what we can do to gather souls to Jesus Christ. There is poverty around us, there is distress; there are the naked to clothe, the hungry to feed; and those that are thirsting for the water of life and hungering for the bread of salvation, we want to give it to them.

9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 32

He gave His life that these precious souls might have eternal life. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] What sacrifice will you make? What self-denial will you practice? It may be self-denial for a time, but in the end it is the greatest blessing to soul, body and spirit that you can experience. We have a duty to humanity. We are bound before God, if we [will] possess eternal life, to show that we appreciate the value of the sacrifice which Christ has made, and that is to purchase heaven, that we may glorify His name upon the earth, and that we may win souls to the cross of Calvary, that we may win souls to teach them how to give their hearts to Jesus Christ, that we may represent Jesus Christ as Jesus Christ represented the love of the Father. This is our business in the world.

Christian Education

Chapter 7—The Schools of the Prophets

CE 63.3

The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul. In the beginning, God created man in his own likeness. He endowed him with noble qualities. His mind was well-balanced, and all the powers of his being were harmonious. But the fall and its effects have perverted these gifts. Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to restore this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first created, is the great object of life,—the object that underlies every other. It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the youth, to co-operate with the divine purpose; and in so doing they are “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

In Heavenly Places

“Partakers of the Divine Nature,” February 22

HP 59.5

Here is the consistency of true religion. We are to be “labourers together with God,” working in harmony with Him. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). This figure represents human character, which is to be wrought upon point by point. Each day God works on His building to perfect the structure, that it may become a holy temple for Him. Man is to cooperate with God, striving in His strength to make himself what God designs him to be, building his life with pure, noble deeds....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 53, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 53, 1894, par. 7

Those who do the work know better concerning these matters than anyone outside <as spectators.> God moves upon human minds to work according to His will and according to His purpose. Workers for God are to look to a higher Source for direction than to human minds. The minutia and detail of how they are to work is not to be laid down by human minds. When we decide that Jesus Christ will not do as He has said He will do, <“Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world” [Matthew 28:20],> when we decide that God has not power, or has not time, to notice His workmen, then it might be more consistent to plan out every detail <of the work.> But we would encourage faith in those who give themselves to the work of God; we would inspire them to believe that God is not unmindful of their labors and trials. He values His human agents, and appoints divine agencies to work with them. <“Ye are laborers together with God.”> [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

9LtMs, Lt 53, 1894, par. 10

Let every intelligent soul wonder and adore because of the fact that God has so valued His human agents as to say to them, “Ye are laborers together with God, ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] In view of this fact, let every workman treat his fellow workman with peculiar delicacy. The cross of Calvary discloses the value of the soul in the sight of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 100, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 100, 1894, par. 19

The apostle says, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The human agent is to be a house in which Christ is to abide, and his character is to be formed after the divine similitude. “Ye are God’s building.” Then, brethren, do not, I beg of you, take the responsibility of interposing your way for the purpose of giving your mold to the character. Divine power is to combine with human effort, and all the glory is to go back to God. The responsibility rests with the power of God in order that the Holy Spirit shall work the man, and not the man the Holy Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 93, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 93, 1894, par. 6

Those who would have spiritual power must be doers of the Word of God. God has a plan for training His people for a pure and holy heaven. Ministers can act their part in doing their part in a way that will be in harmony with the greatness of the truth that they believe. If they believe in Christ as their personal Saviour, they have come unto Him for rest and peace. They wear Christ’s yoke, and are in partnership with Him. They are junior partners in the divine firm, and as such are to manifest an intense interest in everything that pertains to the salvation of souls. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 116, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 4

But judging by the fruits they bear how little evidence is there that progressed Christians are connected with Christ. I feel deeply over the fact that many carry but little burden for the missionary work either in home or foreign fields. In America there are thousands of places where the standard of truth has never been raised, where the proclamation of truth has never yet been heard. There are thousands who might enter the harvest field who are now religiously idle, and as a result they go stumbling along, expressing doubts as to whether or not they are Christians. They need a vital connection with Christ in order that it may be said of them, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Many are waiting for someone to carry them to the harvest field, or to bring the field to their very door so that they may experience no inconvenience in labor, when if they would lift up their eyes, and look upon the fields, they would see that they were white, and ready to harvest. In whatever direction you may look, you will find work to do, either at hand or afar off.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 12, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 12, 1895, par. 21

How did Adam lose the tree of life? By disobeying the commandments of God. The Lord is giving us a precious provision to prove and test us whether we will accept Jesus Christ, the offering, and come back to our allegiance to God. And He has something for us to do in this matter. There is not one of us that has seen the truth of heavenly origin that can afford to be careless and indifferent. There are souls to save. There are children in your houses to save. Why, we have a wonderful work to do, and what is it? “Ye are labourers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to study how Christ labored. We are to work in Christ’s lines. We are to receive that which is left us; and what is it? He said, “If I go away, I will send you the Comforter.” [John 16:7.] And what is the Comforter? It is the Holy Spirit of God. What is it? It is the representative of Jesus Christ, which comes to every individual of the human family to impress them with the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 24, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 7

All who have an eye single to the glory of God will know how to lay up their treasure in heaven. They will be “laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9], wearing Christ’s yoke and bearing His burdens. Their ambitious prospects, their ideas of what they will do, will be lost, for they will realize that they are not their own. We have but a little time here in which to develop such a character that God can say to us, “Child, come up higher. I have proved and tested you, and I can trust you to enter heaven’s courts and not rebel.” But those that are selfish, those that are living for themselves, can never enter the kingdom of God. “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie, but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” [Revelation 21:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 21, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 21, 1895, par. 19

Do you realize your value in the sight of God? He says, “Ye are laborers together with Me.” [See 1 Corinthians 3:9.] Are you letting your light shine in clear rays to a fallen world? Are you seeking to exercise every faculty and every power which God has given you? You may not be a minister, but you can be a witness. You may not be an eloquent speaker, but you can be eloquent in living Christ, you can be eloquent in letting your light shine before men. You will have to travel a rough path; you will have to meet with the powers of darkness; but you do not meet them alone, for God has given you a General.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 119, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 19

It is not in the order of God that any man, or any class of men, should assume that God has made them conscience for their brethren, or to put forth their finite hand in a patronizing manner to control the Lord’s delegated workers, thus endangering the safety of the Lord’s heritage as well as their own, retarding the work of God. God does not confine Himself to one man, or to a set of men through whom to accomplish His work, but says of all, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] This means that every believing soul should have a part to act in His sacred work, and every individual believer in Jesus Christ is to manifest to the world a symbol of Christ’s sufficiency, to represent to His church the higher laws of the future, immortal world, and an obedience to the mandates of heaven that is without a parallel. They should reveal a depth of knowledge independent of human inventions.

