Partnership In The Gospel

PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL

TEXT: Exodus 4.27 - 5.1

INTRODUCTION:

Who does ministry? Is it the pastor, or other staff member. That would be many responses by people. However, we are all to be involved in ministry. We are all called to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ. Our involvement in ministry must be a partnership in order to be successful. If ministry is a one-man show then it will not be successful.

As we look at our Scripture, we must realize that we must be a partner in the ministry of the Gospel. Our churches are dependant on this principle. We will look at what a partnership is and how we can be a partner with our Pastor.

WHAT IS PARTNERSHIP?

“Being a partner means a person has ownership in something to the point of having a vital interest and investment in making it succeed.” (Mark Walker)

1. Moses and Aaron went together.

a. They went to the elders of Israel.

“And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 4:29)

b. They went to Pharoah.

“And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.” (Exodus 5:1)

2. Peter was joined by the others

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words.” (Acts 2:14)

3. Partnerships must have one purpose, without division

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

4. For a partnership to succeed, there must be unity.

A. “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

B. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)

“Maximum success is not achieved by one man doing the work of twelve, nor twelve men doing the work of one, but every man striving to reach his maximum potential.” ( J. Ralph Brewer)

HOW TO PARTNER WITH THE PASTOR?

1. Total Dedication to God

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

The word used here for “beseech” – means “to implore, urge, or beg.”

We must realize that dedication must be:

Continuous

Wherever we are

Lived for God by serving God

A. Jesus wanted them to follow Him.

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

B. We must dedicate totally.

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

C. The rich young ruler could not do it.

“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” (Mark 10:21)

D. Enoch showed how to do it.

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24)

2. Be transformed

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

A. We need the mind of Christ.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

B. What was the mind of Christ.

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my business?” (Luke 2:49)

C. Help those in need.

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” (Matthew 9:12)

3. Be humble

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12.3)

If we think to highly – we will attempt to much and fail, it we think to little – we will attempt nothing or not contribute as needed.

A. Humble yourself.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10)