The Power Of Strategic Alliances Series

THE POWER OF STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 13:2-3

"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Proverbs 27:17, 2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Samuel 18:1-4, Exodus 17:12

INTRODUCTION

No man succeeds in isolation. Throughout history, individuals who have accomplished great things have done so through strategic alliances. The Bible teaches us that God often connects people to the right partners to fulfil His purpose. From Moses and Aaron to Paul and Barnabas, divine partnerships have played a crucial role in advancing the Kingdom of God.

In Acts 13:2-3, we see that Paul and Barnabas were divinely set apart for ministry. Their partnership was not accidental; it was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Similarly, God brings the right people into our lives to help us grow spiritually, fulfil our destiny, and achieve divine assignments.

Strategic alliances are not just about friendships; they are purposeful relationships designed to strengthen, sharpen, and propel us forward. This study examines the power of strategic alliances and how to cultivate the right partnerships for success.

1. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES HELP TO ACCOMPLISH DIVINE PURPOSE

Partnerships ordained by God serve as a vehicle for destiny fulfilment.

a) God connects people for kingdom advancement – Paul and Barnabas were set apart together for ministry (Acts 13:2).

b) No one fulfils destiny alone – Even Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs (Mark 6:7).

c) Strategic alliances help us overcome challenges – Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands for victory (Exodus 17:12).

d) The right connections accelerate progress – Elisha’s destiny was unlocked through his relationship with Elijah (2 Kings 2:9-10).

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah and his team – Nehemiah strategically aligned with people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

2. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES BRING MUTUAL STRENGTH AND SUPPORT

True alliances strengthen and support each other in difficult times.

a) Two are better than one – A partner provides support when one falls (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

b) Iron sharpens iron – Good alliances sharpen our skills and spiritual growth (Proverbs 27:17).

c) Accountability fosters growth – Paul rebuked Peter when he erred, strengthening his ministry (Galatians 2:11-14).

d) Encouragement sustains vision – Jonathan’s friendship helped David stay strong (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

e) Biblical Example: Ruth and Naomi – Their alliance ensured destiny fulfilment for both (Ruth 1:16-17).

3. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES ENHANCE SPIRITUAL IMPACT

Kingdom partnerships result in greater impact and fruitfulness.

a) Jesus strategically chose twelve disciples – Together, they turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

b) The early church thrived on unity – The believers worked together, and God added to their number (Acts 2:42-47).

c) Anointed alliances break yokes – Peter and John worked together in healing the lame man (Acts 3:6-7).

d) Partnerships strengthen faith in trials – Paul and Silas encouraged each other in prison (Acts 16:25-26).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel and his companions – Their alliance in Babylon brought divine revelation (Daniel 2:17-19).

4. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES REQUIRE DIVINE DISCERNMENT

Not every connection is beneficial; godly wisdom is needed to form the right alliances.

a) Some alliances lead to destruction – Jehoshaphat nearly lost his life because of his alliance with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1-3).

b) Do not be unequally yoked – Wrong associations corrupt good morals (2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 15:33).

c) Seek divine direction before forming alliances – Joshua made a mistake by not seeking God before aligning with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:14-15).

d) Test the spirit behind every alliance – Not all who come to you are from God (1 John 4:1).

e) Biblical Example: Samson and Delilah – Samson’s wrong alliance led to his downfall (Judges 16:4-21).

5. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES REQUIRE COMMITMENT AND SACRIFICE

For alliances to be fruitful, they must be nurtured with intentionality.

a) True partnerships require commitment – Paul and Barnabas initially worked well together (Acts 13:2-3).

b) Disagreements must be managed wisely – Even Paul and Barnabas had conflicts but continued in ministry separately (Acts 15:36-40).

c) Loyalty and faithfulness are essential – Elisha remained committed to Elijah till the end (2 Kings 2:1-6).

d) Love and unity keep alliances strong – Jesus taught His disciples to love one another (John 13:34-35).

e) Biblical Example: David and Jonathan – Jonathan sacrificed his kingship to support David (1 Samuel 20:16-17).

6. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES ATTRACT DIVINE BACKING

When partnerships are aligned with God’s will, divine favour follows.

a) God blesses unity – Where there is unity, God commands a blessing (Psalm 133:1-3).

b) Strategic alliances open doors to divine favour – Esther’s relationship with Mordecai led to Israel’s deliverance (Esther 4:13-16).

c) When two or three agree in prayer, miracles happen – Jesus affirmed the power of agreement (Matthew 18:19-20).