In Heavenly Places

Building With God, June 1

HP 159.1

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 163, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 163, 1895, par. 3

All who have sincerely gained this experience will be laborers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] A deep, unselfish interest takes hold upon his sympathy for his brother. He becomes invested with a deep and earnest zeal. United with Christ he will work for his fellow men. The beggar, the profligate, the helpless infant, the child, the man, the man of hoary hairs, the slave, the savage—all these are placed before us as objects for which we should care. Henceforth nothing is as unimportant which Christ has paid His own life to save.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 100, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 100, 1895, par. 26

“Laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] How few understand the full import of these words. We cannot work ourselves. God works, and we work. Study the words of inspiration, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The great Architect wants to form us into a holy temple for Himself. Only those who are partakers of the divine nature can understand this. Those who walk as Christ walked, who are patient, kind, gentle, meek and lowly in heart, those who yoke up with Christ and lift His burdens, who yearn for souls as He did—these will enter into the joy of their Lord. They will see with Christ the travail of His soul, and be satisfied. Heaven will triumph. The vacancies made in heaven by the fall of Satan and the angels who sympathized with him will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 68, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 68, 1895, par. 6

The yoke of Christ is not put upon us to make our labor tenfold harder, but to make it altogether lighter. Christ bears the yoke, and therefore it does not gall our neck, for we are yoked up with Jesus Christ—“laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] In this way we can plough the field of the world, and sow the precious seed that will bring forth fruit to Christ. And Christ says, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:30.] If you are afflicted, He was afflicted just as much more keenly as His nature is higher and nobler than ours. He was afflicted by bearing man’s nature, and by being tempted in all points like as the human agent is tempted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 1, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 1, 1895, par. 52

There is danger that ministers, that presidents of conferences, will take too much upon themselves and manifest too little confidence in the people. The people should be educated in such a way that they will search the Scriptures for themselves. The Holy Spirit is to work to mold every man after the similitude of Christ. Men have made a great mistake in not considering that God works through His church. Ministers should give ample encouragement to the individual members of the church, and to those whom God shall select to do a special work in maturing thoughtful plans for the saving of the souls of those who are in error. Then there would be no contention, no one striving for the mastery or seeking to secure the highest places. The Holy Spirit has much to teach the church when it becomes attentive to the voice of divine truth. The Lord would have the teachers of the church lead the people upward, and in no case give the impression that the people have no need to fulfill their individual responsibilities. If they will walk humbly with God, the Holy Spirit will teach them divine truth and enable them to present the Word with power. The apostle says, “Ye are workers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 24, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 24, 1895, par. 21

As you contemplate the cross, you will realize that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that you should not perish, but have everlasting life. This theme will ever be as fresh manna from heaven. It is indeed sacred and yet is brought so near to us that we can by faith bring it into our practical life. When we have done this, we shall indeed realize that we are “laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9], and in giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure, we are doing our Master’s work, for the more consecrated we are, the better we can work to save for souls of those for whom He has given His life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 40, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 40, 1895, par. 8

I call upon those in our schools who do not now see their danger to awaken, and make the Word of God their teacher. Their spiritual eyesight is beclouded and they are led on by a power from beneath to walk and work counter to God. The records of heaven do not testify to them, “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 8, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, par. 29

All who would have the zeal of the living God must be laborers together with God, to make up the breach that has been made in the law of God by the man of sin, and to raise up the foundation of many generations. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] They will turn away their feet from trampling on the law of God, and by precept and example turn the feet of many others from the path of disobedience. They will keep the Sabbath from polluting it; they will call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable, and will honor Him, not doing their own ways, nor finding their own pleasure, nor speaking their own words. “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob they father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:13, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 86, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 86, 1895, par. 20

A great work is to be done in our world, and God alone can fit up the human agents to do this work. There is at this time an extensive and pressing demand for literary qualifications, and as we search for those who have entrusted talents, the revelation is made, “Weighed in the balances, and found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.] Many broad fields of usefulness are opened before us; in every direction are fields white for the harvest. But while we would rejoice to find workers with literary ability, we rejoice to see some souls ministering who have had fewer advantages than others to obtain an education. Some are devoting themselves to the work in humility, and with an unreserved consecration to God. They may have only ordinary ability, yet under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, they may yoke up with Christ, and the record concerning them in heaven is, “Laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] There will be manifest in their work a consecrated energy of character that will provoke others to zeal and good works.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 7, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 2

All the works of men are under the Lord’s jurisdiction. It will be altogether safe for men to consider that there is knowledge with the Most High. Those who trust in God and His wisdom, and not in their own, are walking in safe paths. They will never feel that they are authorized to muzzle even the ox that treads out the grain; and how offensive it is for men to control the human agent who is in partnership with God, and whom the Lord Jesus has invited, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 94, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 94, 1896, par. 10

Unless you change your manner of labor, you will give a faulty education to those who connect with you in the work. Let your heart struggle and break for the longing it has for God, the living God. Let nothing divert your mind from the work of God to unimportant matters. With all your God-given energies, work earnestly and prayerfully, calling upon the church to co-operate with you. Put no trust in yourself, but rest in the assurance that God is the Chief Worker. You are only His servant; and your work is to voice His words, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Lift Him Up

Constantly Increasing in Discernment, April 17

LHU 121.6

The talent of knowledge, sanctified and put to use in the Master’s service, is never lost. A self-sacrificing effort to do good will be crowned with success. “We are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). The Lord will cooperate with the human worker. To Him is to be given the praise and the glory for what we are able to accomplish (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 449-451).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 71, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, par. 30

Did Christ claim too much for His own teaching when He said, “I am the light of the world”? [John 8:12.] Christ is dealing with our individual hearts. We must be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord has a higher standard for you to reach. He wants you to think deeper; to contemplate His requirements more earnestly, and have a scrupulous regard for righteous principles. Every principle which the Lord has given in His Word is to be respected, sustained, and carried out. The Lord requires a loyalty so supreme and undivided that the most sacred relationship is to be subordinate to it. He claimed of all men’s service, absolute devotion, not for the wages that they should receive, but for mere love to Him, personal reverence evidenced by keeping all His Words, with no prospects of reward except that which He would give them in His heavenly kingdom.

11LtMs, Lt 71, 1896, par. 31

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] I tell you, in the name of the Lord, that if you had possessed sanctified ability, and had kept your place as a physician, leaving the managing for others capable of deeper penetration, and more fitted to plan, devise, and counsel, everything would present a different showing. But you wanted to magnify yourself, honestly believing yourself capable of managing. But you have not the qualifications necessary for a manager.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 1a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 1a, 1896, par. 14

Let it not be said that the laborers in Norfolk Island have no more religion than those of other denominations. We must, as workers together with God, come out of the frosty atmosphere in which our spirits will be inclined to live and breathe. No traditionary sentiments must cling to, and impede our movements. There are souls to be saved. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Our faith must be cultivated daily, and increase and grow, and we must understand what it means by enduring, seeing him who is invisible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 51, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, par. 1

The Word of God is given me to you, “We are laborers together with God” in working out your own salvation, and the achievements of personal religion. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Whenever the human agent accomplishes anything, it is in co-operation with God, in obedience to His Word. God works through His agencies, and man works in harmony with God. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] This is encouragement to you. It is His divine theory to guide you in all His plans, to do His good pleasure in His service. Declaim not against your inefficiency and defects of character. Jesus says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 29, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, par. 21

There is cheap religion in abundance, but there is no such thing as cheap Christianity. Self may figure largely in a false religion but it cannot appear in Christian experience. “Ye are workers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Without me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] We cannot be shepherds of the flock unless we are divested of our own peculiar habits, manners, and customs, and come into Christ’s likeness. When we eat His flesh and drink His blood, then the element of eternal life will be found in the ministry. There will not be a fund of stale, oft-repeated ideas. There will be a new perception of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 113, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, par. 9

What a representation this is. What then must we do to please the Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are by creation and by redemption? We are the purchased possession of Jesus Christ, and we please him most by having implicit trust in His Word. It will not do for anyone who is striving for eternal life to float away with the worldly current. The Lord Jesus will be best pleased to see those who claim to love Him relying individually upon divine influence, and striving, loving, working by faith. Then we are “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Every one striving after eternal life is to strenuously search out the truth for himself. He is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. We are “laborers together with God.”

11LtMs, Lt 113, 1896, par. 17

The work of those who are saved by grace is to bring to the foundation stone not hay, wood, and stubble, all of which must be consumed, but gold, silver, and precious stones. Now is an opportunity to bring into our character-building every qualification essential to fit men for the exalted partnership in God’s great, holy firm. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 4

Brother Prismall was given the privilege of building for time and for eternity upon the right foundation, the one sure foundation. Had he built upon this foundation laying stone upon stone in its proper place, the structure would have risen every day, growing in symmetry and beauty until the purposes of God were fully accomplished, and the top stone brought forth with shoutings of grace. “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Thus it is said of all who build on Christ Jesus. Let all who have been given the opportunity and privilege of being living stones in the spiritual house, depart from all evil, and let them reveal to the world that perfection of character which they expect others to reveal. Let them show that they are living stones, emitting light to all with whom they come in contact.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 95, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, par. 9

There are numbers of families who will never be reached by the truth of God’s Word unless the stewards of the manifold grace of Christ enter their homes and by earnest ministry, sanctified by the endorsement of the Holy Spirit, break down the barriers and enter the hearts of the people. As the people see that these workers are messengers of mercy, the ministers of grace, they are ready to listen to the words spoken by them. But the hearts of those who this work, must throb in unison with the heart of Christ. They must be wholly consecrated to the service of God, ready to do His bidding; ready to go wheresoever His providence leads them, and to speak the words He gives them. If they are what God desires, they shall be, if they are imbued with the Holy Spirit, they co-operate with heavenly agencies, and are indeed “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Lift Him Up

A Connection With the Chief Shepherd, July 5

LHU 200.1

For we are laborers together with God. 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 74, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, par. 56

Brethren, the days of our probation are nearly ended. It is time to awake out of sleep. You are in a position of great responsibility. You need to watch unto prayer. Watch against habits of sin. Keep a watch over the tongue. Watch for opportunities to do good and bless others, ever looking to Jesus, growing in grace and a knowledge of the truth. If you want the higher life, you must live the higher life in the lower life of this world. We are working for time and for eternity. A well-built life is formed by living upon the plan of addition, laying up one grace after another in good works, in faith, patience, temperance, benevolence, courage, [and] self-denial. “Ye are God’s husbandry. Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Learning of Christ, you will not be a jumble of opposites and inconsistencies, today sober and devout, tomorrow careless and frivolous.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 80, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 80, 1896, par. 16

We must be in partnership with the Divine resources if we [are to] labor healthfully and after God’s devising. Then there will be a wholesome, correct outlay of mortal energies with the immortal. There will be a careful study not to take in so large amount of activities that the most important, essential things shall have but a partial attention. When you understand these matters, which involve eternal interests, you need not depend upon your puny strength, but lay hold upon a power provided for you; and do not put in the place of God a human power that has no connection with God. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Human minds must not work your mind; human suggestions must not become interwoven with God’s work. But I must say, my dear brother, Draw nigh to God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 27, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, par. 42

Let all that are left in the office look to God, and cry to Him for wisdom. Work away from all self-serving. We are laborers together with God. With such a helper, should you disbelieve? He is our personal Saviour, our Lawgiver as well as our Helper. He works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Then let God work through you. By faith open your hearts to receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. All need to live by faith, and work by faith. Let the Holy Spirit work through you. Christ says, “Come unto me for strength. You impart no light, no courage, to others, unless you first receive grace from Me.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 7, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 27

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] All are to labor as Christ labored, increasing in spirituality and growing in wisdom and knowledge, “and in favor with God and man.” [Luke 2:52.] Growing—how? To the full stature of men and women in Christ. But when a man in a position of responsibility grows in self-sufficiency, and lifts up his soul unto vanity, feeling <the inclination> to act as ruler toward any member of God’s family, wait no longer, relieve him of his trust, for God is not with him. <He will hurt souls.> He is venturing a warfare at his own charges. He feels capable of doing a great work without Christ’s help. He will exalt himself as a man of superior wisdom, who must be highly esteemed. He thinks that his brethren must do as he decides.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 39, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 39, 1896, par. 28

“Ye are God’s husbandry.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] As one takes pleasure in the cultivation of a garden, so the Lord takes pleasure in His believing sons and daughters. A garden demands constant labor. The weeds must be removed; new plants must be set out; branches that are making too rapid a development must be pruned back. So the Lord works for His garden, the plants of the Lord. He cannot take pleasure in any development that does not reveal the graces of the character of Christ. The blood of Christ has made men and women God’s precious charge. Then how careful each one should be not to manifest too much freedom in pulling up the plants the Lord has placed in His garden. Some plants are so feeble that they have hardly any life in them, and for these ones the Lord has a special care.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 52, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 52, 1896, par. 52

Worldly maxims and worldly practices sap spirituality from the heart and life. Conformity to the world means resemblance to the world in meeting the world’s standard. But how dwelleth the love of God in the soul of him who assimilates to the world? No man can serve the world and Jesus Christ at the same time. There is an irreconcilable antagonism between Christ and the world. Every one who loves Jesus has a solemn work to do for the world, for “ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ sought to save the world not by conformity to it, but by revealing to the world the transforming power of the grace of God to mold and fashion the human character after the likeness of the character of Christ. To go over to the world in our practices will not influence the world to change its principles and practices.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 77, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 77, 1896, par. 1

1 Corinthians 3:9. “For we are labourers together with God”—not apart from God and opposed to His law. After the Lord created Adam in His own image, that is, with mind and will and moral faculties which, though finite, were after the similitude of God’s mind and God’s will, He placed him in the Garden of Eden. The Lord had planted every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. Four rivers ran by this Garden and the whole land was enriched with precious stones and gold and silver. The Lord instructed Adam how to care for the Garden. He was put there to dress it and keep it. The Lord gave employment to Adam and Eve, the pleasant employment of dressing the Garden. Adam was the first man that labored together with God. There was nothing to interpose between Adam and Eve and their Maker.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 51a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 51a, 1897, par. 24

I send you the note of warning to take heed. “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him?” [Hebrews 2:1-3.] God has appointed each one of us to do His work. He has given you faculties, means, light, and knowledge; and He holds you accountable for the way in which you use these powers. You are appointed to be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] This responsibility you may ignore, but your action in so doing will bring its sure result.

Lift Him Up

Recognizing God’s Ownership, October 17

LHU 304.6

Thus our business or calling is a part of God’s great plan, and, so long as it is conducted in accordance with His will, He Himself is responsible for the results. “Labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9), our part is faithful compliance with His directions. Thus there is no place for anxious care. Diligence, fidelity, care-taking, thrift, and discretion are called for. Every faculty is to be exercised to its highest capacity. But the dependence will be, not on the successful outcome of our efforts, but on the promise of God. The word that fed Israel in the desert, and sustained Elijah through the time of famine, has the same power today. “Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?” (Matthew 6:31, RV)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 135, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 135, 1897, par. 11

We are brought out of the darkness of the world into God’s marvelous light. If we receive the image of God, if our souls are cleansed from every moral defilement, the seal of God will be placed upon our foreheads, and we shall be prepared for the closing scenes of this earth’s history. But we have no time to lose. The more we study the life of Christ, with a heart to learn, the more Christlike we become. Into the heart of every true doer of the Word the Holy Spirit infuses clear understanding. The more we crucify selfish practices by imparting our blessings to others, and by exercising our God-given ability, the more the heavenly graces will be strengthened and increased in us. We will grow in spirituality, in patience, in fortitude, in meekness, in gentleness. Imbued with love to God and to our fellow men, we shall be “laborers together with God,” in seeking to save the lost. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to work the works of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 151, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 40

Our Redeemer is to see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied; how is it with those who profess to be His followers? Will they be satisfied when they see the fruit of their labors? What are the members of the church doing, to be designated “laborers together with God?” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Where do we see travail of soul? Where do we see the members of the church absorbed in religious themes, [with] self surrendered to the work and will of God? Where do we see Christians feeling their responsibility to make the church prosperous, a wide-awake, light-giving people? Where are those who do not stint or measure their loving labor for the Master? Jesus, your Redeemer, and all the holy angels are grieved at your hardness of heart. Jesus came to our world and gave His own life to save their souls, and yet you who know the truth make so little effort to impart the blessings of His grace to those for whom He died. Such indifference and neglect of duty is an amazement to the angels. In the judgment you must meet the souls you have neglected.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 60, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 60, 1897, par. 11

Those who are yoked up with Christ will not give with a patronizing air, as though they should have great praise and be extolled for their benevolence. They are trading with their Lord’s goods, not their own, and they will have to give an account in the judgment of the use they have made of His entrusted capital. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

12LtMs, Ms 60, 1897, par. 27

God will judge the world in righteousness by that man Jesus whom He hath ordained to judge the quick and the dead; and those who have long neglected to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to give comfort and relief to suffering humanity, will have to give an account to God for the misapplication of His entrusted talents. What a record will then appear of money spent on pleasures and the gratification of appetite in wine and liquor and rich dainties, for extravagant houses and furniture and dress, while human beings receive not one pitying look, one word of sympathy. “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 149a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 149a, 1897, par. 24

Then too, consider that to us is addressed the words meaning so much, “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We have been quarried out of the world by the mighty cleaver of truth and we are in the workshop of God to be fitted, hewed, and squared. Axe and chisel will act their part upon the rough material, and then comes the polishing process.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 115a, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 115a, 1897, par. 24

“Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Both yourself and Brother Daniells are highly favored in being called the sons of God. Brother Corliss, you are to be an ensample to the flock. Your hasty, unadvised words are harmful, and are giving to the world and to your brethren an education which they do not need. They close the hearts of others to divine influences. They foster a spirit of self-esteem, and contradict the instruction you have given to the people in regard to practical godliness. While proclaiming the allegiance of the people to the law of God, you are departing from its holy precepts by bearing false witness against your brethren. You are leavening the minds of others with distrust, and weakening their faith in God’s instrumentalities as they behold your strength and understanding in opening the Scriptures, while you do not come under the discipline of the Word yourself. If your mind is not changed, the result will be that the experience of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram will be realized in our very midst.

Manual for Canvassers

Enduring Hardness

MC 27.1

Whatever your work, dear brethren and sisters, do it for the Master, and do your best. Do not overlook present, golden opportunities and let your life prove a failure, while you sit idly dreaming of ease and success in a work for which God has not fitted you. Do the work that is nearest. Do it, even though it may be amid the perils and hardships of the missionary field. Look at the Waldenses. See what plans they devised, and what hardships they willingly endured that the light of the gospel might shine into benighted minds. Christ laid aside His glory, and came to this earth to suffer for sinners. If we meet with hardships in our work, let us look to Him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Then we shall not fail nor be discouraged. We shall endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Remember what He says of all true believers: “We are laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 102a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 102a, 1897, par. 16

Work diligently we must. “The time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:3.] “Ye are laborers together with God,” says the apostle. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] This is no time to follow out your own ideas, your former education and training. These are defective. You need to be born again. The new birth is something that many church members and church workers have never experienced. They have thought that self must come largely into the new life, and therefore there is a little of Christ and very much more of self.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 124, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 124, 1897, par. 21

This work is given to all who have had Christ set forth crucified among them. By the baptism of the Holy Spirit God’s people are to do, through the instrumentality of their Master, the work that Christ did. They are to represent the benevolence of God to our world. Partakers of the divine nature, they are not only to save their own soul, through faith in Jesus, but Christ says of them, Ye are laborers together with God. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] As His witnesses, He has given to each his work. As His representatives they are to bear to the world the message of invitation and mercy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 149, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 149, 1897, par. 26

I have been so very much alone in my experience, alone, with many around me but still alone. I sometimes have a chance to realize the truth of the words, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] But I will not dwell upon myself. The Lord is my Helper. He is your Helper. Upon Christian principles, upon a Christian basis, we have pledged ourselves to the service of the Master. It is an honor for us to have any connection with God. Then consider, too, that to us are addressed the words, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] By the mighty cleaver of truth we have been quarried out of the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 89, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 89, 1897, par. 8

No one who is in Christ’s service can be at rest, doing nothing. “We are laborers together with God,” is the inspired declarations. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] While we search the Scriptures to learn God’s plan, we are to strive to carry out this plan. Not only are we to seek strength from God in order to know His will, but to do that will. As His earthly agents, we are to co-operate with divine intelligences in carrying out God’s plan for the salvation of those for whom Christ died. As we work under the great Captain of our salvation, faithfully obeying His orders, our characters are developed. Through His merits we are enabled to work in harmony with God’s great plan.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 43, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 43, 1897, par. 11

These words should be studied, appreciated, and obeyed. The spirit of selfishness that led the disciples to ask for the first place would, if cherished, have resulted in a course of self-serving, and they would have been eternally lost. The sentiments of many who claim to be sons and daughters of God need to be greatly changed. The Son of God was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich. His example should be followed by all who name His name. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

12LtMs, Ms 43, 1897, par. 19

On special occasions, some indulge sentimental feelings, which lead to impulsive movements. They may think that they are working for Christ, but they are not. Their zeal soon goes, and then Christ’s service is neglected. Such neither comprehend nor act out the words, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 6, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 6, 1897, par. 16

The Word of God is to be acted, it is to be lived, it is to be practiced. How long shall the Lord wait for the churches to take up the work appointed them? If they had done the part appointed them of God, Dr. Kellogg would have borne only his proportionate part; but those who ought to have acted largely in this line are content to watch and criticize and conjecture and speechify. Far better would it have been for their spiritual and eternal good had they learned what true, unselfish service to God means. Have those who have professed to be servants of Jesus Christ forgotten [the words of Inspiration], “Ye are laborers together with God” [1 Corinthians 3:9], to break up, by every means in your power, [the] infatuation that is holding the world away from faith in God?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 5, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 5, 1897, par. 17

I have tried to present before our people how we should deal one with another, and if ever God helped me, He helped me when I spoke to the students in the hotel, trying to present Christian principles. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If we profess to be laborers together with God, and yet do not deal with strict rectitude one toward another, the Lord does not acknowledge us. I must tell you this, Brother Lawrence, because I want my soul to be clear in the judgment. It is not because of the value of the horse sold that I tell you these things, but because of the value of your own soul.

12LtMs, Ms 5, 1897, par. 23

Those that are here to grasp everything they can get, even though the interests of the school suffer, should go away. God cannot use them. He calls for workers who are willing to deny themselves, who will take up their cross daily and follow Him. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God longs to see us manifest the spirit of sacrifice. He longs to see us wearing Christ’s yoke, and working as He worked.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

Ellen White Depicts Educational Goals

8MR 162.3

All, from the oldest to the youngest, need to be taught of God. We may be taught by man to see the truth clearly, but God alone can teach the heart to receive the truth savingly, which means to receive the words of eternal life into good and honest hearts. The Lord is waiting patiently to instruct every willing soul who will be taught. The fault is not with the willing Instructor, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, but it is with the learner who holds to his own impressions and ideas, and will not give up his human theories and come in humility to be taught. He will not allow his conscience and his heart to be educated, disciplined, and trained—worked as the husbandman works the earth, and as the architect constructs the building. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9.) Everyone needs to be worked, molded and fashioned after the divine similitude. Christ tells you, my dear friends, young and old, the everlasting truth, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. [If you do not take Christ’s word as the man of your counsel, you will not reveal His wisdom or His spiritual life.] Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; ... For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him.” (John 6:53-56.) Said Christ, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (Verse 63.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 50, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 50, 1897, par. 6

Christ worked out before His disciples and the world a perfect example of true religion. And when men realize the importance of showing patience, sympathy, and regard for the souls of men, nigh and afar off, Christ will be revealed in His followers. “Ye are laborers together with God,” writes Paul; “ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] By His Holy Spirit God is framing the building, using human agents to compose His temple. No one can do a good work, at home or in the regions beyond, unless they receive power from above. If we would work as Christ worked, we must look to Christ, our risen and ascended Saviour, to give the work efficiency and perfection. We must depend upon Christ, our substitute, our surety, our power, and our sufficiency.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 74b, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 74b, 1897, par. 1

Be of good courage in the Lord. The Lord has far more interest in the work in Stanmore and suburbs than it is possible for any of us to manifest. We must remember constantly the words, “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] As laborers together with God, the Lord will make you His lightbearers. You are connected with One who tells you, “All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.” [Matthew 28:18.] You need not fear failure or defeat. With hands uplifted to God, revealing to all that you make God your strength, you will be brought in close relation to the people and to God. We will grow while we work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 163, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 163, 1897, par. 1

“Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry: ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Our building may be erected upon the true foundation, and composed of the most precious material—gold, silver, and precious stones. These are as durable as eternity. But though unseen influences guide the current of the life, there is still need of the co-operation of the human agency in his individual action with the divine. The Lord is pleased to honor men in making them fellow workers with Himself, that humanity may touch humanity, and the divine Worker, with man, lay hold upon infinity. Thus the structure goes up. The forces are working, and the enlightened perception of man recognizes a power working within him that is subduing him, soul, body and spirit, the results of which are to last not only for time, but for eternity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 68, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 35

We are to take in the situation, and decide what is our purpose. I have a deep interest in the young men and young women who have enlisted in the army of the Lord. My love for Jesus Christ imbues me with a love for the souls of all for whom Christ has died. The words, “Ye are laborers together with God,” mean much. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] No one can make conditions with God. We are servants of the living God, and all who shall be educated in our school are to be trained to be workers. They labor to acquire correct principles. They are to connect with Christ by faith. Thus they can give great satisfaction to the heavenly universe. If each volunteer in the army of the Lord will do his best, God will do the rest. They are to call nothing their own. When striving for the victory, they are to strive lawfully.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 90, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 22

What are we who claim to be one with Christ? “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] There will ever be the same conflict between the true believer and the unbeliever that there was between Christ and those who rejected Him. Those who are partakers with Christ of His sufferings will also be partakers with Him of His glory. But those who evade the cross here deny Him who has bought them at an infinite price, and in the day of judgment, they will be denied. Many, many, are denying Christ and misrepresenting Him by their low standard of Christianity. Those who truly believe in Christ will show their faith in Him by a well ordered life and a godly conversation. By working in Christ’s lines, they will show that they have been adopted into the family of heaven. Of all such God says, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 92, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 92, 1897, par. 7

These solemn matters are set before us in clear lines. God has appointed apostles, pastors, evangelists, and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith. God declares to His people, “Ye are God’s husbandry: ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] There must be a continual advancement. Step by step His followers must make straight paths for their feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. Those who would labor for God must work intelligently to replenish the deficiencies in themselves and glorify the Lord God of Israel by standing in the light, working in the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Thus they will carry the church forward and upward and heavenward, making its separation from the world more and more distinct.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 12, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 12, 1897, par. 9

You did take the lead in the work at first in mingling amusement with labor, which suited your taste well, but spoiled some of the youth for out and out labor. There was much talking done; you related your adventures to amuse, but did you take a deep and earnest interest to lead the youth to Jesus as you had opportunity? Did you consider, “Ye are laborers together with God” to build up the work of Christ? [1 Corinthians 3:9.] While engaged in business matters, where was your interest and energy in spiritual things? Did you influence others by word and example to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord?” [Romans 12:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 76, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 76, 1897, par. 11

These words of Inspiration present before those who claim to believe present truth the work that should now be done in educational lines. This work should be of the same character as Christ’s work; for “we are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ worked in a way altogether different from that of any other teacher.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 140, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 140, 1897, par. 14

The reason why there are so many decided failures in missionary lines is because self is not under God’s discipline, but is wrestling for recognition. “Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of the light. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” [Ephesians 5:8-10.] If this had been done, there would be more men with well-balanced minds, men fit to be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] No one can be a laborer together with God, and yet manifest an ambition to be the highest. Envy, love for the supremacy, evil-speaking, self-gratification, are altogether too common among professed Christians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 138, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 32

Those who watch for souls as they that must give account need the continual working of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, that they may win souls to Christ, and encourage every inclination to surrender unreservedly to God. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] No dilatory, uncertain movements are to be made. If the servant of God is not wide awake, Satan will work upon the hearts of those that are almost persuaded, and he will gain the victory over them.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 582—A Rural College

8MR 200.2

Nature is our lesson book. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9.) The Lord has not laid out His lines that you should be in uncertainty. The building up of so much that is in Battle Creek the Lord will surely counterwork, if His voice is not heeded, by bringing around circumstances that will pull them down.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 52, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 52, 1897, par. 15

The Lord is well pleased when we make our very highest demands upon Him, that we may glorify Him by being fruitful. We may press onward. The members of the church of Christ may be strong. When they are one with Christ, and a mutual, helpful support to each other, then it is that the heavenly Watcher here on earth bears the tidings to heaven, and it is written in the books, “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Ye are my witnesses,” saith the Lord. [Isaiah 43:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 49, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 49, 1897, par. 13

The Lord will work through every soul that will give himself up to be worked, not only to preach but to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the minds of the hopeless. We are to act our part in relieving and softening the hardships and mysteries of this life. The miseries of this life are as dark and cloudy as they were thousands of years ago. We have something to do: “Arise, and shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] The needy are close by us; the suffering are in our very borders. We must try to help them. By the grace of Christ, the sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike work are to be unsealed. In the strength of Him who has all strength we are to work as never before. The time of need and necessity shows our sure need of a present, all-powerful Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength, in whose power we may work. “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 110, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 110, 1898, par. 6

Individually we are laborers together with God. Says the apostle, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to guard strictly the Lord’s garden of the soul and body. We are laborers together with God to pull down the strongholds of selfish indulgence which interfere with nature’s laws. We must be faithful guardians of soul, body, and spirit if we would preserve health.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 101, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 101, 1898, par. 4

Let us not be drawn away into selfish enterprises, for this will disqualify us for membership with the family above. Let each say, “Here am I, Lord; send me.” [Isaiah 6:8.] Let every particle of your influence be called into exercise for the strength and blessing of others. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 163, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 163, 1898, par. 14

There has been a class of work that has been handled, the publishing of some work here, that has not been for the very best influence about the institution or to give improvement to those that handle it, because God wants us, everyone of us, to be His husbandmen. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Now consider that. Ye can do no more than the beast of the field without God. You can do no more in spiritual lines, anyone. It is to have God with you. “Ye are laborers together with God.” That is just why He gave us Jesus, He gave His only begotten Son to come down to this world, [to] lay aside His glory. He clothed His divinity with humanity and came here to bear all the trials that every human soul will bear, and far ahead, because according to His glorious character were His temptations such as the human soul can understand but little about.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 198, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 198, 1898, par. 13

In this work He makes man His co-laborer. Therefore in keeping the commandments and in proclaiming the soon coming of our Saviour, we are “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Are we not in good company? Remember this; bear in mind constantly that you work in full view of the whole universe of heaven. Not a sparrow falls without notice. And we are called upon to lay hold of the divine power that we may rightly represent our Master. “Let him lay hold of my strength.” [Isaiah 27:5.] It is the will of God that we should reveal Him to men and to angels, and He provides us with strength to do this. Even His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 89, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 89, 1898, par. 11

The feast now is spread. The last invitation to be given is to go forth to all nations to the end of the world. This is our work. The messengers are now in a more special sense to call, “Hearken diligently.” The message is to go forth from the lips of human intelligences. He who came to our world to proclaim the message was the Lord Himself. Then tell the people that Christ came in human form, that His humanity might touch humanity, and that His divinity might lay hold upon divinity. His servants are to be linked together. “Ye are laborers together with God,” He says, “ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] If His workers will be worked by the Holy Spirit, a great work can be done. “Compel them to come in,” are the words addressed to the messengers, “that my house may be filled.” [Luke 14:23.] The Lord means that we shall be in earnest. If we are wholly consecrated to God, the Holy Spirit will work with us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 102, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 102, 1898, par. 17

I speak to the youth, to the men and women who are young in the faith: God has you ever in view. He has bought you with a price. You are not your own to treat as suits your inclination. The Lord Jesus has His eye upon you. He is interested in you because you are His purchased possession. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building;” and you are under obligation to God to render Him perfect service. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Look to Him, be guided by Him in all you do, in all your plans. You live, because He keeps you by His power.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 602—True Education

8MR 296.3

True education is the preparation of the mental, moral, and physical powers for the performance of every duty, pleasant or otherwise, the training of every habit and practice, of heart, mind, and soul for divine service. Then of you it can be said in the heavenly courts, “Ye are laborers together with God.” (See 1 Corinthians 3:9.)—Letter 189, 1899, p. 6. (To Brother and Sister Lacey, November 19, 1899.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 75, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 75, 1898, par. 4

The very best school for voice culture is in the home life. Study in every way, not to annoy, but to cultivate a soft voice, distinct and plain. Thus mothers may become teachers in the home. Mothers should themselves act like Christ, speaking tender, loving words in the home. Then opposite their names in the books of heaven will be written, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

13LtMs, Lt 75, 1898, par. 5

“Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [Verse 9.] Fathers and mothers, you are to build up in this life characters which will help you to fit your children for the future, immortal life, which will help them to form such characters that you will not be ashamed to see them, as parents, taking the charge of their own children, and transferring to them your own attributes. God calls upon mothers and fathers to realize that they are matrons and teachers in the home life. They must subdue ever passionate word. Pray, pray, pray, and then, believing, speak tenderly to your children.

13LtMs, Lt 75, 1898, par. 18

Nature is our lesson book. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord has not laid out His lines that you should be in uncertainty. The building up of so much that is in Battle Creek the Lord will surely counterwork if His voice is not heeded, by bringing around circumstances that will pull them down. Look at nature. There is room in her vast boundaries for schools to be located where grounds can be cleared, land cultivated, and where a proper education can be given. This work is essential for an all-round education, and one which is favorable to spiritual advancement. Nature’s voice is the voice of Jesus Christ teaching us innumerable lessons of perseverance. The mountains and hills are changing; the earth is waxing old like a garment, but the blessing of God, which spreads a table for His people in the wilderness, will never cease.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 113, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 113, 1898, par. 3

“We are laborers together with God.” This is the Lord’s own wise arrangement. The co-operation of the human will and endeavor with divine energy is the link that binds men up with one another and with God. The apostle says, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Man is to work with the facilities God has given him. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” He says, “for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 43, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 43, 1898, par. 18

He says again, “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Those who have strength, let them take care of it, obtaining an intelligent knowledge of the house in which they live. They are not to draw upon their strength unduly, lest at some time they draw, but find that there is no deposit to meet the demand. Then is the time Satan uses to gain the victory. We have need to guard the health and life and interests of those who are united with us in the work. Temperance in labor is essential to some of weak constitutions.

13LtMs, Ms 43, 1898, par. 24

The Lord is looking from heaven upon His workmen. They have no mean position. The Echo office will give character to the work of God just in proportion to the consecrated devotion of the workers in all its departments. The question of commercial business in worldly lines being brought into connection with the Echo office once threatened to prove a dangerous snare for souls. But God helped in the crisis, for He pitied the ignorance of those who should have been wise in counsel but who were misleading. Narrow-minded plans are never to be brought into any line of the work. Let every worker study how to make the work a success through the grace of God. A much greater work is to be done in Melbourne. Let all the workers remember the words, “We are laborers together with God.” [Verse 9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 116, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 116, 1898, par. 21

So it is in spiritual things. The Word of the living God is the seed, Christ is the sower, and unless He constantly works the soil of the heart, there will be no harvest. “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God gave His Son to die, the Just for the unjust, that there might be a glorious harvest of souls. The human heart is God’s seed plot, and the righteousness of Christ must be cherished there. Then let no man trust in the arm of flesh, but in God. Let each give evidence that he has faith, that he is not a religious dwarf, but that he grows under the dews and showers of the grace of Christ, that his life of righteousness is not of man’s creating, but that it is the righteousness of Christ, which the grace of God has nourished in his heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 69, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 69, 1898, par. 16

Are we chosen vessels unto the Lord? Has God made us the light of the World? Christ said, “I must work while the day lasts.” [John 9:4.] We occupy the position of Christians, and what are we about? If we have given ourselves to the Lord, we will live in covenant relation to Him, taking the Word as our guide at every step. If we occupy this position, we will be “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 851—Ellen White in New Zealand

11MR 12.1

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9), each strengthening the hands of the other. It is full time that our brethren and sisters made an advance move. We will meet every form of opposition. Every hindrance will be placed in the way of the work, for history will be repeated. It is not evidence that the enemies and opposers of the truth want. They have fierce hatred of the truth itself, for they cannot controvert it. There are organized and sleepless adversaries from without who are determined to stop the work of God, but let us move forward with well-concentrated effort amid all the discouragements. We must reach the people. The reproach cast upon God’s messengers must be counteracted, and it will be.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 79, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 79, 1898, par. 3

This is the word of the Lord. My brother, you have been making your way, climbing up the ladder of progress. You were entrusted with capabilities and talents, which were to be under the control and supervision of God. Then as you should improve every day in knowledge and understanding, you would gain increased knowledge. You were required to go forward and acquire more knowledge, that you might be able to impart understanding to others. You were to make God your trust, as did Daniel in the courts of Babylon, and with a conscientious sense of your accountability, make the Word of God your rule, your counsellor. God requires you to exercise every ability given you. This imposes weighty obligations upon you as to how you use your reason. “Ye are God’s husbandry: ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The Lord is constantly at work, putting the very best timber into His building. As part of the Lord’s garden, you are to be cultivated and improved, that you may produce the very choicest kind of fruit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 104, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 104, 1898, par. 19

God never designed that one man’s judgment and plans should be regarded as supreme. He says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let no man undertake to repress or discourage. Let him not seek to put his armor upon his brother, for he has not proved it. The president of our General Conference is not to consider it is his work to lay plans as to how the minister shall carry forward his work. And the ministers are never to copy any man’s gestures, his habits, his attitude, his expressions, the tones of his voice. They are to become man’s shadow, in thought, in sentiment, or in devising and execution of the great whole. If God has made you a shepherd of the flock, he has given you qualification to do that work. Christ says, “Call no man your father which is upon to earth; for one is your Father, even God.” [Matthew 23:9.] Let every man take his Bible, and place himself in divine communion with the great Teacher. God is the source from which all knowledge and wisdom flows.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 115, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 115, 1898, par. 52

The God of nature is perpetually at work. His infinite power works unseen, but manifestations appear in the effects which the work produces. The same God who guides the planets works in the fruit orchard and the vegetable garden. He never made one thorn, one thistle or tare. These are Satan’s productions, which he plants among the precious things. It is through God’s immediate agency that every bud bursts into blossom. When He was in the world, in the form of humanity, Christ said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.] So when the students employ their time and strength in agricultural work, in heaven it is said of them, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 111, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 14

Pray and believe. Watch, and co-operate with a prayer-hearing God, bearing in mind, that “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Pray, and watch unto prayer as though it meant everything to you, for it makes every difference to you whether you bear the test, or whether in your prayers you are only observing a form. The man who came to his friend at midnight, had an earnest determination to obtain the loaves of bread, that he might give to the benighted traveler.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 137a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 137a, 1898, par. 9

Eight weeks I have been away from my home, but I return next Monday. What a work is before us! The end near, and many who know the truth seem as if on enchanted ground! What will bring the people in a position of cross bearing? Is the superstructure genuine? “Ye are laborers together with God; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Will it be thus? Men will embrace the truth, graft it into their own defective characters, and when tests and trials come, in the place of impurities being purged away, they are offended, and turn from the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 103, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 103, 1898, par. 7

Cling to the source of your strength. In Him our hope of eternal life is centered. Our life is hid with Christ in God. It is the truth as it is in Jesus that sanctifies, refines, and purifies the soul. All our works are wrought in and through the efficiency of Jesus Christ. We do not hold Christianity but by having Christianity in the character. It is Christianity that holds us. If we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall reveal to others what Christianity has done for us. And in the heavenly records will be traced opposite our names, “We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 186, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 186, 1898, par. 11

Slept until half past two o’clock. Prepared at once and wrote many pages. Sara and Sister Graham left for Newcastle upon business. We had counsel in regard to the matter of the land. The light given me is that building lots should not be sold upon the nigh premises for our ministers or physicians to build their houses. We need the whole land from the school buildings to the Maitland road. We need it in order to have fruit trees planted and ornamental trees to beautify the place as much as possible. There must be farming land, for it is the Lord’s will that the school farm shall be an object lesson to teach spiritual things. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 6—Other Lessons from Seed-Sowing

COL 82.2

Whenever man accomplishes anything, whether in spiritual or in temporal lines, he should bear in mind that he does it through co-operation with his Maker. There is great necessity for us to realize our dependence on God. Too much confidence is placed in man, too much reliance on human inventions. There is too little confidence in the power which God stands ready to give. “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. Immeasurably inferior is the part which the human agent sustains; but if he is linked with the divinity of Christ, he can do all things through the strength that Christ imparts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 124, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 124, 1898, par. 30

“Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ enlists in His service all who will consent to stand under His authority, all who will wear His yoke and accept the conditions which unite the human with the divine. Those who do this are molded by the influence that through the grace of Christ unites heart to heart, mind to mind, in one complete whole.